Appeal by Blessie's killer dismissed

1:47 pm on 8 April 2016

The man who killed and raped Auckland woman Blessie Gotingco has had his appeal thrown out by a court.

Blessie Gotingco murder trial *****(NAME SUPPRESSION. OK TO USE IMAGE ON JUDGE'S RULING)*******

Tony Robertson Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

Tony Robertson was sentenced to at least 24 years in jail last year for running over the North Shore mother of three and then brutally murdering her in May 2014.

He appealed the conviction and the sentence, claiming the police fabricated the case against him, including stabbing her twice themselves.

Robertson also argued he accidentally ran over Mrs Gotingco and then panicked, and he had no intention of raping or murdering her.

A judge at the Court of Appeal today ruled there was no basis for Robertson's arguments, but accepted the initial car crash could have been accidental.

The judge ruled Robertson's sentence would not be reduced, and said he was likely to remain a danger to females of all ages.

Family hold a picture of Blessie Gotingco outside court after the guilty verdicts.

Family members hold a picture of Mrs Gotingco outside court in mid-2015. Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

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