Journalist killer says he carries burden - Brisbane Times

AAP

The killer of a freelance journalist found dead in a Sydney laneway nearly 15 years ago has sobbed in court and apologised to her grieving family.

"I've carried this burden for a long time," Wayne Castle, 54, told the Supreme Court in Sydney on Friday.

"I've had guilt and shame for a period of time. I'm ashamed of what I did and I'm sorry."

Castle, from Forest Lodge, pleaded guilty earlier this year to the manslaughter of 32-year-old Jennifer Maree Smith, who was found unconscious in a lane beside the Coopers Arms Hotel at Newtown on January 17, 1998.

The freelance journalist, from Elizabeth Bay in Sydney's east, died a short time later of severe head injuries.

The court heard Castle punched Ms Smith in the face during a robbery, causing her skull to fracture when she hit the ground.

There were emotional scenes in court on Friday as Ms Smith's mother, sisters and brother recounted their anger and despair at having to wait 14 years for her killer to come forward.

In a victim impact statement read out by a homicide victim support worker, Ms Smith's mother, Dale Katherine Smith, said Castle could have admitted his guilt at an inquest into her death 13 years ago.

"His denial and his lack of remorse and compassion at the (inquest) still haunts me," she said.

"If he had confessed at the (inquest) in 1999 at once, I may have moved on a little from this eternal torment."

Jennifer was "intelligent, bright with quick wit, politically active, compassionate and kind", Ms Smith said.

"I ache for the loss of my daughter."

Castle bent over double in the dock and wept as Ms Smith's sister, Catherine Smith, described the recurring thoughts she has of her sister dying alone.

"The fact she was left screaming for help and no-one came to her aid will haunt me forever," Ms Smith said through her tears.

"She was my friend, my confidant, my bridesmaid ... I'm changed forever."

Giving evidence, Castle said he was high on drugs when he robbed Ms Smith and didn't remember punching her.

In a letter to the family read out in court, Castle said he was truly sorry for the "hurt and pain" caused by his actions.

"I never had any intention to hurt or injure her," he said.

Justice Robert Allan Hulme will sentence Castle on December 20.