Lauren Dickason’s sentencing postponed to February 2024
The sentencing of former South African doctor Lauren Dickason, convicted of murdering her young daughters in New Zealand, faces postponement.
The sentencing of former South African doctor Lauren Dickason, convicted of murdering her young daughters in New Zealand, faces postponement.
The Citizen reported that the convicted triple murderer, Dickason, will not learn her fate until February next year.
Dickason, 42, was found guilty at the High Court of Christchurch in New Zealand on 16 August after a grueling five-week trial focused on the tragic deaths of her three young daughters.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Jury finds SA doctor Lauren Dickason guilty of murder
LAUREN DICKASON SENTENCING MOVED TO FEBRUARY 2024
Initially scheduled for 19 December, the sentencing date set by Justice Cameron Mander has been vacated, as reported by the NZ Herald.
A possible date for February 2, 2024, is set, potentially indicating a new hearing for Lauren Dickason, who admitted strangling and smothering her daughters in September 2021.
ALSO READ: Lauren Dickason guilty verdict: How long is a prison sentence for murder in New Zealand?
Following that, she tried to end her life with a knife and pills, leaving her daughters tucked in with toys.
Her orthopedic surgeon husband, Graham, found their bodies after returning from a work dinner.
The Pretoria family finished hotel quarantine in Auckland a week before the heartbreaking event, having recently moved to New Zealand.
WHAT DOES A LIFE SENTENCE ENTAIL?
During sentencing, Justice Mander will determine the minimum imprisonment term, as required by New Zealand law for life sentences.
Under this law, a life sentence means the offender remains in prison unless the parole board deems them safe for community living.
ALSO READ: Eskom warns customers about cheap electricity scams
Even after release, the offender must adhere to lifelong conditions and rules, facing potential recall for rule violations.
Justice Mander will also decide Dickason’s post-sentencing detention location, possibly ordering her to stay at Hillmorton.