16 July 2002

It is no wonder there's huge public anxiety about law and order when a gang murder case collapses in Palmerston North and a paroled rapist turns up to live at Foxton Beach without his victim or local residents reportedly being told, says National Leader Bill English.

"What happened in Palmerston North, which has seen three Mongrel Mob members walk free, will give the public the impression that it's far too easy to get away with violent crime.

"Watching hardened criminals walk free because a witness appears to have been got at makes a mockery of the public sense of justice.

"Violent criminals need to know that they will be caught and sentences will be tough. I hope the public will support the police who must be very frustrated at having to deal with such a difficult situation.

"Last week I visited Highbury and local people there told me they were hopeful the trouble was over. They now fear that's unlikely.

"As for the case of the convicted rapist returning to Foxton Beach, this makes it vital that a victims representative be appointed to the Parole Board, as National has proposed in its Law and Order policy," says Mr English.

Ends

© Scoop Media