Jailed for life: How each of Hannah Cornelius' killers were sentenced

The three defendants who were found guilty of raping and murdering 21-year-old Hannah Cornelius in May 2017 will all spend a life sentence behind bars.

The Western Cape High Court has concluded an 18-month ordeal for the family, who have been able to see justice served for the former Stellenbosch student. Eben van Niekerk, Geraldo Parsons and Vernon Witbooi will begin their new lives behind bars effective immediately.

Hannah Cornelius trial: Three men sent down for life BREAKING: 3 men convicted of the rape & murder of Stellenbosch student #HannahCornelius sentenced to life for both crimes. LI

- EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) November 12, 2018

Judge Reshine Allie handed down the sentences on Monday afternoon. Her verdict drew cheers from the gallery, as the murderers were lead from the court. Allie stated that none of the accused showed any remorse for Hannah, which played a key role in her decision.

None of the accused has proved circumstances extenuating enough for her to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. The Cornelius family has been torn apart, while Marsh suffered extreme trauma and couldn't study further. None of the accused show true remorse

Cheslin Marsh watches his attackers get sent down Hannah's friend, Cheslin Marsh, was with her on that fateful night. He suffered terrible head injuries after he was violently assaulted by the gang.

He managed to escape their clutches before finding help. He was deafened in one ear but turned up to court today with a newly-donated hearing aid. Needless to say, he'd have enjoyed what he heard.

A fourth member of the gang, Nashville Julius, was not convicted of murder, rape or assault. He was, however, involved with the kidnapping of the pair and a subsequent robbery.

Hannah Cornelius killers: Sentencing breakdown CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 08: Murder accused, from left to right, Vernon Witbooi, Geraldo Parsons Eben van Niekerk, and Nashwill Julies during their first appearance at Western Cape High Court for the rape and murder of Stellenbosch University student Hannah Cornelius on October 08, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. The group faces a string of charges including, murder, aggravated robbery, kidnapping and rape of Hannah Cornelius and assault of her friend Cheslin Marsh, whom they left for dead on May 27, 2017. (Photo by Gallo Images / Brenton Geach) Eben van Niekerk: Rape: Life (25 years).

Murder: Life (25 years).

Kidnapping Hannah: 10 years.

Assault on Cheslin Marsh: 20 years.

Kidnapping Cheslin Marsh: 10 years.

Total: 90 years

Geraldo Parsons: Rape: Life (25 years).

Murder: Life (25 years).

Kidnapping Hannah: 10 years.

Assault on Cheslin Marsh: 25 years.

Kidnapping Cheslin Marsh: 10 years.

Total: 95 years

Vernon Witbooi Rape: Life (25 years).

Murder: Life (25 years).

Kidnapping Hannah: 10 years.

Assault on Cheslin Marsh: 25 years.

Kidnapping Cheslin Marsh: 10 years.

Total: 95 years.

Nashville Julius Robbery: 15 years

Kidnapping both Hannah and Cheslin: Seven years.

Total: 15 years (sentence to run concurrently).

Tags: murder trialStellenboschwestern cape high court

LINK:	https://www.thesouthafrican.com/hannah-cornelius-killers-sentence-life...
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