The killer of Mangakino policeman Murray Stretch will spend at least three years longer in prison than Beverly Bouma's killer, and one year less than Sounds double-murderer Scott Watson.
The policeman's family are upset at a Court of Appeal decision this week to reduce Namana's minimum sentence from 18 to 16 years.
But Auckland University criminal law expert Warren Brookbanks said it was still a hefty sentence, considering that the minimum non-parole period for murder was 10 years.
The court had tried to balance the seriousness of the crime with the early guilty plea - which saved the stress and cost of a trial - and the possibility that a crushing sentence would hinder rehabilitation.
"At the end of the day there are no bright lines in these matters. Sentencing is an art, not a science," said Professor Brookbanks.
Namana was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum parole period of 10 years after he pleaded guilty in October last year, but it was increased to 18 years on appeal by the Crown.
In comparison, David Poumako, the killer of Reporoa farmer Mrs Bouma, was handed a life sentence with a minimum non-parole period of 13 years.
Scott Watson will serve at least 17 years in jail for murdering Ben Smart and Olivia Hope.
Taffy Hotene, who killed Auckland journalist Kylie Jones, received an 18-year non-parole life sentence for murder, and preventive detention for raping her.
David Bain received a 16-year minimum sentence after being convicted of killing five members of his family, and Travis Burns will spend at least 15 years in jail for murdering Whangaparaoa mother Joanne McCarthy.
The killers of Wellington schoolgirl Karla Cardno and Southland teenager Kylie Smith each received a minimum non-parole period of 10 years.
Taupo MP Mark Burton expressed disappointment at the reduction in Namana's sentence, and said the Mangakino community would share the family's concerns.
Police Association spokesman Tony Jeurissen said local police were "a little bit disappointed," and Namana, now 20, would still be relatively young by the time he was eligible for parole.
Justice Minister Phil Goff plans to introduce a Sentencing Reform Bill next year to ensure that punishments fit their crimes and are consistent.
He also promises a more transparent parole and early release system.
- NZPA
Justice served in cop-killer's term: expert
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