Tragic shooting should never have happened

“It’s hard to know whether to be angry or saddened by the horrific end to convicted murderer and fugitive Graeme Burton’s run from the police,” says National Party Justice and Corrections spokesman Simon Power.

“I’m angry because the police and the public should never have been put at risk, and I’m saddened because it’s becoming typical of a justice system that too often lets the public down.”

Mr Power is offering his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and those affected by the shootings.

“I simply can’t begin to imagine how hard this is. It should never have happened.

“This is a tragedy in every sense of the word. This is a tragedy not just for the victims, or the victims’ families - but also those who were put in the position of catching a dangerous criminal with a history of violence.”

Mr Power says the already serious questions around Burton’s parole have now become even more urgent. Worryingly, the parole board was told that Burton’s release should be ‘carefully managed’ under ‘close supervision’

National’s policy is to abolish parole for repeat violent and unrepentant offenders.

“One of the Government’s primary responsibilities is to keep its citizens safe and secure. The worst of the worst should never get parole,” says Mr Power.

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