Michael Murray, man who murdered Connor Morris, to be sentenced

Michael Murray in the Auckland High Court. Photo / Jason Oxenham

The man who murdered Connor Morris will be sentenced this morning.

A jury of eight men and four women found Michael Thrift Murray, 34, guilty of murdering Mr Morris last month in the High Court at Auckland, following a two-week trial.

Murray, 34, had claimed he acted in defence of his brother when he hit Mr Morris in the head with a sickle-like tool last August.

He pleaded not guilty to murder, saying he did not intend to hurt or kill Mr Morris.

He was worried that Mr Morris would seriously hurt or kill his 22-year-old brother, Stanley Popata-Murray.

Security is likely to be bolstered at the High Court for the hearing today.

Mr Morris was a member of the Head Hunters gang. His father and other family and friends are also members or associates.

His parents Chris and Julie, sister Cymmion and other relatives are expected to attend court.

Justice Edwin Wylie will sentence Murray, who was given a warning under the Three Strikes legislation last month when he was convicted.

Murray was defended by Marie Dyhrberg.