13.
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The jury found the petitioner guilty on both counts of murder and having regard to the directions given by the trial judge it is clear that the jury must have accepted that, whether alone or in company with someone else, the petitioner took an active role in the killing of the two deceased. It cannot be confirmed from their verdict whether the jury found that the petitioner in fact wielded the weapon which inflicted the fatal injuries on the deceased or whether they were of the view that the injuries were inflicted by someone else who was assisted by the petitioner.
PRINCIPAL FACTORS
14.
The nature of the injuries causing death revealed a clear intention to kill. It is probable that the murders were premeditated and, in the case of the aunt, was done as an act of
revenge.
15.
Both victims were women, one being of advanced age (63) and the other being related by marriage to the petitioner. Sexual degradation was applied to the prisoner's aunt probably prior to
her death.
16.
The murders were committed whilst the first deceased's two youngest children were on the premises. One of them was in the same room as the first deceased's body.
MITIGATING FACTORS
17.
18.
The petitioner had no previous convictions.
If it is decided to commute the death sentence I recommend that a sentence of life imprisonment be substituted.