Full Breakdown
Margaret Green Convicted of Manslaughter for Stabbing Partner Selwyn Robson in Manurewa
7/14/2026, 4:29:52 AM
Manslaughter Conviction in Manurewa
On May 6 2025, Margaret Green stabbed her partner Selwyn Robson with a kitchen knife during an argument in his Manurewa, South Auckland sleepout. The knife penetrated more than 9 cm into Robson’s neck, damaging multiple blood vessels and causing rapid blood loss; he died at the scene despite paramedic efforts. A jury found Green guilty of manslaughter, and she is scheduled to be sentenced in September.
Expert Testimony on Domestic-Violence Dynamics
The Crown’s case was countered by expert witnesses who framed the incident within patterns of intimate-partner violence. Rachel Smith, an intimate-partner-violence expert, testified that “it was a common myth that victims of domestic violence were passive and did not resist, using the ‘outdated’ term of ‘battered women’s syndrome’ as an example.” She added that “Victims will use force to stop force against them.” Forensic psychiatrist Dr Jacqueline Short described Green’s background of early abuse, stating that she “suffered early emotional and physical abuse, then a serious assault as a teenager,” and that she was “suffering complex post-traumatic stress disorder” and had become “hyper-sensitised to potential threats” before the stabbing.
Family Friend’s Account of Green’s Behavior
Long-time family friend Sharon Manaia recounted seeing Green “shaken and flustered” after the incident, noting Green’s cryptic remark, “‘Namesake, I have f***ed up’.” Manaia said Green appeared “lost for words, lost for emotions, just lost,” and remained “still not her normal self, still quiet” when taken to the police station. Manaia later advised Green to hand herself in, after which Green complied.
Official Statements & Responses
Crown prosecutor Aysser Al-Janabi argued that Green had taken a “gamble with her partner’s life,” characterising the act as murder, though the jury returned a manslaughter verdict. The Crown emphasized the severity of the wound and the fatal outcome.
What’s Next
Green’s sentencing hearing is set for September, where the court will determine the appropriate penalty for the manslaughter conviction.
