SYDNEY - New Zealand chef Glenn McNeill should not be given a life sentence for murdering Janelle Patton, his barrister has told the Norfolk Island Supreme Court.
McNeill, who was found guilty in March of the Sydney woman's brutal 2002 murder, is facing a sentencing hearing today in
the island territory off Australia's east coast.
Ms Patton had been living on the island for 2-1/2 years when she disappeared during a morning walk on March 31, 2002.
Her body was found at a picnic spot later that day with more than 60 stab wounds, cuts and broken bones.
McNeill, a 29-year-old father of two, was arrested in February last year.
Interviewed by Australian Federal Police detectives after his arrest, McNeill confessed to accidentally hitting the 29-year-old with his car then stabbing her repeatedly with a fish filleting knife.
He later retracted his confession at the trial, telling the jury he would have admitted to anything due to his mental health problems at the time.
McNeill maintains his innocence and has lodged an appeal against the conviction.
His barrister, Peter Garling SC, told the court he accepted that his client had been found guilty of "a very serious crime involving violence and a sustained attack".
But he argued that the case did not fall into the worst category and that McNeill ought to have "the prospect of rehabilitation and the resumption of a normal life".
Mr Garling said a lesser sentence than life imprisonment was warranted.
The hearing, which is being broadcast to Sydney via video link, continues.
- AAP
