R v Thompson - [2026] NZHC 544

Summary: Defendant sentenced after being found guilty of manslaughter. The defendant stabbed the victim after being punched by him in an altercation outside the defendant's house.

Held: Starting point of seven and a half years' imprisonment reflecting the use, in anger, of a lethal weapon resulting in the loss of the victim's life. End sentence of five years' imprisonment after reductions for offer to plead guilty to manslaughter, remorse, and impact of imprisonment on child.