NZ law changes nab murderer 34 years later Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/callous-nz-killer-jailed-for-1979-murder/story-e6frfkui-1226678440610#ixzz2YqCf6YkA

LAW changes played a key role in bringing to justice a New Zealand man who shot dead a service station attendant 34 years ago.
Reginald John Menzies Hallett, 72, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for murdering Turangi service station attendant Rodney Tahu in 1979.
Hours after Hallett fatally shot Tahu, he revealed what he'd done to his then-wife Susan.
After the killing, Hallett drove to Wellington where his wife had moved after they separated, and confessed all.
Susan recounted how Hallett, angered by her refusal to allow him custody of their two daughters, told her he'd reached "flash point" when Mr Tahu refused to open the service station and sell him oil.
Hallett was so angry he called Mr Tahu a "black bastard", pulled out his prized pistol and fired three times.
The first shot missed, the second knocked him to the ground.
As the young father lay crying for help, Hallett stood over him and fired from virtually point blank range at a spot close to his eyebrow.
Within hours Mr Tahu was dead, taking his last breath as doctors worked to save his life in Taumarunui Hospital.
She had told police the graphic details, but the Evidence Act of the day prevented a wife testifying against her husband.
Hallett was nevertheless charged with Mr Tahu's murder, but walked free from court when the magistrate presiding at the depositions hearing ruled there was insufficient evidence for him to stand trial.
For more than three decades Hallett lived and worked as if nothing had occurred, taking on community roles, including commodore of Taupo's Trailer Yacht Squadron and president of the Bay of Plenty Musical Society.
When he moved to Rotorua - working in real estate, finance and as an insurance salesman - few were aware of his past history.
The laws were changed in 2006, and in 2011 Rotorua police reopened the Hallett file.
He was charged that November and in April this year the former Mrs Hallett, now Mrs Sharpe, took the stand.
On May 1, a jury rapidly found Hallett guilty of murder.
On Friday, crown prosecutor Fletcher Pilditch pressed the judge to sentence Hallett to jail with a lengthy minimum parole period, something the law also didn't provide for in 1979.
Justice Ailsa Duffy said she didn't entirely agree that the 2002 Evidence Act could be applied retrospectively. She also took the Human Rights Act into account.
She jailed Hallett for life which, under the provisions of the former Act, means he's not eligible for parole for 10 years.