Time to Free Kelly Van Gaalen

The Cannabis Party are calling for Northland mother of three Kelly Van Gaalen to be released from prison.

Three Court of Appeal judges in Auckland will today begin reviewing the 2-year prison sentence handed down to her by judge John McDonald for cannabis charges.

Cannabis Party leader Julian Crawford said the sentence was much more severe than those given by other judges for similar offending.

Mrs Van Gaalen, who was an elected community board member, has been in prison without bail, while she prepares for the Court of Appeal hearing.

Police found cannabis at her house after her family were the victims of a violent home invasion in 2014.

Mrs Van Gaalen was also the chair of the Kaikohe Community Arts Council and promotions manager for the Kaikohe Business Association. She was honoured with a Local Heroes medal and was shortlisted for New Zealander of the Year.

ENDS

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