A twisted killer who shot dead a mother outside her home in a small coastal town has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Seven children were inside the house in Greymouth, New Zealand, when 45-year-old George Sean Warren executed Hayley Jane Williams, 43, in October 2017.
Warren, who had pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Williams, will be eligible for parole after 17 years, the New Zealand Herald reported.
In the High Court in Greymouth, the murder was described by Crown prosecutor Claire Boshier as a ‘cold-blooded execution’, while in sentencing Justice Gerald Nation on Friday said it was ‘inhumane and cowardly’.
George Sean Warren has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Hayley Jane Williams outside her New Zealand home
Warren killed Ms Williams about a month after he allegedly indecently assaulted her.
He had been charged by police following the alleged assault and was released on bail on the condition he did not go within 300 metres of Ms Williams’ home or make contact with her.
But on October 22, Warren went to Ms Williams’ house armed with a loaded .308 rifle and told her to get in his car, which she refused.
He then attacked her, hitting her around the head and face, before twice trying to fire the gun and failing.
On a third occasion, Ms Williams was shot in the throat and died instantly.
One victim impact statement said Ms Williams’ death was a ‘cruel and senseless murder’.
After Warren was sentenced, West Coast Area Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Jacqui Corner said in a statement issued by the New Zealand Police media centre: ‘The small West Coast community was left shattered and baffled by this crime’.
‘Police’s thoughts are with the 43-year-old woman’s family at this time, and we are grateful for their support and co-operation throughout the investigation,’ she said.
George Sean Warren was sentenced in the High Court in Greymouth, New Zealand