News | Law and Order
23 Dec 2025 8:31
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      Home > News > Law and Order

    A man has escaped a life sentence after brutally murdering a Christchurch sex worker while in the throes of a psychotic episode

    A man has escaped a life sentence after brutally murdering a Christchurch sex worker while in the throes of a psychotic episode


    At the High Court in Christchurch today, plasterer Kaine Van Hemert was sentenced to 10 years' jail, with a minimum term of six years, eight months.

    Van Hemert picked Bella Te Pania up from a red light district in Christchurch in the early hours of December 31 last year.

    Police found her critically injured near the airport, with many knife wounds.

    Justice Jan-Marie Doogue says Van Hemert's mental illness means it would be unjust to sentence him to life imprisonment.

    © 2025 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

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