"An act of forgiveness in court by his victim's widow has led to a home detention sentence for Phillip Kirkwood Hamilton who drove drunk and killed a cyclist in a hit and run smash.
The widow, Andrea Krueger, first spoke of her forgiveness as she read her victim impact statement at Hamilton's sentencing for the death of Jens Richardon, a German citizen who was living in Canterbury.
After saying that she was struggling with her faith and found it hard to pray, she said: "Our task is to live. I really hope and pray for you, Phillip. God bless you."
She gave him a hug as she passed the dock where he was standing for the Christchurch District Court sentencing on charges which he had admitted in November.
Judge Philip Moran said her statement was eloquent and powerful. "Reading it was a feat of great courage. I wish you well."
He found that the purposes of sentencing could be achieved without imprisoning 41-year-old Hamilton. "I was moved a great deal by the act of forgiveness I witnessed from Miss Krueger."
He imposed 12 months of home detention for Hamilton at a flat in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton, and disqualified him from driving for three years."
Ā
http://www.vorb.org.nz/widow-act-forgiveness-sways-judge-t104416.html
Replies
~so beautiful~ (lyrics start at :56) ;0) ~loves!~