Police must have power to veto Judges Bail decisions

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is calling for Police to be given the power to veto a Judges decision to grant bail if they consider public safety is at risk.

Trust Spokesman, Garth McVicar said police power of veto was a concept the organization had been working on for some time but the decision to grant bail to the teenager accused of Phillip Cottrell’s murder was the catalyst to make a public announcement.

“In recent times we have seen numerous horrific offences committed by youths granted bail even when Police strongly oppose it.”

“Only last month Christie Marceau was murdered by an offender who was granted bail after previously kidnapping her and holding her at knife point.”

“Under current law that Judge – or any other for that matter – are not held accountable for decisions they make even if someone dies as a direct result of their bad decision and that must change.”

“The Police are in the best position to know the risk the accused person poses and ultimately they are the ones who have to clean up the mess when a Judge makes a bad call.”

Mr. McVicar said where public safety is an issue the Police must be given the power to veto a Judges decision meaning the judgment would automatically be upgraded to a higher Court.

ENDS

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