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Archived Press Releases 2003 January 12th

Call for Judge's Immediate Resignation

(12th January 2003)

Sensible Sentencing Trust has called for the immediate resignation of Judge Thomas Everitt over his totally inappropriate comments and mishandling of the sentencing of Samuel Hati, said the National Spokesperson, Garth McVicar.

Farmer Paul McIntyre shot Hati while he and two of his cronies were caught in the act of stealing the farmer's quadbike. The offenders were armed at the time.

At the time of sentencing Judge Everitt was quoted as saying, "You are a person like anyone else and do not deserve to be shot at". The Judge added that the whole experience must have been a terrible shock for Hati.

We believe the Judge is sending the wrong message to Hati and many others like him. If that is the sort of leadership our Judiciary displays, it is no wonder law abiding citizens are now taking the law into their own hands.

It is our opinion that if any member of the Judiciary has become so institutionalised that they actually feel sorry for an armed offender who was shot while blatantly committing a burglary, that Judge has become incapable of upholding the Law.

Judge Everitt has dug his own grave, he has lost the confidence and trust of the community he represents and in our view has no option but to resign.

We have written to Justice Minister Phil Goff asking him to seriously consider removing Judge Everitt, other Justice spokespeople have been asked for their support.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.