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Archived Press Releases 2002 November 10th

Sensible Sentence for Jules Mikus?

(10th November 2002)

New Zealand owes a huge vote of thanks and congratulations to the police and every one else involved in bringing one of New Zealand's most horrific murder trials to a successful conclusion, a truly magnificent job by all concerned, said the National Spokesperson for Sensible Sentencing Trust.

Will our Justice Department now have the courage to complete the excellent work and continue the example set by those who brought Mikus to trial?

The new Sentencing Legislation makes it very clear that for a crime such as the brutal rape and murder of young Teresa Cormack the Judge has the discretion to give a sentence much longer than the seventeen year guideline for murder.

The Minister of Justice, Phil Goff is on record as saying that his new legislation would ensure that offenders such as Paul Daily, (and Mikus must surely fit that category) would spend the rest of their lives in prison.

The Cormack family deserves, and the citizens of New Zealand have the right to expect, that a "TRUE LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE" sentence is finally handed down to vermin such as Mikus.

Violent sexual crime is at the highest level ever in our country's young history, the pathetic sentences that have been given out for these despicable crimes in the past have played a major part in that increase.

The Legislation is now in place, the mood of the community is right, Violence is on the increase, does Justice Gendall have the courage?

A deterrent sentence such as this country has never seen before is surely called for, said Garth McVicar.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.