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Archived Press Releases 2003 February 13th

It takes a Woman

(13th February 2003)

Justice Potter has made history and shown enormous courage when she gave RSA triple murderer William Bell New Zealand's longest ever non-parole period, said the National Spokesperson for the Sensible Sentencing Trust

Mr McVicar said it obviously takes a woman to understand what is at stake here; it takes a woman to show empathy with the victims and their families. It was another female Judge that gave New Zealand's second longest non-parole period when Justice Goddard sentenced Bruce Howse to 28 years non-parole for the kiling of his stepdaughters.

While we must congratulate these ladies for showing the courage, spine and leadership necessary to turn this violent crime epidemic around, we must put it in perspective with the urgent legislation the government are pushing through at present. If Bell were a dog he would be dead, said Mr McVicar.

The mood of the country is changing, and politicians and the Judiciary are picking up the vibes, and Sensible Sentencing is proud to be leading this change.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.