The man jailed for the killing of a Radio New Zealand journalist in December 2011 has lost his legal bid to have his sentence reduced.
Phillip Cottrell. Photo: SUPPLIED
Radio bulletins editor Phillip Cottrell died in hospital a day after he was attacked as he walked to his central Wellington home about 5.30am, just after finishing an overnight shift on 10 December 2011.
Nicho Waipuka was found guilty of Mr Cottrell's manslaughter and in February this year was sentenced to 12 years and 10 months' jail, with a minimum non-parole period of eight-and-a half years.
Waipuka appealed against the sentence, arguing that it was excessive and his minimum term of imprisonment should have been no more than 50% of the sentence.
In a decision released on Tuesday morning, the Court of Appeal said it was not disposed to interfere with the assessment of the sentence made by the judge.
It said Waipuka's offending was particularly serious and the lengthy sentence was needed to hold him accountable for his actions.
The decision said the community is concerned that courts respond appropriately to such violence and the case is a reminder that manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Mr Cottrell's sister, Sue Hollows, hopes that is a warning to others disposed to meting out random violence that a manslaughter verdict will not always result in a light sentence.
Ms Hollows said the sentencing judge saw what a thug Waipuka was and it is great the Court of Appeal agreed.