A High Court jury in Christchurch has today found a 33-year-old guilty of murdering Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming and of wounding with intent causing grievous bodily harm.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers acknowledged the verdicts in a statement.

“The loss of Lyn continues to feel raw for all,” Chambers said. “This should never have happened at all. Lyn, and those with her that night, were targeted solely because of the uniform they wore. Our Police officers were simply doing their jobs that night and trying to keep the public safe.”

Chambers said he was proud of the way colleagues had supported one another through the case, and thanked Tasman District Commander Superintendent Tracey Thompson for her leadership.

“I want to acknowledge Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay who has faced a long recovery and shown strength and courage,” Chambers said.

Chambers said he had personally spoken to staff who took part in the court proceedings and met with the investigation team. He also acknowledged Senior Sergeant Fleming’s family, who supported her through 38 years and seven months of service.

“I hope they have drawn some comfort from the obvious love and respect shown for Lyn by her colleagues and the community she was so dedicated to,” he said.

Chambers said: “Lyn was the 34th Police officer killed in the line of duty. She was the first woman. She paid the ultimate sacrifice and that must never be forgotten.”

Tasman District Commander Superintendent Tracey Thompson also acknowledged the verdicts.

“Lyn should not have died that night,” Thompson said. “Officers and everyday members of the community should not have had to witness the terrible scenes in that car park. We should not have had to knock on the door of families to tell them their loved ones were in hospital.

“Today’s guilty verdict brings some closure and is an important step in the healing process, however it will never bring Lyn back or erase the traumatic events of that night from our minds.”

Thompson said Senior Sergeant Fleming had been “walking the beat to keep the people in her community safe and doing everything that we expect of our officers” when the attack happened.

She also acknowledged those who responded at the scene.

“Immediately following the offender’s actions, officers and passersby leapt into action, stopping him from inflicting further damage while others did everything they could to save Lyn’s life and treat the injured,” Thompson said. “Their actions were heroic and showed the best of humanity.”

Thompson praised the investigation team, made up of officers from outside the Nelson area, and Tasman Police staff who had continued serving their community while carrying the loss of a colleague.

“Lyn was a respected and dearly valued colleague to us, a much-loved wife, mother and pillar of support to her family, and also a mentor and friend to so many people,” Thompson said. “The events that night will never leave us, but also, they will never overshadow the wonderful memories Lyn gave us.”