McDonald sentenced

"Another milestone in a terrible tragedy", is how the officer in charge of the Halatau Naitoko homicide investigation described today's sentencing of Stephen Hohepa McDonald to 13 years in prison with a minimum non parole period of eight years.

Detective Inspector Peter Devoy was at the Auckland High Court today and said his thoughts were with Halatau's family this week as they mourned another family member's recent death.

"It has been obvious right from the outset of this homicide investigation that there are several other victims in this tragedy too, some of whom were at Court today to hear the Judge sentence McDonald," Mr Devoy said.

"While we would very much like to give members of the public a much more comprehensive account of the homicide investigation, we are unable to at this point because Halatau Naitoko's death and the circumstances around it, are matters that are now before the Coroner's Court.

"We have been reminded of the provisions of the Coroner's Act and we must balance those provisions against the desire to more fully publicly discuss the tragic events of January 23 this year and the subsequent findings of the Police investigation. When we are able to discuss the activities, we will.

I have read all the Victim Impact Statements, including those of Halatau's mother and  the officer called to armed duty that day.

They are suffering still and I expect they always will.

I must pay tribute to Halatau's family who, in very trying and tragic circumstances over these past eight months, have never failed to accommodate Police and our requirements courteously and without rancour, for which I sincerely thank them."