The sentencing of Mark Middleton for threatening to kill the man who murdered his stepdaughter, has come with a warning.
Judge Michael Lance QC, in delivering the nine-month jail term - suspended for two years - pointedly turned towards journalists gathered in the court, and said: "Those responsible for[encouraging further threats] may themselves risk being charged as parties to that offence."
Mark's brother, George, speaking outside Auckland District Court, said the family was grateful for the spontaneous public support.
He said a lot of people may think the family had orchestrated the support, but he denied that, saying it was a spontaneous response from ordinary New Zealanders.
George Middleton said his brother Mark still has no idea of the depth of support for him across New Zealand.
One person in court this morning to hear the sentence was Greg Stenbeck, the organiser of VOICE - Victims of Invasive Crime.
Mr Stenbeck's son was also there - Aaron Stenbeck was the partner of Kylie Jones, the journalist murdered in the Auckland suburb of Glen Innes last year.
Greg Stenbeck said the sentence is totally fair and correct.
He said his organisation will now keep the public fervour going to get changes to the law and is due to meet with Justice Minister Phil Goff next week.
As part of protests organised throughtout the country, about 150 Mark Middleton supporters gathered in the drizzle outside the Tauranga courthouse this morning.
Although it was a peaceful vigil, there was a definite undercurrent of anger directed towards judges and politicians.
One of the most enthusiastic crowds gathered outside the courthouse in Mark Middleton's home town of Wanganui.
One man who abused the Wanganui crowd was beaten up for his trouble.
Another man who was due to appear in court today took exception to the heckler's derogatory remarks about Middleton, and assaulted him.
The police intervened, and no arrests have been made.
