A 25-year-old woman who ran her partner down with a car has received a two-year jail sentence for manslaughter, despite a plea for leniency from the victim's mother.
Julia Moana Waring was sentenced in the High Court at Whangarei yesterday by Justice Judith Potter. She had been found guilty by a jury of the manslaughter, but not murder, of Jason Mark Kino.
Last June 7, Waring did a rapid u-turn in Raewyn St, Whangarei, and deliberately aimed her car at Mr Kino after the pair had been arguing.
Mr Kino received serious head injuries and died in hospital.
Justice Potter said it was clear from their verdict that the jury believed she had not intended to kill Mr Kino.
There were skidmarks on the road, which indicated that Waring had braked before hitting the victim, who had tried to run.
In an interview with police, Waring had said she thought she would just knock him down or he would jump out of the way.
Mr Kino's mother, Gina Erihe, asked the court not to impose a prison term.
She said most of Mr Kino's family did not blame Waring and wanted her home so they could grieve together.
"I know my son was no angel and what happened was not nice, but we don't want to see her go to jail. We all love her, and she's all I've got left of my son."
Justice Potter said there were no special circumstances that would allow her to suspend the prison sentence.
While there was little chance that Waring would reoffend, there was a need to deter others.
She also sentenced Waring to 18 months' supervision after her release from prison and ordered her to undertake courses as directed.
Justice Potter also gave leave to apply for home detention.
Waring has already served 10 months in custody waiting for sentencing.
Two years' jail for car killing
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.