ACT Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks said today he hoped decent people would make it intolerable for murderer Shane Rogers to attend Mystery Creek Fieldays in Hamilton.

In 1991, Rogers and two associates hitched a ride with Mr Steven Slavich and then shot him three times. Rogers dragged Mr Slavich’s body behind the car with a seatbelt around his neck.

"I hope he is recognised at Mystery Creek. He and his handlers should be hounded by people showing what they think of Government policies that are such an insult to justice. It is not Rogers' fault he is being allowed out, but how else can people show their disgust at those who persist with these policies, and their hostility to criminals?

"The Minister of Corrections makes a mockery of punishment when he opens the door for a vicious murderer to join the victim's family," Stephen Franks said.

"Has Rogers has shown any remorse? He is being allowed out of prison to attend a fair.

"How does this show we cherish the sanctity of life?

"New Zealanders want truth in sentencing - a life sentence for murder should mean just that. However, the Government wants life sentences to be whatever the judge feels on the day. Even worse, the Corrections Department then turn a sentence into whatever makes the prisoner feel good - including outings to watch shows and eat hot-dogs at the fair.

"The law must mean what it says. A sentence must be served as given by the Court. And the Minister of Corrections must not let a convicted murderer out of prison to attend the Fieldays," Stephen Franks said.

© Scoop Media