Concern Mark Lundy parole board condition impinges
Mark Lundy hasn't been able to speak a word publicly since he was released from prison early last month. That's because the man twice convicted of murdering his wife and daughter in Palmerston North over 20 years ago cannot speak to the media, post on social media or even blog about his case. Given he proclaims his innocence, some experts are concerned that this Parole Board condition impinges on his right to freedom of speech. Jimmy Ellingham reports.
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Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao's killer Tingjun Cao sentenced to at least 17 years in jail
Tingjun Cao is removed from the court room during his sentencing for the murder of real estate agent Yanfei Bao. Photo: CHRIS SKELTON Chinese national Tingjun Cao will spend at least 17 years behind bars for murdering Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao. Her family told the High Court at Christchurch of the unbearable absence of Bao from their lives since the 44-year-old disappeared from Hornby in July 2023. Bao's 11-year-old daughter told the court: "My family is sad and our house feels different. It is quieter and emptier." Cao killed Bao in July 2023 after luring her to a Hornby home she was selling. On Friday, Justice Lisa Preston sentenced Cao to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 17 and a half years. Cao was earlier removed from the court by Corrections officers after he regularly interjected and interrupted the hearing with outbursts. Immigration New Zealand said it would now consider enforcement action against Cao. 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For how long did she endure the unimaginable suffering before her death? The deep sorrow of her pain continues to resonate within us all." Gooch paid tribute to his partner. "Nineteen months ago we were heartlessly deprived of Yanfei. She was a devoted wife and mother and now we are left with the unbearable absence of her presence," he said. "We can no longer share in the joy of her laughter, the fullness of our lives with her, or the comfort of her warmth and love. Her radiant light has been forever extinguished." Gooch's father, David Gooch, called Cao a "despicable monster". "You took Yanfei - a wife, a mother and daughter - for your own gratification and created a huge hole in all our hearts, which will never be filled. We are all heartbroken and are lost without Yanfei," he said. Bao's 74-year-old father, who had name suppression and spoke to the court via audio-visual link from China, said he wished he was present for the hearing. 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Violent men should feel under threat, not women and girls going about their lives. "While there is no outcome that can bring Yanfei back to her family, we hope that today's sentencing can bring them some closure, as they continue to adjust to life without her. This is just one part of the healing process and I hope her family can take some comfort knowing the person responsible has been held to account for his actions." As court began on Friday morning, Cao made protestations about evidence he claimed would demonstrate his innocence, leading to Justice Preston closing the court to the public to address the outbursts. However, when court resumed, Cao again leapt to his feet and began interrupting. As Corrections officers escorted him from the court, he continued speaking loudly and gesticulating. His final protest came as he ripped up his papers, bundled them into a ball and threw them to the ground. Cao was forced to watch the remainder of the hearing from another courtroom. 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RNZ asked Immigration New Zealand if a deportation order had been sought for Cao, national manager compliance Damon Tredaway said: "we will consider any appropriate enforcement actions once the court proceedings have concluded". Cao would not be eligible for parole until 2041. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

RNZ News
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RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
New Zealand's warning about drugs in the Pacific
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