Rt Hon Winston Peters

New Zealand First Leader

Member of Parliament for Northland
26 JULY 2016

Downgrading Murder Charges Must End

The New Zealand public will continue to lose confidence in the judiciary with yet another downgraded manslaughter conviction, says New Zealand First

“We saw it with the downgraded conviction for the death of Moko Rangitoheriri in June and now we’ve seen it with the conviction of Paul Harris for stabbing Kaitaia man Joseph Keogh,” New Zealand First Leader and Northland Member of Parliament Rt Hon Winston Peters says.

“Midway through his murder trial Harris pleaded guilty to an alternative charge of manslaughter.

“At his sentencing on Friday he was given only five years and nine months in jail.

“Harris stabbed Mr Keogh through his heart in front of four children and then attempted to run him over with his quadbike.

“This was a brutal, fatal offence and the charges should never have been downgraded.

“Kaitaia has had 10 homicides in just seven years and the message must be given that such horrific violence is not acceptable.

“Also, it must be backed up by our justice system doing its job properly,” Mr Peters says.

ENDS

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