Victims Pay, Criminals Don't

Wednesday 19 Nov 2003 Stephen Franks Press Releases -- Crime & Justice

If the Government wants the courts to be left in the position where criminals appear to buy light sentences, then the least it could do is ensure the Justice Ministry collects the purchase price for victims, ACT New Zealand Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks said today.

"Today's `Dominion Post' report that the amount criminals owe their victims has risen more than $10 million - to $47.7 million - is further evidence of an offender-focussed system," Mr Franks said.

"Victims have a right to justice. To then allow offenders to promise, then not pay, is inexcusable.

"Labour is making victims pay twice - first they have had crimes committed against them, then the system lets them down," Mr Franks said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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