Ichihashi Tatsuya sentenced to life in prison

Ichihashi Tatsuya, was sentenced today in Chiba court for the rape and murder of Lindsay Hawker (pictured) in 2007.  Judge Hotta Shinya called his crimes selfish and heinous.

Hawker's family, who had flown to Japan from England to attend the sentencing, were satisfied.  Her father Bill said

"We've waited a long time for today. We've waited four and a half years to get justice for Lindsay and we have achieved that today, we are very pleased. Lindsay loved Japan and you have not let her down. Thank you"

Ichihashi testified that first saw Hawker at Gyotoku Station in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, a few days before the murder.  He followed her to Nishifunabashi Station and then to her apartment, and asked for a private English conversation lesson.  After a lesson at a cafe, the two went to his apartment, where he raped her.

Hawker's parents both took the witness stand to ask the court to hand down the death penalty and to express disgust at Ichihashi's book Until the Arrest, was published earlier this year.  They told the court that they have spent their savings and pension funds to bring Ichihashi to justice.  Ichihashi has offered the family the ¥9.1 million he has made from royalties from his book.  The family have refused.

Ichihashi's lawyers have indicated that he will not appeal the verdict.