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Teresa Cormack – Tougher Sentences – Arson – Student Fees – Radio NZ

TERESA CORMACK: Police have a DNA profile of the killer of Teresa Cormack, 14 years after the schoolgirl was killed after being abducted on the way to school. Napier police say the breakthrough rules out all previous suspects. At the time Teresa Cormack was killed the technology was in its infancy – now technological advances mean the chance of a match is much higher. The neighbor of Teresa Cormack, who said he was the prime suspect, is among the men ruled out. He wants compensation for harassment he suffered, but Justice Minister Phil Goff says compensation for any of the suspects is unlikely. Police want 900 samples now, and say they are confident of catching the killer. A law change five years ago meant police could keep DNA profiles on file. The sample taken from Teresa Cormack doesn’t match any of the 18,000 profiles on file.

TOUGHER SENTENCES: A new sentencing and parole bill was introduced to Parliament today, which Justice Minister Phil Goff says means the punishment will now fit the crime. National is describing the bill as a trade off that won’t satisfy the public.

ARSON: The Reiwaka home at the centre of a triple killing is now the centre of an arson investigation. The hose where two young sisters were found dead on the weekend was torched early this morning. Police say they have no suspects.

STUDENT FEES: Student fears of a fee hike seem to have been allayed tonight after a thawing in relations between the tertiary sector and the government. A 6.2 per cent funding increase will mean a fee freeze will be possible. One News understands universities are unlikely to reject the offer.

RADIO NZ: There is no sign of a deal at Radio NZ – 120 staff have walked off the job after a breakdown in pay talks. Programmes are likely to be affected. The Kim Hill show is expected to go a head as normal, but morning report may be shortened.

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