Sensible Sentencing Trust applauds the Solicitor-General on appeal

The Sensible Sentencing Trust has today applauded the decision of the Solicitor-General to appeal the sentence handed down to a child abuser who repeatedly broke the legs of his infant daughter.

SST spokesperson Ruth Money today said “A sentence of home detention for such sadistic, repeated violence against a helpless infant is outrageous. It does not reflect the seriousness of the offending or the expectation the public has regarding violence against children.”

“Just last year, Parliament doubled the maximum term of imprisonment for neglect or ill-treatment of a child from 5 years to 10 years’ imprisonment. Whilst this offender was charged with causing grievous bodily harm, which carries a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment, we believe the High Court should take note of the recent law change raising the bar on the protection of children and the vulnerable.

“This man’s offending was disgusting, only made worse by an out-of-touch Judge who wants to give the offender a free-pass in the form of home detention, otherwise known as “time on the couch watching TV and playing X-box.”

“Only a lengthy sentence of imprisonment can adequately sanction this offender for the repeated violence against his helpless infant daughter and provide a serious deterrent to others who may engage in similar violence.

“We congratulate the Solicitor-General for appealing this injustice.”

ENDS

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