Stop-go murder: Winders family react to sentencing - 'We hope that justice will prevail'

The sister of convicted killer Quinton Winders has spoken after he was sentenced to serve a minimum of 17 years in prison for the murder of George Taiaroa.

Miranda Dallow read a statement on behalf of the family to waiting media.

"As a family we'd like to acknowledge the Taiaroa family personally and the loss of their loved one George. He did not deserve what happened to him on the 19th of March 2013," she said.

"We appreciate they need closure as a family as it's been a very emotional roller coaster for both of our families.

"However, we are saddened by the lack of professionalism given by the New Zealand police and the way that they have handled this case based off circumstantial evidence and incriminating and framing an innocent man who has never met George Taiaroa and could not ever identify George prior to this case.

"Quinton Winders is an innocent man and sadly with great regret this is not closure for either family at this time.

"We as a family will continue to fight for my brother's freedom and this miscarriage of justice that has occurred. We hope that justice will prevail.

"We would also like to just acknowledge all the public support we have received as a family."