32% Early Release Crim’s Do Rape, Murder or Burglary

Replies to two parliamentary written questions lodged by, ACT’s Police spokesperson the Hon Ken Shirley, show that since 1995 24,607 prisoner served less than 50% of their sentence and of those 14% went on to commit murder, rape, burglary or robbery.

Further, since 1995 2,849 prisoners have served two-thirds or less of their sentence and 32% of those prisoners went on to commit murder, rape, burglary or robbery.

“Phil Goff’s rejection of truth in sentencing is another blow for the 92% of New Zealanders who voted for tougher sentences for criminals. It just shows how much Mr Goff has been influenced by his Alliance cabinet Colleague Matt Robson who is soft on crime.” Said Mr Shirley.

The Justice Minister claims truth in sentencing would be too costly and result in an increase in prison numbers.

“I suggest Mr Goff asks each one of innocent New Zealanders who became victims as a result of prisoners being released early whether the cost of keeping serious violent offenders behind bars is worth it.”

“Instead, Mr Goff and Mr Robson would rather spend taxpayers money experimenting with restorative justice when there is no evidence to show that it works.

In documents ACT obtained under the Official Information Act on restorative justice both Mr Robson and Mr Goff were told that “….there is no clear evidence, either here or overseas, that the expected outcomes will eventuate.”

“So this Government is more willing to bend to the whims of lobby groups by risking further victims in a scheme that they don’t know will work rather than continuing with what we do know – when your behind bars you can’t murder, rape or rob innocent people in society,” said Mr Shirley

“It is time we restored the rights of the victim over the rights of the offender, instead of launching into a fatal experiment in our justice system,” said Mr Shirley.

ENDS

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