Grace Millane death: Man who murdered British backpacker in New Zealand jailed for life
The New Zealand man found guilty of murdering British backpacker Grace Millane has been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 17 years.
The 28-year-old killer, who still cannot be named for legal reasons, strangled Millane in an Auckland hotel room while on a Tinder date in December 2018.
His sentencing at Auckland High Court began with Millane’s family remembering her beautiful smile, which could “light up a room”, the NZ Herald reported.
Her mother Gillian Millane told the killer he had “taken my daughter’s future and robbed us of so many memories that we were going to create”.
Speaking to the court via video-link next to a picture of her daughter, Ms Millane told him she had wanted to take her own life because of the pain he had caused.
“Grace wasn’t just my daughter. She was my friend. My very best friend,” Ms Millane said. “The tears I shed are never-ending at the thought of never having the chance to kiss my Grace goodbye.
“She died terrified and alone in a room with you ... all her dreams and aspirations taken.”
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