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

Mouseover links for full page descriptions

Archived Press Releases 2004 9th April 2004

Victims to sue criminals?

(9th April 2004)

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is outraged that a convicted murderer and other criminals will be able to sue the Corrections Department for damages.

A High Court decision which found that convicted murderer Christopher Taunoa and other criminals were mistreated while in Prison was an "insult and another kick in the guts" for the many victims and families who are suffering as a result of the callous actions of these criminals.

But to every cloud there is a silver lining and this may be the break we have been waiting for, said the Trust National spokesman. We believe a precedent has now been established and we will be encouraging victims to sue these criminals for compensation for the stress and loss of quality of life caused by the offender's actions.

Mr. McVicar said the Trust would ask parliament to ensure that any funds paid to criminals is placed in a holding account until reparation and victim entitlements can be established.

This case has been paid for by legal aid and any damages will be paid by the tax payer, I am sure the average New Zealander would prefer the money be paid to victims where possible.

Mr McVicar said the Trust is already advising and helping one victim to seek compensation in a case where it is alleged blatant negligence allowed the offence to occur. We believe this case will make history in New Zealand, and will have ongoing ramifications towards balancing a justice system that has become offender orientated.

While the Criminal centred justice system and Legal Aid gravy train has been used to establish human rights and civil liberties for offenders, the Sensible Sentencing Trust will be encouraging victims to use every possible tool to turn this around and gain momentum for the victims rights movement.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.