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Archived Press Releases 2002 July 21st

Prime Ministers Comments insult to Grieving Families

(21st July 2002)

"Imagine our surprise when our Prime Minister changed her mind on her stance regarding the appropriate sentence for Murder", said National Spokesperson for Sensible Sentencing.

When Sir Peter Blake's Murderer was sentenced to 36 years and 9 months recently our Prime Minister thought that was an appropriate sentence, and we agreed, said Garth McVicar

But to our utter horror she has obviously changed her mind!

Ese Junior Falealii, was sentenced on Friday for the brutal murder of Marcus Doig and John Vaughn, he also pleaded guilty to nine other threatening to kill and serious assault charges.

Due to New Zealand's "bulk discount" Justice system, Ese Junior Falealii will serve just nineteen months for each serious offence he committed, including the two unprovoked cold blooded murders.

Our Prime Minister is on record as saying she considers that to be "a very tough sentence indeed and that it will send a very clear message to other would-be offenders"

We at Sensible Sentencing consider her comments to be an insult to all the families concerned, said Mr. McVicar.

Law and Order and the safety of our families are the key issues facing every New Zealander as we lead up to the election.

It is essential that the Prime Minister immediately clarifies her comments and explain to the public exactly what she considers to be an "appropriate" sentence for premeditated cold blooded murder.

New Zealanders will be voting on this issue next week.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.