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Archived Press Releases 2002 May 25th

The Balance of Justice?

(25th May 2002)

Sensible Sentencing spokeperson Garth McVicar asks is this Justice?

• A man Kidnaps a baby - the baby is not hurt - the man pleads guilty and receives 11 years jail
• Three men kick a man to death on the street, only one is found guilty of manslaughter and receives a three year jail sentence, the others walk free
• A group of young men ram a broomstick up a young man's backside committing rape - and receive 2 years jail.

If this does not convince the public that New Zealand has a seriously flawed Justice and Judicial system than consider the following said Mr McVicar.

Last night's Budget has allowed approximately 100 million dollars for Legal Aid this year, $2000 per anticipated offender.

Last night's Budget also allowed 2.55 million dollars for Victim Support, $25.50 per anticipated Victim.

This is a disgrace, once again our Justice System is totally out of balance. As a nation we must admit that the politically correct social experiment of the last 30 years has failed. While the vested interest individuals and organisations continue to ride the Government funded gravy train, violent crime will continue to escalate.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.