The man who murdered Romanian New Zealander Irina Scantee has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Brian McConachie was sentenced in the Wellington High Court on Friday for killing Scantee (nee Czibesz) in August 2019.
Detective Sergeant Anna Grant said the sentence is a step towards healing for Scantee's family.
"Irina's death has been a source of enormous grief for her family and loved ones, both here in New Zealand and in her home country of Romania," said Grant.
"The sentence imposed today will not ease that grief, but is nevertheless an important step in the healing process.
Grant also mentioned three members of the public who witnessed Scantee's murder, which happened opposite 180 Degrees Bistro and across from a popular scooter park in the seaside suburb of Paraparaumu.
"Their victim impact statements demonstrated what an incredibly traumatic event this was for them. I thank them for their courage and strength throughout this investigation."
McConanchie had been released from a mental health unit days before he murdered Scantee, Stuff reported at the time.
