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Archived Press Releases 2005 14th January 2005

Urgent review of Bail legislation called for

(14th January 2005)

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is calling for an urgent review of Bail legislation after a Kaiwaka man charged with a number of violent offences was released on bail.

Jason Hilton appeared in the Whangarei Court on Monday 10th January charged with sexual violation and unlawfully detaining the woman he assaulted, with further charges pending. Judge Josephine Boshier disregarded police objections and released Hilton on bail.

National spokesman for the Sensible Sentencing Trust, Garth McVicar, said that Hilton had committed similar violent offences before and it seemed absolutely ludicrous that a Judge would release a potential “time bomb” back into the community.

“We now have a situation where the young woman Hilton attacked, and an innocent bystander who went to her assistance, are living in fear of their lives while the low life who committed the offence is free on bail”.

“There have been a number of similar situations recently and innocent people have died as a result. The Sensible Sentencing Trust believes certain Judges are being extremely negligent, and we are calling for an urgent review of the 2000 Bail Act before more innocent people die”.

“We have written to the Minister of Justice and asked him to intervene in the Hilton case, but to also consider reviewing all legislation surrounding bail."

“If the Judiciary is unable to act responsibly and ensure the safety of the community is of paramount consideration at all times then it is time the government acted and removed the power for Judges to give violent offenders bail.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.