Lauren Dickason found guilty of killing her children in NZ

Lauren Dickason found guilty of killing her children in NZ

A South African mother has been found guilty of the murders of her three young children in New Zealand. 

Graham Dickason
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Lauren Dickason, 43, had been on trial in the High Court in Christchurch. 

 

She was taken into custody in 2021, after her daughters, twins Maya and Karla, aged 2 and 6-year-old Liané, were found dead in their home in Timaru.

 

Dickason, who is a medical doctor, and her husband had recently emigrated to New Zealand from Pretoria. 

 

The horrific killings occurred about two weeks after they arrived in Timaru.

 

The bodies of the three children were discovered by their hysterical father in their suburban home.

 

The New Zealand Herald report that the jury of eight women and four men reached a majority verdict on Wednesday after deliberating since Monday afternoon.

 

The publication further reports that the judge told the jury that the trial was difficult.

 

“You’ve had to deal with distressing evidence. This trial has likely taken a toll on your personally. You have made a considerable sacrifice.

 

“Your contribution will remain unknown and largely unsung. You can take considerable pride in the way you have carried out your duties,” said the judge.

 

Dickason now faces a life sentence for the murder of each child.


Justice Cameron Mander said remanding Dickason in prison would be inappropriate at this time, given she was under a compulsory treatment order.

 

He said he sought expert reports on her mental state and what sentence will be appropriate for her. 

 

Before the start of the trial, Dickason's clinician had advised Justice Mander that exposing her to the court setting, at this stage, could be detrimental to her health, and has been excused from all court hearings.

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