-
The scene in Auckland's CBD where Baseem al Amery killed two people. - Source: ONE News -
Related
The family of Welshman David Roberts, killed in Auckland by an Iraqi refugee, has expressed relief at the non-parole prison term of 18 years handed down on Wednesday.
"It's closure more than anything. It's a massive sense of relief," said Roberts' niece, Tanya Lewis, on behalf of her family.
"We could not expect any more. Justice has been done. We are quite happy with the outcome."
Roberts, 43, and Indonesian man Deni Rudiantonio, 41, were stabbed to death by Baseem Ridha Kadhim Abbad Al Amery, in a downtown Auckland apartment building on July 19 last year.
Al Amery, who has New Zealand citizenship, was sentenced by Justice Rhys Harrison in the High Court at Auckland to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 18 years for their murders.
Roberts was the property manager for the apartment complex and Al Amery had demanded a master key so he could get into the apartment of his former girlfriend to kill her.
When Roberts refused to hand over the key, he was stabbed 12 times and Rudiantonio was stabbed 18 times.
Lewis, 25, told The Press Association from her home in Caernarfon in North Wales, the family did not know what to expect at the sentencing.
"We were hoping he would get life in prison.
"My mum Karen Morgan, who's 48, was really upset. She's upset but she's relieved more than anything. We were all on tenterhooks waiting to hear what happened."
Speaking about Roberts' father Alwyn, Lewis said: "I don't think he will ever get over losing a child. It is the second son he has lost. He lost his son Mark to cancer about eight years ago.
"It's really hard and it's still going to be hard for them.
"He's as pleased as he can be."
Lewis, who is due to have her first child, said Roberts' mother Eryl died in April 2006.
"When something happens on the other side of the world you can't do much about it.
"David's friends in New Zealand have been very supportive throughout."
Lewis said the family planned to hold a church service on the first anniversary of Roberts' death in July.
"David was quite adventurous and he travelled to many places in the world. He did things like bungy jumping and white water rafting. He also did charity work in Africa. He had a big heart and he was quite outgoing.
"He was unmarried and doesn't have any children. He moved to New Zealand in 2005."
Justice Harrison said words did not reflect the ferocity of the attack.
The two good, law-abiding citizens were slain in a frenzied attack that showed a high level of brutality, cruelty and callousness, he said.
