Man Sentenced for Attempted Murder of Father with Axe

In a shocking case of familial violence, Frank John Harris has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for the attempted murder of his father, a crime that unfolded in December 2022 in Tākaka, New Zealand. The High Court at Nelson heard that a dispute over a water tank escalated into a brutal attack, highlighting the extreme violence exhibited by Harris, who had no prior criminal history.

During the court proceedings, the Crown prosecutor Abigail Goodison described the incident as “unusual from start to finish.” She noted that the violence was unexpected given Harris’s previously quiet lifestyle in Golden Bay. The victim, aged 78, demonstrated remarkable forgiveness towards his son, as evidenced by a Restorative Justice report presented in court.

The incident occurred on December 14, 2022, when Harris confronted his father while wielding a long-handled wood-chopping axe. The altercation began after a disagreement regarding the purchase of a water tank for Harris’s microgreens business. On the day of the attack, Harris had already set his cottage ablaze in a fit of anger, leading him to confront his father at the family home.

As his father sat on the back porch, Harris approached and declared, “I am the 7th son of Herbert Harris and I’m here to kill you.” In a violent frenzy, he struck his father multiple times, causing severe injuries. The victim suffered significant blood loss, a fractured skull, and multiple other serious injuries, ultimately requiring an emergency 11-hour surgery at Wellington Hospital.

Harris’s stepmother intervened during the attack, sustaining injuries as she attempted to protect her husband. The victim’s wife also witnessed the assault, believing at one point that her husband had died.

Following the attack, Harris fled to his brother, confessing that he had “set his cabin on fire and just killed their father.” He later turned himself in to the police, where he provided a note detailing his thoughts during the incident, which included disturbing reflections on the violence he had committed.

In a letter to his father written shortly after the event, Harris expressed remorse for his actions, stating he had lost control of himself and described the incident as a moment of emotional overwhelm. He acknowledged that he was grateful his wood-chopping practice had not turned him into a skilled killer.

The court recognized the unique circumstances surrounding the case. Defense lawyer Steven Zindel emphasized the family’s strong bond and their capacity for forgiveness, which he believed could aid in the healing process. Judge Justice Churchman noted that the Restorative Justice report was one of the most favorable he had seen, crediting the family’s ability to communicate and manage the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

In determining Harris’s sentence, Justice Churchman considered various factors, including the potential for rehabilitation, his previous good character, and the expressions of remorse he had shown. He highlighted the importance of balancing the interests of the victims and the broader community, stating that violent crime is a public wrong that requires accountability.

A family spokesperson expressed relief at the outcome, acknowledging the justice system’s flexibility in recognizing the loving nature of the family despite the harm caused. The court’s decision allows for Harris’s release to be determined by the Parole Board, with the hope that he can reintegrate into society as a valued member of his family and community.