10:45 AM
Mark Middleton will not go to prison for threatening to kill Paul Dally.
In the Auckland District Court this morning, Judge Michael Lance, QC, sentenced Middleton to 9 months in prison but suspended the sentence.
The judge's words were greeted with applause from supporters of Middleton in the public gallery.
Outside
the court, approximately 150 supporters had gathered to call for tougher sentences for violent criminals and stricter rules covering parole. Placards carried by the supporters read "Sensible Sentencing" and "Life Means Life."
There were smaller crowds at district court buildings around the country.
Middleton had been on remand since he was convicted two weeks ago of threatening to kill Paul Dally, the man who murdered Middleton's stepdaughter, Karla Cardno, in 1989.
Middleton had made repeated, public threats to kill Dally, should Dally ever be released on parole.
The crime of threatening to kill or do grievous bodily harm carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.
Periodic detention is the most commonly used sentence. It was used in 29 per cent of convictions in 1999.
Suspended prison sentences were imposed on 10 per cent of offenders, usually with periodic detention or supervision.
Archive stories:
16.02.2001
Protesters await Middleton sentencing
Middleton asks supporters to remain calm for sentencing
03.02.2001
Silent tears fall at Middleton guilty verdict
