Peniola Liu, convicted of manslaughter of Alex Ollson, sentenced in Cairns Supreme Court
The man convicted of the manslaughter of Alex Ollson at an Innisfail taxi-rank in December 2020 has been sentenced in Cairns Supreme Court.
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The man convicted of what was described as a “ferocious attack in a public place” that killed his victim, has been sentenced to 11 years jail in Cairns Supreme Court.
After an initial trial resulting in a hung jury, Peniola Kimi Liu was convicted of the manslaughter of Alex Ollson in December 2020 and sentenced in Cairns Supreme Court.
After the jury delivered their verdict last week in the four-day murder trial, Justice James Henry observed what had occurred on the night of the bashing was “beyond understanding”.
He said the case was not simply about mindless violence, that Liu had formed the intention that Mr Ollson would not get up after being punched.
At the beginning of sentencing, Crown prosecutor Aaron Dunkerton and defence counsel Michael Dalton made their submissions to the court.
Mr Dunkerton called the assault “a ferocious attack in a public place.
“It falls somewhere in the range between 12 and 14 years imprisonment, he said.
Justice James Henry observed that on Liu’s own evidence he intended his blows so that Mr Ollson could not get up.
“That intention informs the wickedness of the crime. It was largely spur of the moment driven by emotion of course,” Justice Henry said.
Mr Dalton supplied a letter of apology by Liu to the court as well as a reference from his former employer, and submitted a sentence of 10 years for the fatal assault.
In his sentencing, Justice Henry said Mr Ollson was still a young man, and a parent.
“He was loved by many people. His children have forever been deprived of their father. He was loved by many people. Some of his loved ones maintained a dignified vigil in the public gallery, observing proceedings throughout.
“You testified that you kept going back and assaulting him because you wanted him to stay down ... You intended your blows would have the consequence that he would no longer get up.
“This carries this case beyond the seriousness of manslaughter cases involving one or a brief flurry of punches.
“Such an intention and such repeatedly violent implementing of it makes this a very serious case of manslaughter.”
Liu stood motionless with his head bowed as Justice Henry read his final sentencing remarks.
Justice Henry sentenced Liu to 11 years imprisonment, and the 787 days he has already served would be declared as time served.
A conviction was recorded and a violent offence declaration made, meaning Liu will serve at least 80 per cent of his prison term.
Justice Henry noted Liu would “almost inevitably” be deported after he had served his sentence.
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Originally published as Peniola Liu, convicted of manslaughter of Alex Ollson, sentenced in Cairns Supreme Court