Mother's long wait for slain son's clothes

A mother who has waited more than two years for the return of her murdered son's possessions could have them back within a week.

Karen Harcombe left Northland last year without items that belonged to her murdered son Richard because they were being held as evidence.

Richard Harcombe, 18, was bashed to death in Whangarei on September 7, 2002.

James Hamilton, 17, and Hori Slade, 17, both of Whangarei, were sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Keane in the High Court in Whangarei in May last year after they were found guilty of Mr Harcombe's murder.

However, the Court of Appeal last month set aside the 17-year minimum imprisonment term for Slade.

He remains sentenced to life imprisonment, but will now have to serve a lesser minimum term of 10 years.

The court upheld the 17-year minimum term for James Hamilton.

A third teenager Norton Maihi, 17, was found guilty of Mr Harcombe's manslaughter and robbery, and was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of five years.

The completion of the appeal means Mr Harcombe's possessions can now be released to his mother. They include his wallet and its contents, his cellphone, shoes and clothing.

The officer in charge of the case, Detective Inspector Chris Scahill, said he had received documentation from the Court of Appeal through the Crown Law Office last week that would allow him to get in contact with Ms Harcombe and hand back the possessions. He hoped to return the items some time this week.

Ms Harcombe said she was disappointed by the length of time it had taken to get her son's possessions back.

The return of his belongings represented the last hurdle in a lengthy court process, she said.

"It takes way too long.

"Hopefully this the end of it now."

- NZPA