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Archived Press Releases 2003 3rd October 2003

Youngest Killer makes bid for Freedom

(3rd October 2003)

The Sensible Sentencing Trust says New Zealand's youngest killer has not learned how to behave and should remain in the Kingslea Corrections Centre.

Trust spokesman, Garth McVicar said Kurariki has had 12 separate incident reports in the last 2 months alone, until this young killer learns some rules he should stay where he is. We see no point in returning him to the environment that failed him so badly in the first place. Bailey Junior Kurariki was one of six young people charged with the murder of Pizza Hut worker Michael Choy, he was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to a seven-year jail term.

After serving only 12 months of that sentence Kurariki has applied for "Home Detention" and will have his case heard on Tuesday.

Mr. McVicar, said that the price New Zealand is paying for our soft approach to criminals and punishment is now costing this country dearly, we urge the Parole Board to send a message to Kurariki, and other criminals that our society will no longer tolerate this behaviour. The Sensible Sentencing Trust believe "Politically Correct" policies of past and present government's are leading this country down a one-way path of self-destruction.

New Zealand used to be famous and make worldwide headlines for our clean, green and safe image; we are still making headlines, but for all the wrong reasons. Mr. McVicar said. New Zealand is now one of the most violent countries in the Western world, we are leaders in child abuse statistics, and illegal drug abuse levels in this country are only beaten by Thailand.

Youth violence has also reached epidemic proportions, and Police say more burglaries are now being committed by children under 10 and than by criminals over 30. With these horrific statistics glaring at us, Mr. McVicar said it is ridiculous for any government to introduce legislation that allows our most violent offenders, like Kurariki, to apply for Parole or Home Detention after serving a fraction of their sentence.

Many crimes are drug related and yet the government is still pressing on with plans to decriminalise cannabis! Young children are committing crimes because they have not been taught the meaning of accountability and responsibility and yet our government wants to ban smacking! The Sensible Sentencing Trust believes that the ultimate responsibility for any child lies with the two people that created that child, legislation will never stop child abuse. There can be no substitute for a mother and a father.

Mr. McVicar said. It is all very well for politicians to wring their hands now with vote-catching agony over Coral Burrows death, but before they use her death as an excuse to introduce anti-smacking legislation should we not ask "What was a convicted criminal with 93 previous convictions doing on the streets?"

Before the government rushes off and introduces more pathetic wet bus ticket legislation we would suggest they have a good look in the mirror and see where this chaos started.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.