Lauren Dickason, the South African woman found guilty of killing her three young children just weeks after emigrating to New Zealand, was sentenced to 18 years at the high court in Christchurch on Wednesday.
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Dickason will serve her 18-year sentence in a mental healthcare facility after being found guilty of murdering her daughters, six-year-old Lianè and two-year-old twins, Maya and Karla, as reported by Stuff in New Zealand.
Following her sentencing, Dickason released a statement through her lawyers apologising to her family for her actions.
‘I loved Liané, Maya and Karla with all my heart. I failed them, I failed Graham, and I failed our families. I take responsibility for taking our three beautiful girls from this world,’ she said.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to convey the deepest and most sincere remorse for the extreme pain and hurt caused to my children and my family by my actions.’
She also acknowledged her need to get mentally healthier.
Her husband, Graham, told reporters he had forgiven his wife, despite the permanent change in his life.
According to the report, while Dickason will start her sentence in a mental healthcare facility, she could eventually move to prison and may be eligible for parole after six years.
The three girls were killed on 16 September 2021, just weeks after the family emigrated. The 43-year-old was found guilty by a New Zealand court in August 2023.
Dickason, a medical doctor, pleaded not guilty to the murder charges by reason of insanity.
The prosecution argued that Lauren acted out of anger and snapped due to built-up frustration the night she killed her children.
The defence, however, claimed that she was mentally ill and had not recovered from postpartum depression after the birth of her children.
Her sentencing was postponed multiple times throughout the year.
In her statement, Dickason expressed that no apology would ever be enough.
‘I want people to know our girls brought me so much joy and were the centre of my world. I am horrified by my actions, and the pain, distress and trauma I have caused everyone who loved them. Like many others, I miss them every single day,’ she said.
While Crown prosecutor Andrew McRae argued for life imprisonment, Justice Mander concluded that Dickason did not act in a fit of rage when she killed her children.
He stated that he was satisfied her actions were a product of her mental disorder.
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Picture: AntiAbuseSA / X
