Lesley Elliott

Lesley Elliott wrote the memoir Sophie’s Legacy in memory of her daughter, the late Sophie Elliott. She lives in Dunedin and is the founder of the Sophie Elliott Foundation (www.sophieelliott.co.nz), which has been established to resource a school-based programme to better prepare young people to look after themselves and avoid abusive relationships.
Sophie’s murder in January 2008 captured the nation’s heart, and led to one of the most keenly followed murder trials in New Zealand’s history, when Sophie’s former boyfriend, Clayton Weatherston, was tried and convicted of murder. The case caused further controversy with the use of the defence of provocation leading to call for legal reform. Sophie’s Legacy was co-authored by W. J. (Bill) O’Brien, a retired former senior police officer who is the author of over 20 books, including a book on the Aramoana shooting tragedy.