Is 19 years all that a toddler’s life is worth?

The Sensible Sentencing Trust has today acknowledged that although the 19 year non-parole sentence given to the killer of 2 year old JJ Lawrence is a significant improvement on recent sentences (and the 10 year minimum that could have been applied), it is still a long way short of what could and should have been applied.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust has today condemned the 19 year non-parole sentence given to the killer of 2 year old JJ Lawrence, as sadly inadequate. Just because it is better than what we have had before does not mean it is adequate or justice.

Sensible Sentencing spokesperson, Ruth Money, today said: “Joel Loffley, the partner of JJ Lawrence’s mother, brutally tortured and killed the helpless toddler over months. He continued to lie about his offending and still has not admitted his hideous crimes.

“The 19 year minimum non-parole period is sadly still a light sentence for such premeditated and repeated brutality. Loffley is a monster and should never walk free again.

“Section 103 of the Sentencing Act allows the worst offenders to be given a true life sentence. Once again, the Judiciary has failed to impose a sentence that the New Zealand public expects and that the law already allows for.” ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>