Murderer 'kicked us in the head', says Augustine Borrell's father

Stabbed teenager Augustine Borrell (L) and Haiden Davis. Photos / Brett Phibbs, Greg Bowker

The father of a 17-year-old Auckland secondary school pupil whose killer was today convicted of murder spoke of being "overwhelmed" by the verdict.

Charlie Borrell, whose son Augustine died from a single stab wound to the chest, said the past 18 months had been "the equivalent of holding my breath".

Haiden Mark Davis, 20, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years for murdering Auckland Grammar School student Augustine Borrell during a confrontation in the inner city suburb of Herne Bay 18 months ago.

Davis, who was 18 at the time of the incident late on September 8 2007, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Speaking outside the High Court at Auckland, Mr Borrell said it was the right verdict, but "it can't bring back my son".

"I feel quite emotional about it all," he told NZPA.

"I think, whatever the verdict, we would still have broken down.

"I was quietly confident that the jury would do the right thing, but there was always the fear that they'd return the wrong verdict.

"I didn't even think about the punishment. It was all about the verdict.

"We've now reached a point where we can start healing a lot more."

Mr Borrell said he wanted to thank all his family and friends for their support throughout their ordeal.

About 40 of Mr Borrell's family and friends packed the courtroom and the atmosphere was fraught with emotion as the verdict was read out.

It was met with applause, while Davis reacted by shouting obscenities as he was led out of the courtroom.

Mr Borrell said it was the reaction he would have expected.

"He's tried to paint a picture of remorse, but there is a lot more going on behind the scenes.

"His attitude is very frustrating and it's the equivalent of him kicking us in the head. It brought my daughter to tears."

Sentencing Davis, Justice Rhys Harrison told the jury they had completed their task with care and diligence.

"You have behaved impeccably and with courtesy, dignity and humility."

Mr Borrell said the end of the case would allow the family to try to get on with their lives.

Augustine Borrell was one of six children, and his first cousin Chris McLean said he was "a boy who had his act together in a big way".

"He had his own hire business and this year he was planning to buy a house.

"He just walked into a moron. It's as logical as a car accident.

"Davis had no idea who he was even having a go at. His first resort was violence.

"I heard that Davis has 25 previous convictions, including 18 for violence.

"He was on bail for aggravated robbery when he murdered Augustine.

"The world will be a better place with him off the streets," Mr McLean said.

The jurors deliberated for four and half hours, returning once to tell the judge that they couldn't reach a verdict.

He sent them away again and an hour later they came back with a guilty verdict.

- NZPA