Sculpture tribute to murdered backpacker Karen Aim unveiled

Artwork created in New Zealand as part of a scholarship set up in memory of murdered Orkney backpacker Karen Aim, has been dedicated at a special church service in her local community.

Ms Aim was murdered as she made her way home from a night out with friends in the North Island town of Taupo in January 2008.

Teenager Jahche Te Manawa Kaha Broughton was was sentenced to serve a minimum period of 12-and-a-half years for the murder.

The striking sculpture has been created by New Zealand artist Kate Bevin in memory of Ms Aim.

The artist is one of six young New Zealanders who have benefited from a student scholarship, created using funds raised by the people of Taupo.

The sculpture, said to represent the five stages of grief, was dedicated at a special church service in Ms Aim's community of Holm, led by Rev John Howell who conducted her memorial service in Taupo and suggested the creation of the scholarship.

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