Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons, Christchurch Metro Crime:
Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Nathan Boulter for the murder of Chantal McDonald in the High Court at Christchurch. The 37-year-old will now serve a minimum of 17 years in prison without parole.
Today’s sentence will never bring Chantal back, or end the devastating sense of loss inflicted on her loving family.
There is no prison term that will ever make up for what happened to Chantal or the profound sense of loss her loved ones have had to endure.
However, today brings a small comfort in knowing the community will be protected from a violent, controlling and pathetic gutless coward who so needlessly took Chantal’s life.
It is extremely disappointing that he made the decision to not physically appear in Court today and face Chantal’s family.
Chantal was a much-loved and devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was regarded as a vibrant and special person to all who knew her, which makes her loss even harder to bear for those who were lucky enough to know her.
We are continuing to provide support for Chantal’s family as they navigate life without her.
Her family have been extremely dignified throughout this entire process and I commend them for that.
They are appreciative of the support they have received, but request privacy. They ask that media do not attempt to contact them.
I want to thank all of the Police investigators, staff, and the Crown prosecutor who dedicated themselves to getting justice for Chantal.
They have worked relentlessly to bring this case to court and hold Chantal’s killer accountable for his horrendous crime.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
