Nearly two decades after murdering aspiring surfer Luke Hankey in a New South Wales pub carpark, New Zealander David Ngatokotoru Martin has been released from prison and placed in immigration detention, with Australia’s Administrative Review Tribunal ruling in favour of his deportation.
Martin, 45, who has lived in Australia since age eight, pleaded to remain under parole supervision until 2030, but the tribunal found he posed a “significant risk” of further violent offending, citing a lack of remorse, repeated prison drug use, and limited rehabilitation.
The 2007 attack, carried out with partner Lisa Mackett, saw Hankey fatally stabbed through the heart with a blunt instrument after a confrontation in a carpark.
Despite claims of regret, the tribunal concluded Martin still minimised his culpability and had insufficient community support, ruling he will return to New Zealand under the Returning Offenders Act for monitoring.
Image credit: Levi Meir Clancy
Looks like no one wants to come here……