escalating violence in our community Become a member of the Sensible Sentencing Trust

Mouseover links for full page descriptions

Archived Press Releases 2003 July 18th

Court of Appeal Concerns Highlighted

(18th July 2003)

The Sensible Sentencing Trust says the recent appeal by Bruce Howse who was convicted of murdering his two stepdaughters highlighted serious concerns and confusion in how Judges interpret the new Sentencing Act.

The new legislation states that the Courts must use 17 years as the starting point for "top of the range" murders.

The Court of Appeal reserved its' decision but Justice Tipping said the problem for the Courts is Parliament had not given any guidance on what "top of the range" actually was.

The National Spokesperson for the Sensible Sentencing Trust said they would provide a solution for the Court of Appeal in a presentation to Parliament being organised on July 22nd.

Mr McVicar said representatives of murder victim's families are to present a submission to Parliament calling for criminals who commit premeditated or aggravated murder to receive a "Life Means Life" sentence.

Families having to face these frivolous appeals find it a very stressful and traumatic experience. "Life Means Life" would not only help the victims to heal, it would be very cost effective for the country as well.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is acting as co-ordinator for families from around New Zealand who wish to present a "Request List" to the Highest Court in the land. This problem can and should be solved by Parliament.

Justice representatives from all paties are co-hosting the presentation to ensure we have a cross party approach to this issue. Justice Minister Phil Goff has agreed to meet with the delegation at 3:30 PM, and we are hoping for a very positive outcome, said Mr McVicar.

Those appealing at present include William Bell, convicted of the RSA triple killing, all of the offenders involved in Michael Choy's murder, and Nika Abraham who strangled Kate Alkema to death on the banks of the Lower Hutt River.

With 450 hearings before the Court of Appeal at present it is not rocket science to see that New Zealand needs a major overhaul of our Justice system.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.