Weatherston case: our columnists react

Clayton Weatherston gives evidence during his murder trial. Photo / Supplied

Since Clayton Weatherston was found guilty of murdering Sophie Elliott, our columnists have been weighing in on the case that shocked the nation.

Below are a collection of their reactions and thoughts, plus links to their columns.

Paul Holmes: Card-carrying psychopath

"[Clayton Weatherston] is a premeditated killer. The nation was horrified by this attitude and by what he said and how he said it and how he comported himself in the High Court… You have to feel deeply for both families before the trial, during it and forever more."

Tapu Misa: Ugly facts of murder trials hard to avoid

"Television served him up every night, for our entertainment and horrified attention. It was ugly but compelling viewing. We were sickened, angered, and fascinated in turn… We don't often get to see such undisguised and chilling detachment."

Kerre Woodham: Murderous butcher too evil to watch

"Lesley [Elliott] was there throughout the attack, locked outside the bedroom, powerless to help the girl she loved most in the world, and the pain of that must be crippling.

"She didn't recognise evil when it came to the door because she and her family are decent people who believe in the inherent good of others…

"During the trial, Sophie's family had to hear her name and character smeared in the worst possible way. And for what? Weatherston didn't deny he killed her. He just wanted to trash Sophie one last time."

Fran O'Sullivan: Prison is not the place for such an obvious 'nutcase'

"The primary question must surely be in these politically correct days, "How demonstrably crazy does someone need to be before psychiatrists apply the insane label?"…

"Under current legislation any killer who is committed as a special patient could be freed well ahead of the time they would have to serve in prison as a criminally convicted murderer.

"So by not ruling Weatherston insane the psychiatrists have probably ensured he will stay in confinement for a more lengthy term. But a suitable case for treatment? I doubt it."

John Roughan: Chilling calm of brutal murderer

"Psychologists diagnosed [Clayton Weathersont] after the event, to be suffering from a personality disorder and prone to "narcissistic rage".

Rage happens. It is no excuse for murder even when provoked. But rage we understand. The narcissism seen in that court was something far more chilling, a supreme, impregnable, egotistical calm.

Somebody defined narcissism as the belief you can go out in the rain and not get wet. It is a conceit that you are somehow immune to the consequences of chances you take."