I disagree. I picked Weatherston’s sentence exactly on this blog and I predict Somerville will get around 28 years non-parole, based on Lundy (26 years) and Howse (28 years) which both involved two victims.

The chairman of the Parole Board, Judge Carruthers, has said on record that few of those sentenced to preventive detention will ever be found suitable for release, and given the bizarre nature of the offending Somerville would be right near the top of those who won’t ever get release.

We won’t see preventive detainees William Bell, Graham Burton or Somerville again, although I shudder to think Weatherston bears a slim chance at getting parole one day.

I understand your sentiments Murray (although I personally don’t believe in the death penalty), but I think you’re wrong that he’ll be out in less than 20 years. What many people overlook when we’re talking about sentencing is that many murderers don’t get out at their first, or subsequent, chance(s) at parole – look at Dally and Tamihere, who are still in prison 20 years after their crimes, well past any minimum non-parole period.

The politicians, courts, judges, parole board etc are often eviscerated in the media, and accused of giving killers too-light sentences (based on headline-grabbing cases), but the fact is killers get life, with a minimum non-parole. Minimum being the operative word – many killers are still behind bars long after that time has passed (deservedly, I might add).

So I don’t think you’ll be in any danger of seeing this guy out on the streets before 20 years is up… he killed two people, and with aggravating factors is likely to get above a 20-year minimum (quite possibly 25+), and the chances are he won’t necessarily get out then anyway…

If not then get a grip. Four million people, statistically you are going to get a few freaks.

And steadfastly extolling the basic sense of right and wrong your mum GAVE to you decades ago is less impressive than you think it is. You are always quick to endorse or condemn along with everyone else, usually won’t (or can’t?) say much about why.

I would regard him as insane. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t know what he is doing and isn’t accountable. By ordinary standards he is insane. I agree with other posters he should go away for life – real life.

People who do abhorrent things aren’t allowed to be considered insane. It gets in the way of everyone’s righteous anger.

http://www.nightcitytrader.blogspot.com

I think I can speak for everyone when I say I hope Mr Somerville is not let out of jail in HIS lifetime either.

Anyone want to argue this is not an extreme case? The fact is he will be out in less than twenty years.

If anyone believes evil doesn’t exist – then this is the proof that it does.

I think everyone here knew it already – most of us helped vote it out a year ago

Least he was getting some I suppose

It’s a slippery slope…