Portrayal of victim ‘difficult’ to hear

FAMILY members of a man murdered in Invercargill say it has been ‘‘extremely difficult’’ having to listen to the manner in which his character has been portrayed.

Brayden WhitingRoff and Christopher Brown were yesterday sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 19yearold Jack McAllister outside Stadium Southland last year.

Laura Scheepers was sentenced to 12 months’ home detention after being found guilty of manslaughter.

WhitingRoff was given a nonparole period of 12 years and six months, and Brown was given a nonparole period of 10 years.

Mr McAllister died from injuries suffered during an attack at Stadium Southland on June 7 last year.

He was lured to the stadium by the promise of sex from a young woman. It was there he suffered 14 stab wounds, including one which severed a major artery.

The McAllister family, Jack’s primary caregivers, said in a statement they had been devastated by the events of the past 18 months.

The death of Jack, their ‘‘beloved son’’, in such a traumatic and violent manner, was followed by a trial, where they said unsubstantiated allegations were made against Jack.

It was particularly difficult because Jack was no longer here to dispute the allegations.

‘‘He no longer has a voice. Those that harmed Jack are able to say what they wish in defence of their actions in an ability to absolve themselves from responsibility.

‘‘It has been extremely difficult having to listen to the manner in which Jack’s character was portrayed. No family should have to go through that without an ability to respond.’’

They thanked the people who ‘‘got to know Jack and who understood and supported him when he was going through his traumatic life’’.

‘‘There are no words that can adequately convey the impact of Jack’s death on our lives; our heart aches with sadness and love . . . In many ways we know he had a very tormented life and suffered from many cognitive and mental disabilities. Sadly he is now at peace.’’

Detective Senior Sergeant Stu Harvey, of Invercargill, said the case had been a tragedy for Jack’s family.

‘‘We are aware that the Invercargill community was heavily affected by this case and we are pleased that the people involved in Jack’s death have been held accountable.’’

The case had been one of the largest homicide investigations in the history of Southland police, he said.