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16/12/2008
Japanese Rapist Guilty Of Lucie Abduction
A Japanese serial rapist has been convicted of dismembering and abandoning the body of British nightclub hostess Lucie Blackman eight years ago.
Joji Obara was acquitted of killing the 21-year-old from Sevenoaks, Kent last year, by Tokyo's High Court, but it ruled he did kidnap her in Tokyo in 2000.
Lucie's dismembered body was found seven months later concealed in a cave.
Obara's life sentence remains unchanged as he had previously been convicted of raping eight other women and raping, drugging and causing the unintentional death of Carita Ridgway, 21, an Australian hostess who died in hospital in 1992.
On Tuesday, the High Court dismissed the ruling that Obara was responsible for Ms Blackman's death, and said that although there was not sufficient evidence to convict Obara of murder, he had mutilated and concealed Ms Blackman's body.
"His action of damaging and abandoning her body was ruthless and did not even give the slightest consideration to her dignity," said Judge Hiroshi Kadono.
"The court believes the defendant kidnapped her with the intention of drugging and raping her, but the court could not prove he made her pass out by using chloroform or that he carried out his intentions."
Upholding Obara's life sentence, the judge added: "There is no room for any leniency as the defendant trampled on the rights of many victims to fulfil his desires."
Miss Blackman's father Tim, who lives on the Isle of Wight, welcomed the ruling. He said: "We view this result with delight.
"Although the result is not the absolute decision we had hoped for it is still an obvious recognition of guilt. After such a long time it is clear that it was necessary for this protracted process to get any degree of result and some form of justice for Lucie, but it still leaves a bitter taste in the mouth."
Mr Blackman was criticised by his ex-wife for accepting a "condolence payment" of 100 million Yen (£450,000) in 2006 from a friend of Obara.
Condolence money is recognised under Japanese law.
Jane Steare - who said she turned down the payment herself - accused her ex-husband of "betrayal" for accepting what she described as "blood money".
(JM)
Joji Obara was acquitted of killing the 21-year-old from Sevenoaks, Kent last year, by Tokyo's High Court, but it ruled he did kidnap her in Tokyo in 2000.
Lucie's dismembered body was found seven months later concealed in a cave.
Obara's life sentence remains unchanged as he had previously been convicted of raping eight other women and raping, drugging and causing the unintentional death of Carita Ridgway, 21, an Australian hostess who died in hospital in 1992.
On Tuesday, the High Court dismissed the ruling that Obara was responsible for Ms Blackman's death, and said that although there was not sufficient evidence to convict Obara of murder, he had mutilated and concealed Ms Blackman's body.
"His action of damaging and abandoning her body was ruthless and did not even give the slightest consideration to her dignity," said Judge Hiroshi Kadono.
"The court believes the defendant kidnapped her with the intention of drugging and raping her, but the court could not prove he made her pass out by using chloroform or that he carried out his intentions."
Upholding Obara's life sentence, the judge added: "There is no room for any leniency as the defendant trampled on the rights of many victims to fulfil his desires."
Miss Blackman's father Tim, who lives on the Isle of Wight, welcomed the ruling. He said: "We view this result with delight.
"Although the result is not the absolute decision we had hoped for it is still an obvious recognition of guilt. After such a long time it is clear that it was necessary for this protracted process to get any degree of result and some form of justice for Lucie, but it still leaves a bitter taste in the mouth."
Mr Blackman was criticised by his ex-wife for accepting a "condolence payment" of 100 million Yen (£450,000) in 2006 from a friend of Obara.
Condolence money is recognised under Japanese law.
Jane Steare - who said she turned down the payment herself - accused her ex-husband of "betrayal" for accepting what she described as "blood money".
(JM)
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24 April 2007
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