Justice Nation said the aggravating factor was that it involved "extreme violence without provocation". Mr Thompson and his companions left Crozier's house immediately after the attack, not realising the significance of what had happened until the middle of the next day, when an unresponsive Mr Thompson was rushed to hospital. Given the circumstances and evidence, Justice Nation said that was "inconceivable". At the time of the attack, Crozier was at home celebrating the birth of his son when Mr Thompson and two friends arrived to join the celebration. Mr Thompson also described "destructive thoughts of revenge".

Source: Otago Daily Times August 18, 2017 02:37 UTC