Media Release:
2nd July 2009

‘Good Boy’ Gets Sentence Increased By Two Years

The Sensible Sentencing Trust has congratulated the Appeal Court for increasing the sentence of an offender found guilty of the attempted rape of Australian tourist.

Maia Rongonui was sentenced to four years prison last November after being convicted on charges of assault with intent to commit rape, and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection.

At his sentencing last year Judge Jane Farish said Rongonui was “not a bad boy at all” and that she was reluctant to send him to prison. She also said she hoped the Parole Board would quickly consider his release.

The Appeal Court increased the sentence from four years to six years and the Sensible Sentencing Trust is hailing the increase as a win for all victims.

Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar said Judge Farish had shown a totally unwarranted compassion for Rongonui.

“We said at the time we were appalled at the pathetic sentence and that the Judge was out of order. In our opinion Judge Farish failed to consider the young woman that was the victim in this shocking offence.”

“Rongonui was not a good boy, this was not a random offence, in fact he had racked up 16 previous convictions.”

“We congratulate the Appeal Court; this is a great win for common sense and for all victims.

It will also make other offenders think twice before appealing their sentence.”

ENDS

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