Mother of Blessie Gotingco's killer apologises for his crimes

Tony Robertson in the dock at Auckland High Court. Photo / Supplied

The mother of the man who murdered Blessie Gotingco, says she is "devastated" with what he did and has apologised for his crimes.

Tony Robertson was yesterday named as the man who raped and murdered Mrs Gotingco after name suppression lapsed.

Robertson's mother Maria McWatters told TVNZ that she was "mortified" after learning of her son's horrific crimes.

"I'm upset, I'm mortified by the whole situation. I was of the understanding that the whole thing was an accident ... didn't know about the rape," Ms McWatters said.

She told TVNZ that Robertson needs help and needs to "own up and admit to what he's done".

"I mean he's my son and as a mother you don't want to believe that your son was capable [of] doing something like that ... I'm devastated."

Ms McWatters said he tried several times to write an apology letter but words couldn't describe her feeling, TVNZ reported.

"I'm so sorry ... I'm really, really sorry that my son did this."