Classic Example For Three Strikes

David Garrett MP, ACT New Zealand
Wednesday, April 29 2009

Nigel Whakarau is a classic example of the type of offender ACT's 'Three Strikes' Bill - now part of the Government's Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill - seeks to put away, ACT New Zealand Law & Order spokesman David Garrett said today.

"Whakarau pleaded guilty to assaulting kidnapping and robbing a female real estate agent who managed to escape after struggling, while Whakarau attempted to bundle her bound and gagged into the boot of his car," Mr Garrett said.

"Whakarau's known criminal history is grim reading, commencing with an invasion of an elderly couple's home using weapons in 1988. Only eight months ago he was released from what is described as a 'lengthy' jail term for the home invasion and kidnapping of a businessman in 1996.

"Under ACT's original 'Three Strikes' his latest convictions would constitute a third 'strike' and he would without a doubt be sentenced to life with a minimum non parole period of 25 years when he comes up for sentence in June.

"As things stand, the sentence Whakarau receives will depend on which Judge he gets - a realist or one who believes in endless chances - and how good Whakarau's lawyer is on the day.

"Whether this thug would receive a 25 to life sentence under National's current version of the 'Three Strikes' legislation is unknown, because we don't know how long his previous sentences were.

"This case neatly illustrates the need to remove the current hurdle of two five year prison sentences before a 25 year to life sentence can be handed down for a third 'Strike' offence. God only knows what would have happened to his latest victim had she not escaped from him. The only certainty is that it would not have been good. The only place for continual re-offenders like Whakarau is prison for 25 years," said Mr Garrett.

ENDS

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