An East Coast man who repeatedly drove over and killed his neighbour after a dispute over a puppy has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 15 years six months.
Selwyn David Cornelius, 51, appeared in the High Court at Gisborne today for sentencing, having earlier pleaded guilty to murdering Mark Paaka, 40, at Tolaga Bay, a coastal township 50km north of Gisborne on the East Coast, on October 31.
The incident happened in front of children and near the home of Mr Paaka's mother.
One of his brothers watched as emergency services staff tried to save his life.
Justice Gilbert said Cornelius committed a "deliberate, sustained attack''.