1.00pm
The family of Robert Lockhart, who died last August after a savage beating following a dispute over a cask of wine, want other teenagers to learn from the life sentences handed down to his young killers.
Shane Barlow, 16 and Hayden Tukaki, 18, were yesterday found guilty of murder by a jury in the High Court at Hamilton after almost four hours of deliberations.
Justice Marion Frater sentenced the pair to life imprisonment, which has a minimum of 10 years non-parole, after their lawyers agreed there were no grounds for opposing such a sentence.
Robert Lockhart was badly beaten and left for dead in the Myrtle St walkway on August 17, apparently after an argument that erupted over a cask of wine.
In the dark walkway in Myrtle St the pair kicked and punched Mr Lockhart so hard they sprayed blood over their clothes and blackened both his eyes.
He was found lying face up in a pool of blood the next morning. Tukaki and Barlow, who slept in a car near the scene, awoke to see police at the end of the street.
Tukaki and Barlow had met their victim and a fourth man, Jaye Smith, on Sunday, August 17, Barlow's 16th birthday.
Mr Lockhart's brother Nick said the family were pleased the jury settled on murder, rather than manslaughter.
"If it was one hit and he fell over, fine, but it was one continuous beating," he said.
He said while he had found the case tiring, it was nice to get a picture of what happened that fateful night.
Mr Lockhart's sister-in-law Sheryl said she hoped other young people would think about the repercussions of their behaviour.
She said a lot of young kids thought it was "tough" and "cool" to drink alcohol, smoke cannabis and beat someone up, but gave little thought to the consequences.
Mrs Lockhart said the pair had murdered someone and ruined their lives over a cask of wine.
Neither Barlow or Tukaki showed an emotion as the verdicts were read, but Tukaki started to cry as a life sentence was discussed.
Mrs Lockhart said Barlow's mother had apologised to the family,
Mr Lockhart said the verdict enabled the family to get on with their lives.
The Crown have until Friday to apply for a non-parole period.
- NZPA
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
Wellington job market feels impact of public sector cuts with drop in salaries, listings
Data shows jobs in central government are down significantly, and applications are up.