Michael Thomas Rae: 39-year-old sentenced to nine years in prison over manslaughter of Wesley Prentice
A man on parole for firearm offences when he shot dead another man at a public housing unit will spend the next five years behind bars.
Michael Thomas Rae, 39, was on parole when he shot Wesley Prentice at a Darby Street unit in Newcastle in July 2021.
The pair were in a verbal confrontation which escalated into a physical altercation when Rae fired a single shot at Mr Prentice over an apparent drug debt dispute.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Rae and his partner fled, before being arrested at Bonny Hills, south of Port Macquarie, 10 days after the shooting.
Justice Natalie Adams jailed Rae to the maximum of nine years for manslaughter with a non-parole period of five years and six months in the Newcastle Supreme Court on Thursday.
Rae’s drug and alcohol history, bipolar diagnosis, remorse over the shooting and troubled childhood were considered by the judge.
“I wish to express my heartfelt apologies ... no words could ever take away the pain of losing their loved ones,” Justice Adams quoted from Rae’s letter in court.
“I hope in some small way these words of sorry and regret heal the family.”
Mr Prentice’s sister, Alesha Prentice, earlier told the court her younger brother was “someone with a big heart”.
Justice Adams told the court while the death of Ms Prentice’s brother was the beginning of her life turning “upside down”, she sought to forgive Rae.
“It was important to her to forgive the offender in order to gain closure,” she said.
The judge said she was optimistic about Rae’s rehabilitation if he could remain sober.
Rae has been in custody since his arrest in July 2021 and will be eligible to apply for parole in April 2029.
