Wellington, New Zealand: A New Zealand judge has sentenced Lauren Dickason to 18 years in prison for the murder of her three young daughters. The sentencing, delivered on Wednesday, comes two years after the tragic incident occurred in 2021.
The family had recently moved from South Africa to New Zealand, settling in Timaru just weeks before the heartbreaking event. The court proceedings took place at Christchurch High Court, where it was announced that Dickason would begin her sentence at a mental health hospital under state custody.
In an emotional statement to the local media after her sentencing, Dickason expressed deep remorse, stating, "I take responsibility for taking our three beautiful girls from this world." She acknowledged her failure to her children and her husband, who has since returned to South Africa. "I would like to take this opportunity to convey the deepest and most sincere remorse for the extreme pain and hurt caused to my children and my family by my actions," she added.
Justice Cameron Mander, presiding over the case, chose not to impose a minimum non-parole period, which typically accompanies a murder sentence in New Zealand. Instead, Dickason escaped life imprisonment, a usual penalty for murder, given the unique circumstances of her case.
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Dickason was found guilty of smothering her six-year-old daughter Liane and her two-year-old twins, Maya and Karla, in their Timaru home while her husband was out to dinner with colleagues. The horrific scene was discovered by her husband upon his return. The family had relocated to New Zealand from South Africa only weeks before the tragic incident.
During the trial last year, Dickason admitted to the killings but pleaded a defense of insanity and infanticide, which she argued was triggered by the immense stress of their recent move. Under New Zealand law, infanticide is a defense available to mothers who cause the death of their children when their mental balance is disturbed at the time of the offense.
Dickason's defense lawyer contended that a mental health unit was the most appropriate setting for her, pointing to her disturbed mental state as the root cause of the tragedy. This argument was reported extensively by local media.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its tragic nature and the circumstances surrounding the family’s recent relocation. Dickason's sentencing marks the end of a highly publicized and deeply sorrowful chapter for the family and the community.
This sentence serves as a grim reminder of the severe consequences of untreated mental health issues and the importance of providing adequate support to those in need, especially during stressful life transitions.
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