Lauren Dickason, convicted of murdering her three daughters, has been served deportation papers by New Zealand authorities and is expected to be expelled from the country upon completion of her sentence.
Story Summary:
- Lauren Dickason was handed deportation papers, set to be expelled from New Zealand in 2027.
- Despite this, she is appealing her convictions, suggesting she may not want to return to South Africa.
- In 2021, she murdered her three daughters, leading to a conviction of triple murder last year.
Lauren Dickason deportation from New Zealand explained
Dickason, a South African citizen, was found guilty in 2023 of killing her daughters Liane (6), and two-year-old twins Maya and Karla in September 2021 at their Timaru home.
She had admitted to smothering them, but her defence claimed she was mentally ill and not responsible for her actions.
In June 2024, Justice Cameron Mander sentenced her to 18 years of imprisonment for the murders, though he did not impose a life sentence or a minimum term before she could seek parole, citing her severe mental health issues.
She is currently detained as a special patient under New Zealand’s Mental Health Act at Hillmorton Hospital.
New Zealand’s Immigration Department confirmed that deportation plans are in place for Dickason.
A representative, Fadia Mudafar, stated:
“Lauren Dickason will be deported at the end of her sentence or upon her release on parole, but the deportation process will be assessed before her release from prison.”
Her earliest parole eligibility date is set for 19 September 2027.
However, Dickason’s legal team has lodged an appeal against her conviction, indicating she may not accept responsibility for the murders.
The New Zealand Court of Appeal confirmed that her lawyers have submitted documents to seek a retrial, but no date for the proceedings has been set yet.
This fight for an appeal suggests that Dickason has no immediate intention of returning to South Africa, despite being served with deportation orders.
What Dickason did to her children
Lauren Dickason’s crimes shocked both South Africa and New Zealand.
On the night of 16 September 2021, Lauren killed her daughters in their home.
Her husband, Graham Dickason, had recently taken up a medical position at Timaru Hospital, and the family had only immigrated from South Africa a few weeks prior.
The court heard that Dickason had been battling severe depression and emotional instability, compounded by her struggle with motherhood, which led her to believe that ending the lives of her children and herself was the only way out.
After killing her daughters, she tried but failed to take her own life.
During her five-week trial, the prosecution argued that despite her mental health issues, Dickason knew her actions were wrong.
The jury ultimately agreed, convicting her of murder after rejecting her defence of insanity or infanticide.
Although her sentence allows the possibility of parole in 2027, the likelihood of her being deported to South Africa, if released, remains high.
However, if her appeal for a retrial succeeds, it may result in a new trial and could potentially alter the course of her sentence.
- In South Africa, there are many resourceful organisations that are ready to assist you and your loved one in dealing with suicidal triggers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is the country’s largest mental health advocacy group, and their 24-hour hotline is free to use if you or a loved one needs help. You can reach them on 0800 456 789 (24 hours a day), SMS 31393, or visit their website for more info and help.