Abusive Father’s Increased Sentence Welcomed
MEDIA RELEASE
8 November
2012
Abusive Father’s Increased Sentence
Welcomed
Family First NZ is welcoming the
increased sentence for the father convicted of repeated
assaults on his infant daughter that resulted in her legs
being broken in five places. Family First had written to the
Solicitor-General regarding James Hall and asked for them to
appeal the original sentence of home detention.
“It was a pathetic sentence that sent a dangerous message that we don’t value the life and protection of our vulnerable young children,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ. “This was a cold, calculated and grotesque abuse of a four month old. To put a value on that as a ‘homestay’ for 12 months was insulting and pathetic.”
“As a community, we are trying to say that the abuse of our young and most vulnerable is completely unacceptable and that our responsibility as adults is even greater around these young children – yet the consequences given out by the courts can completely undermine that message.”
“It is significant that the consequences for attacking a police officer or prison guard are being increased. It is time that children were guaranteed the same increased level of protection,” says Mr McCoskrie.
“People who murder and maim our children need
to know that children will be afforded greater protection by
the
judiciary.”
ENDS