Anna LeaskSenior Journalist - Crime and Justice·NZ Herald·3 Jul, 2026 09:37 PM2 mins to read‌The Crown Prosecutor Andrew McRae and Defence counsel Kerryn Beaton KC address the High Court at Christchurch as the trial of Lauren Dickason begins. Video / NZ HeraldThe Christchurch lawyer who defended triple child murderer Lauren Dickason and also played a pivotal role in Royal Commissions of Inquiry into abuse in state care and the Pike River disaster has been sworn in as a District Court judge.

Kerryn Beaton

was appointed earlier this year, and her new title was formalised at a ceremony in Christchurch this week.