Media Release:
20th April 2009

Massive Sentencing Reforms On The Way
Life To Mean Life – No Parole – Three Strikes

The law is an Ass! Is commonly heard today but are you doing anything to change it?

The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill will give the public an opportunity to have a say in possibly the biggest overhaul of New Zealand’s sentencing and parole laws this century says the Sensible Sentencing Trust.

Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar said most people seem to agree that the Justice System has got out of balance and favours the offenders.

“The National/ACT Government is proposing massive reforms of the guidelines of sentencing and parole laws and we want the public to get involved”.

“We deal with victims of criminals who have been recycled by our offender friendly, criminal centered system and all say the law is an ass and is totally out of balance”.

“This is an opportunity for the public to ensure that our worst murderers never get out of jail and that repeat offenders have to serve their Judge given sentence.”

McVicar said New Zealand’s liberal laws have allowed offenders with many violent offences to be released and go on to commit more serious offences, often murder.

“The reforms being discussed at present include “Three Strikes and you are out”and have the potential of removing repeat violent offenders and reducing the horrific numbers of violent crimes and murder.”

“To find out how to have a say on the Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill go to www.sst.org.nz the last day for public submissions is 23rd April. ENDS

ENDS

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