Seasons Greetings to all Members

This will be a short newsletter to catch everyone up and also wish you all a Merry Christmas.

The official hearings for submissions on the Sentencing and Parole Bill are now over. SST was well represented in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland with several members making individual submissions. There is a lot of work still going on behind the scenes and this will continue.

Members in various areas have expressed a wish to start speaking at organisations similar to what Louise and I have been doing. We think this is a great idea and we will be running training sessions in Auckland, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Hawkes Bay. Anyone interested please call.

SST have asked all Justice Spokespeople from each of our political parties to write a few words about their parties' Law and Order Policy - this is included. It is very obvious that some of the parties are getting the message and making a decisive stand.

I believe our strategy of staying non-political is now starting to pay dividends. I am sure most of you will have noticed the definite swing in the public mood and this is being picked up by the politicians. And they haven't seen anything yet!!

We will be moving into the second stage of our strategy next year. The target has always been the next election, we want to effect a huge change in communities attitudes before the election. I believe we are on track to do that!

We will be making some positive announcements early next year. My job is getting a lot easier now, but for every step forward I become more aware of what a huge job lies ahead for our organization. We certainly have a lot of problems in our great little country.

Membership is building steadily and funds are accumulating nicely for next years campaign. Thanks very much to all those members who have sent through an extra donation.

Garth

M.P's Law and Order Message.

Sentencing and Parole Submissions

Alison's message

Garth on happenings in Wellington

Henk Bouma's Message.

SST Future

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Fundraiser:
SST T-shirts For Sale
White, black lettering, Sensible Sentencing Trust (front) Scales (back)
$25.00 three sizes
Phone
SST Office (06) 8355521
Office fax (06) 8355520
or Write P.O. Box 701
NAPIER.

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The Following is part of a Submission that was read by one of our members to the Sentencing and Parole Select Committee Wellington.

Where do I begin.....
It was 5 am on a Thursday morning, the rain was falling softly and my husband Noel and I were tucked up in bed, safely we thought, after all is there anywhere safer than in your bed in your home?

I was awoken by a noise; upon listening as we all do I thought it was just a house noise. I lay back down snuggling into my husband Noel when I noticed a figure in the hallway. I sat up quickly, the fear I felt you could never imagine, I shook my husband, "Noel - Noel there is someone in the house." I turned the side light on hoping it would make him leave, he did not.. He came into our bedroom with two knives and before my very eyes stabbed Noel repeatedly fourteen times.

I threw myself on the floor and waited, any minute now this stranger will come around the bed and do the same to me, I lay on the floor terrified, traumatized, waiting, it all went quiet, I slowly raised, trembling with fear, there on the floor lay my lover, my best friend, my life partner asking me to please help him as the life blood slowly drained out of him. My husband had no chance to defend himself. Could you, half asleep.

I felt fear that I did not know existed, unless you have been in this situation you could NEVER understand.

I am forced to sell the house, as I can no longer pay the mortgage, I am unable to get employment as I have arthritis of the spine, the income earner in my home was taken from me.

Three prisoners who were beaten by guards, only beaten, got $90,000 each from the Government, to me if they hadn't done something wrong they would not have been in that situation, but our system rewards them, my husband was worth way more than $90,000. In my mind, irreplaceable.

I am crying now, because where can I turn, who is going to help me, what am I to do? Who is the victim, him or me?

He gets three square meals a day, a roof over his head and all psychologist bills paid for, while I have to pay my own!!

You see, I was not physically harmed, it does not seem to matter to anyone that mentally I'll suffer all my life, the scarring is deep, as my life died when my Noel died. If it wasn't for my families love and support I would be dead myself, if only to stop the added pressure and pain. Left with my memories I will always remember the love, warmth and humour of my husband but will never feel his touch, never see his sparkling eyes and never laugh at his jokes again.

Mr Goff, could you or your government please tell me. Victim or perpetrator.....? Which one am I......? Lost and hurting.

Mrs McKenzie Widow of Noel

Tauranga.

abridged

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Janine Harrison - nee Marsh - her story to the Select committee in Wellington

I am Janine Harrison - nee Marsh, sister of Gresham Marsh who did the killings of John and Josephine Harrisson in their Te Akau home on the 1st June 1994.

Age 10.. Gresham was lighting fires in our hometown. He was moving from class to class because the teachers could not handle him.
Age 11-12.. Burglary and Arson as well as not going to school.
Age 12-16.. He was a Ward of the state as we all lost control of him.
Age 17.. Assaulted a young man for a leather jacket, he used an iron bar and I believe this young man is still in a wheelchair to this day.
Age 18.. Gresham Marsh did three years in prison for this assault, he had 50 convictions under his belt from burglary to assault, this was his career, he loved the thrill of getting away with it. He once told me the best days to burgle someone's home is on a rainy day because you cannot hear anything. He was training as a criminal.
Age 19.. He was living with myself, my husband and 3 children, he was on the run from gang members, law and probation officers.

As a family we were all trying to support, love and encourage him, but this made no difference to him, we were dealing with a man who would sleep during the day sitting upright and during the night walk around the house while everyone was sleeping.

There were incidents where I knew he was getting tired of our rules, at one stage I knew I had to get my baby and myself out of the house.

One night out of the blue he said to me (sounding excited) I WONDER WHAT IT IS LIKE TO KILL SOMEONE.

On the 16/8/93 my eldest sister wrote a letter to the judge that Gresham was appearing before, yet again on a assault charge. Sharon stressed how unstable he was and stated that her greatest fear was that he will kill someone. WE WERE IGNORED.

Eight months later now having 53 convictions his dream and thrill had come true with the helping hand of the Justice System.

He did the double murders of non-threatening couple John and Josephine Harrisson.

John a NZ retired soldier, was not afraid, he said he was going to call the police, as he walked away the 1st bullet went into his back, straight through to his spinal cord 2nd bullet in the abdomen, 3rd bullet in his mouth, 4th bullet point blank in his head. Then Gresham and his two accomplices went up to the bedroom to deal with Josephine (as he put it). She was sitting up in bed waiting to die, they shot her in the head twice then covered her face with a pillow.

Josephine's last words were "What have I ever done to You". Marsh and Ray were sentenced to 10 years for two killings. I guess this means 5 years for each of the killings, do you call this Justice in New Zealand? I CALL IT A FREEBIE KILLING.... 10 Years sentencing for 2 lives.

Gresham Marsh did comment "They were old anyway". They died for a can of petrol, some honey and some American currency, their lives meant nothing to the Justice System or the killers.

Age 32.. Marsh is up for parole in 2004, he has already threatened to kill, he will walk free because the Justice system says so. He is young enough to continue to kill again and again.. You are looking at your next victim, so when you the select committee make the decision on my ghost coming back to you in 4 years time and asking you then if you made the right decision, our lives with my husband.. and my 3 children will more than likely be in your hands....

Janine
Abridged....

Garth - happenings in Wellington

The last two months have been a very busy time, I have had many very constructive meetings in Wellington and Auckland. I have attended all the Select Committee Hearings in the three centers. We are lobbying committee members and will continue to do so until we can reassure the public we will get the changes we want.

Anne and I have made the commitment to see Justice Reform. The balance of justice in New Zealand is criminal in itself, our Victims are the forgotten people.

We pledge to the victims of New Zealand our commitment to get a fair deal for you all. We have a large working committee now who are just as dedicated as ourselves.

I spent a day in Christchurch supporting Bevan Smith and his family. Paul Bailey - who plucked young Kylie off her horse and brutually murdered her was up for parole after only 10 years. Is that Justice? Kylie and her family have the "Life time Sentence".

You will see by the policy brief where the various parties are heading. The shift in direction is obvious, but a lot more needs to be done. The very liberal politically correct movement of the past has a lot to answer for. Social policies giving everyone equal rights without accepting responsibility have proved disastrous. We reap what we sow, we are harvesting that crop now.....

8 MURDERS IN THE LAST 11 DAYS !!
On a happier note I feel we ARE winning.
Merry Christmas to you all,
Garth McVicar.

"I could never put into words the immense relief I felt when I realized that I would never need to face a Parole Hearing or the fact that Bevs killer may some day walk the same street as my family and I. Justice was served when Poumaka died in Prison. I am now able to help SST bring about the Law changes that can offer other Victims families the same conclusion" Life must mean Life.
Henk Bouma

Message from Allison Slavich :

Merry Christmas To Everyone,
My heart goes out to the families and friends of those victims in Auckland and others who lost loved ones last weekend. Christmas leaves an empty feeling in me, the kids and their friends are great but our house once full of teasing, fun and laughter is just not the same now.

Christmas can mean a lot of silent tears and loneliness for me. My husband's murderer, Shane Rodgers, comes up again for parole shortly. We feel our freedom will end on his release. My daughter asked me the other day - "what would I do if I recognized his name on an eftpos card?" She works for a local retailer. My children are scared that Rodgers will find them, they don't have their names in the telephone directory. Why should they spend their lives afraid?

Why should Rodgers get parole at all? We have a LIFE Sentence. Rodgers has never showed any remorse, he doesn't deserve his freedom. Who will help us to feel safe again? We need to stand together and fight, changes have to be made and quickly. Violent Crimes are happening all too often now. This Christmas is my Granddaughter Molly's first Christmas, we hope she'll help fill the void Steven left.

Lets hope the New Year brings changes and tougher penalties. I would like to thank everyone for their help and support through the year.

From Allison Slavich and Family.

SST - Future:

2002 will be a challenging and important year for us, being election year we will have the best possible opportunity to bring about some Sensible changes to our Justice system.

The politicians who are not picking up the growing public momentum and discontent on Law and Order would have to be on a suicide mission. It will be our job in the coming year to define very clearly the individual politicians and political parties that are not listening.

We have been fortunate in having received an offer from some very influential people in various industries who have suggested putting together a strategic events and timing committee to help guide us. We have had our first informal meeting and we are very excited about some of the suggestions coming forward. All of these people are giving their time and advice - free. In fact everyone working for SST is still entirely voluntary. Amazing!! Restores our confidence in New Zealand.

The property investors magazine featured an article on SST last week and included our membership form, we are getting a great response from this, if anyone has a small magazine or newspaper they wish to put an article in, please give us a call. Remember, "silence is seen as consent". If we are serious about wanting to change the direction this country is heading we need to be heard.

We are combining our efforts with Family and Friends (Otago) and V.O.I.C.E (Auckland) and will expand our network this way. Some other Organizations are joining en-masse now and Greypower have approached us with a similar proposal. We meet with them next year. Overall it has been a great year for SST, we are not 12 months old yet!!!

On behalf of the Sensible Sentencing Working committee we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Law and Order Policy Brief - FROM PARLIAMENT

UNITED FUTURE NEW ZEALAND

United Future recognises that personal security and a safe society for families depend on an integrated and balanced approach to crime. We believe that early intervention and identification of the causes of crime are essential to breaking the cycle of criminal activity. United Future supports tougher sentencing for violent crimes, signifying that criminal activity will not be tolerated. We appreciate the suffering that victims of crimes endure and are committed to ensuring that they receive support and reparation they deserve. We will be tough on crime and the causes of crime.

• Sentencing to take into account societal attitude to the crime as well as the purely legalistic view.
• In the case of heinous murders, ensure criminals face life imprisonment, without the possibility of parole.
• Ensure offences against children receive the same penalties as offences against adults.
• Introduce cumulative sentences rather than concurrent sentences.
• The victims' family should be kept informed about the perpetrators "progress" in prison.
• Allow the Parole Board discretion to decide when offenders have to reappear for parole proceedings.

Hon Peter Dunne, Leader United Future.

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ACT PARTY

Criminals are gamblers. Our system invites them to think they will beat the odds. Our policy is not finalised, but it will make crime a bad gamble.

We must increase certainty - the certainty of being caught, convicted and punished.

ACT will redirect wasted Police time on unintentional offences, back to fighting deliberate evil.

ACT will reduce the lottery of court processes. It will end the "so-called right to silence"; increase penalties for perjury and witness intimidation; extend restorative justice to those who deserve it, and end it for those who do not.

ACT wants absolute truth in sentencing and longer sentences for the most evil criminals.

Early release and parole will be abolished. All sentences will be followed by a period of supervision on conditions.

Shame is a normal and essential social constraint. ACT will end name suppression except to protect victims from further harm.

Stephen Franks
Justice Spokesperson

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NATIONAL PARTY

National's goal for a safe and secure society so that people can build their lives with confidence.

In the 1999 General Election 92% of New Zealander's voted for a petition calling for stiffer sentences for the most violent criminals and for greater support for victims.

Nationals policies will have three themes.

• Tougher sentences for the most violent offenders.
• Giving victims greater rights.
• Turning young offenders away from crime.

Tougher sentences will mean the worst murderers will serve much longer times in jail, for the rest of their natural life if necessary.

National will not allow violent offenders to apply for parole until a least two thirds of their sentence has been served.

National will have a tough new preventive detention law for dangerous sex and violent offenders. We will give victims a greater say, both in victim impact statements and at Parole Board hearings.

National will ensure that young offenders are turned around, by focussing on accountability in the Youth Court, and dealing effectively with drug and alcohol abuse and hooliganism.

Wayne Mapp
Spokesperson for Justice.

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GREEN PARTY

I am one who voted for the Withers petition. Reading it again I can remember why. It asked :

"Should there be a reform of our justice system placing greater emphasis on the needs of victims, providing restitution and compensation for them and imposing minimum sentences and hard labour for all serious violent offences?"

I don't support hard labour or minimum sentences (in general). I do know from personal experience that the criminal justice system is a disaster for just about everyone, but especially the victim.

Sensible Sentencing Trust has a very real concern about our most dangerous repeat offenders. I recognize that for these people imprisonment for the safety of the community is the only option.

I also know that most people in prison are there for non-violent offences. Prison is the quickest way to turn a rascal into a serious career criminal.

The Green Party sees restorative justice as a way to give priority to victims needs while getting offenders to take responsibility for what they have done and take steps to put things right. But ultimately the answers to crime lie in rebuilding our local communities.

Nandor Tanczos
Justice Spokesperson

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ALLIANCE PARTY

The most effective way to keep the public safe and reduce crime is to intervene before people start on a life of crime. Early intervention works best and costs less. As a step towards safer communities, the Alliance is working to turn people away from a life of crime and reduce Re-offending. The measures include :

• Reduce the number of high-risk teenage births by providing information and support to high-risk young women in the justice system.
• Support for high-risk new mothers and their families by extending Family Start services.
• Extend Project Early to deal with kids in trouble at school.
• Intervention with 10-13 year olds at risk of progressing to serious adult offending We must reduce the number of victims of crime, and prevention is best.

Hon Matt Robson,
Minister of Corrections

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LABOUR PARTY

The Government has made significant progress this year putting in place policies for a safer New Zealand. We have passed bail reform, introduced legislation for victim's rights and introduced a tougher sentencing and parole regime.

The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill introduced is the first major overhaul of the criminal justice system in 16 years. It also addresses the call made by 92 percent of kiwis at the last election for a tougher sentencing regime. The worst types of murder will be dealt with more severely.

The non-parole period for these crimes will be increased from 10 to 17 years. The 17 year mark will be just a starting point for judges. Judges will be able to put away the most heinous murderers for a long, long time.

The bill also abolishes the automatic two-thirds release which currently exists. It is ludicrous that an inmate, regardless of whether he/she poses a threat to society, is given an automatic get-out-of-jail card.

The job isn't finished. I will continue to develop and implement policies that address crime and look after the concerns of victims. Your input is important and I will continue to listen to your concerns and suggestions.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a safe New Year.

Phil Goff
Minister of Justice

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NEW ZEALAND FIRST

With Ron Marks ill we were not able to get a policy brief from him. I have met with Ron several times and found him very supportive to our cause. I have not yet sighted their Law and Order policy but am hoping for support of tougher sentences. We wish Ron a speedy recovery.
Garth

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On behalf of Sensible Sentencing Trust, I would like to thank all our MP's for contributing to the newsletter.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Garth McVicar