TV1 News

Murderer Sentenced – Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis – Middle East Violence – Tararua Rain

- MURDERER SENTENCED: Taffy Hotene, the man who raped and murdered Auckland journalist Kylie Jones soon after being released from prison on a previous sentence, has been given a life sentence with an 18 year minimum non-parole period. He has been in and out of prison since he was 16. The judge told Mr Hotene he seriously doubted he would ever be released from prison. Her father said the judge had gone as far as he could with the sentencing, but said the verdict had little impact on the family’s life, they had to get on with life without their daughter. Ms Jones’ partner said the sentence was too light, and blamed the Department of Corrections for allowing him out of jail. The department of corrections released a report after Mr Hotene was sentenced saying they did all they could to prevent Hotene offending again. A psychologist rated the chances of Hotene offending again if re-released as moderate.

- CERVICAL CANCER MISDIAGNOSIS: The treatment given to a Northland cancer patient has been described as incomprehensible in a medical disciplinary hearing which charges doctor Graham Parry with disgraceful conduct. Mr Parry failed to diagnose cervical cancer in a patient, who is now terminally ill with the disease.

- MIDDLE EAST VIOLENCE: UN secretary General Kofi Annan is on the way to the Middle East for a series of crisis talks, to try to find a way through the conflict between Israel and Palestinians. US President Bill Clinton may also make his way to the Middle East to get involved in peace talks. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said his troops would crack down if Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat does not ask his people to pull back. Tensions have been high throughout the Middle East, with growing protests against Israel, with the United States another target for people’s anger.

- TARARUA RAIN: The northern Wairarapa has borne the brunt of torrential rain over the Tararua Ranges in the past couple of weeks. The storm water system in Eketahuna has been called inadequate, after flooding in the town. Farmers in the Tararuas have been advised to move stock to higher ground.

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