Parties Against Truth In Sentencing Must Front Up
ACT Leader Hon Richard Prebble held a press conference in
Wellington's Bolton
Street Park today to highlight the
violent crimes being committed by offenders
released
early from prison.
In March 1997 Peter Howse abducted and
sexually violated a Canadian tourist in
the park after
being released on parole for murder. "This heinous crime
was
one of three sex attacks Howse committed while on
parole," said Hon Richard
Prebble.
Richard Prebble
said Labour's announcement during the election campaign
that
they don't support Truth in Sentencing and
won't find the money to keep
dangerous prisoners in jail
has made Truth in Sentencing a key election issue.
"Labour
says Government can't afford to keep prisoners in jail to
serve out
their court-imposed sentences, ACT says we
can't afford to let them out. ACT
accepts that our
Truth in Sentencing law will mean more prisons and will
cost
more money. It will not cost the ridiculous
$800 million in three years as
claimed by Labour.
Prisons at the moment cost just $240 million per
year.
"The vital piece of information is that most crime
in New Zealand is committed
by a very small group of
recidivists. 80% of those released from jail
are
reconvicted within two years. Of course, those
offenders commit many other
crimes that they are
never apprehended for. Most of them are back in
jail
within three years.
"All that ACT is
suggesting is that we cut out this "home leave"
for
recidivists and make them serve the original court
imposed sentence.
"In Australia, where they have
tougher sentences and they don't let violent
criminals
out after doing just one third of their sentence, the
recidivist rate
is just 37%. If we were to match the
Australian record then ACT's proposals
would actually
save money.
"It is estimated that every prisoner who
is released early who re-offends
commits between $140,000
and $250,000 worth of crime.
"What Labour is actually
saying is that they would continue to let out the
Peter
Howse's of this world. Peter Howse had committed 80
offences, most
assaults on women.
"The present system
which is 'lies in sentencing' is putting New Zealanders
and
their property at risk. ACT says we must have Truth
in Sentencing.
"ACT believes that offenders must serve
at least 80% of their court imposed
sentence before they
are even considered for parole.
"Regardless of the outcome
of this election, ACT wants the early release
policy
followed by Labour and National scrapped.
"My
Truth in Sentencing Bill will come up for vote in the next
Parliament. If
we have a Labour/ Alliance/Green
coalition the Bill will be defeated. If the
centre right
have a majority my Bill will be law within six
months.
"86% of New Zealanders support this Bill and
politicians from all parties must
respect that
overwhelming call for positive change to the justice
system," said
Hon Richard
Prebble.
ENDS