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

Mouseover links for full page descriptions

Archived Press Releases 2006 17th October 2006

CALLER JAM AND FULL HOUSE EXPECTED AS BRITISH CRIMINAL EXPERT’S TOUR COMES TO CLOSE

(17th October 2006)

Huge level of interest in Theodore Dalrymple’s reasons why and answers to serious community problems.

The former prison psychiatrist turned author, Theodore Dalrymple has attracted large crowds and a very positive response during the Cradle to Jail tour of NZ.

Dalrymple has thought provoking opinions about welfare dependency, crime, prisoners, sentencing and family structures. He has been brought to New Zealand by the Cradle to Jail Coalition to raise the level of debate about these issues.

Almost 400 people turned out to a lunch time meeting in Tauranga today, another 300 in Napier last Friday and in Wellington last Wednesday to listen to Dalrymple debate Green MP, Sue Bradford.

His final meeting is expected to attract a capacity crowd at Auckland Boys Grammar tomorrow night.*

Kevin McNeil, son of murdered Tokorora Primary School Teacher, Lois Dear, will also speaking at this final meeting.

“Theodore has also been invited onto Leighton Smith’s radio show on Newstalk ZB tomorrow for an entire hour between 10-11am. It’s not only a privilege but it also shows the level of interest Leighton expects from his callers”, said Cradle to Jail Coalition spokesman, Garth McVicar.**

Dalrymple has had a full schedule of public and private meetings, media interviews and speaking engagements during the 10 day Cradle to Jail Tour.

“The response he’s received has been amazing. People are genuinely interested and deeply concerned. They are seeking answers, solutions, “walk rather than talk”. Kiwis are desperate to prevent what has become inevitable for many of our children. Everyone is asking how we can change the future for children who seem predestined to crawl from the cradle to jail”.

“The high level of interest in Dalrymple’s visit must surely make all politicians focus on our future, show some leadership and change this social experiment for our children’s sakes

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.