The man found guilty of murdering Renee Duckmanton has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non parole period of 18 years.
Tracy Duckmanon with supporters in the High Court in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Logan Church
Sainey Marong, a 33-year-old butcher, was found guilty in February of the 2016 murder of Ms Duckmanton, a Christchurch sex worker.
Her badly burnt body was found on Main Rakaia Road in May that year. Marong was arrested and charged with her murder 10 days later.
Ms Duckmanton had last been seen in Christchurch's red light district, near Manchester and Peterborough Streets.
She was 22-years-old when she died. The court also heard today that she suffered from cerebral palsy, which left her vulnerable.
Family and friends of Ms Duckmanton cheered as Justice Cameron Mander sentenced Marong to life in prison at the High Court in Christchurch.
He said Marong's offending was premeditated and predatory.
Sainey Marong gave evidence in the Christchurch High Court today in his trial for murder of 22-year-old sex worker Renee Duckmanton. Photo: Pool / George Heard
Prior to sentencing today, her mother Tracy told Marong in her victim impact statement no punishment could make up for what he did to her daughter.
"You came into her life, and your actions devastated my life and my family's life," she said, after demanding he look her in the eye.
"I have to wake up every morning knowing I will never see my beautiful daughter again, and will have to live with what you did to her."
"I hope you rot in hell."
The victim's grandmother, Patricia Duckmanton, told Marong he had committed a mortal sin, and his actions were unforgivable.
One man in the public gallery jumped at him after the sentencing was handed down, but was blocked by security guards.
Marong stayed calm throughout the sentencing.
During his trial, he told the court that while he did not deny killing Ms Duckmanton he denied responsibility for her murder, because he was mentally imbalanced.
Crown lawyer Pip Currie refuted this saying that his actions were premeditated and he was in control.
