For immediate release:

Pay Sue but fix the problem says McVicar

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is welcoming news of a settlement in the Sue Couch but says the release and management of recidivist offenders on parole mean more cases are looming.

Victims are now challenging these spectacular failures and tax payers are paying the price for years of ‘liberal lunacy’ said Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar.

“The ‘theory’ that criminals like William Bell [RSA killer] with 104 previous offences could be rehabilitated and that their propensity to crime was an illness that could be treated has been a disastrous experiment that has cost hundreds of innocent lives.”

“The fact that this case has taken 11 years to settle and the Crown will have spent more than the total sum Sue Couch was claiming is evidence that justice insiders actually know how bad the system has become, but they have failed to fix it.”

“Nobody, particularly victims, want to revert to legal action but ultimately if the system has become so dysfunctional and innocent people are being murdered as a consequence the only avenue open to the victims is via the Courts.”

“This case was never just about William Bell and his murderous rampage. It was about the corrupt ideology of a system that was hell-bent on releasing recidivist violent offenders into an unsuspecting and unprepared community.”

“That combined with shoddy management and an overworked probation service was a recipe for disaster, it was only a matter of time until the time-bomb went off,” said McVicar.

“Don’t get me wrong, we are very grateful that the Corrections Dept is finally doing the right thing for Sue, but a token gesture is one thing, stopping the rot is entirely another matter.”

“We can’t do much more, we have exposed the failures, I only hope the Crown has deep pockets or the courage to fix the problem. It is entirely their call but they shouldn’t be surprised if we come knocking at their door again.”

ends

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Heavy Criticism Of Actions In Urewera Raids:
Minister Welcomes Release Of IPCA Report

Police Minister Anne Tolley has welcomed the release of an Independent Police Conduct Authority report into Operation Eight.

“I am pleased that the IPCA has found that the Police decision to take action in 2007 was justified,” says Mrs Tolley.

“The vast majority of fair-minded New Zealanders will back the Police to act when they believe public safety is at risk.

“However, the IPCA also found that some of the Police actions were unlawful, and that more could have been done to lessen the impact on a small community." More>>