A man who stabbed his father to death has been found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.
The man, in his 20s, admitted to stabbing his father outside a south Auckland home in 2017. He says he acted in self-defence to protect himself and his family from his abusive father.
Prosecutors said the son acted with unreasonable force - stabbing his father six times, including a deep cut to the chest.
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Justice Ailsa Duffy told jurors on Friday morning they should put aside any feelings they have about domestic violence, as much of the case has centred on the father's violent past.
The jury then retired to consider the verdict.
On the day he was killed, the father had beaten his wife so severely her eye was dislodged, and the family had barricaded themselves inside the house due to his violent threats.
"I just remember my son with his father in his arms and he was just saying 'I'm sorry, Dad look what you made me do'," the mother said.
There were emotional scenes in the courtroom as the verdict was read out.
The son later told Newshub the verdict was a huge relief and he felt like a million dollars, however it would take him many years to heal.
Defence lawyer Denise Wallwork said the accused did not leave the house until he was sure his father was not on the property, but he armed himself with a knife as a precaution when he left.
According to Ms Wallwork, it was at this point the father came out of the pitch black and attacked the son. A struggle took place, and the father was stabbed six times.
"The terror was real, imminent and life-threatening," she said.
Newshub.
