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Archived Press Releases 2006 8th July 2006

JUDGE CONGRATULATED FOR SENSIBLE SENTENCE

(8th July 2006)

A judge who ordered a recidivist drink driver to sell his house to pay $47,845 to the family of the man he killed has been congratulated by a criminal justice watchdog organization.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust, well known for its uncompromising stance on law and order issues, has written to District Court Judge Stephen Erber, "To congratulate him on behalf of all sensible thinking New Zealanders."

In the Christchurch District Court Judge Erber ordered 66 year-old David Grahm Cashman to pay $8000 each to the mother, father, two sisters and brother of Jonathan Keogh who died after being hit by a car being driven by Cashman.

Cashman had three previous drink-driving convictions and Judge Erber told him, "You will have to sell your house. That’s too bad"

Mr Keogh’s sister, Megan McPherson who has joined the Sensible Sentencing Trust to continue and add weight to the fight against recidivist drink drivers told Cashman that "Forgiveness can never be contemplated".

Trust spokesman Garth McVicar said that Judge Erber was a very courageous Judge and needed to be supported by members of the community, "We hope Judge Erbers’ sentence and comments will be reflected in all such cases in the future. Maybe the message will finally get through to these repeat drink drivers, that society will not tolerate their behaviour".

Mr McVicar said the Trust was very pleased to have Megan McPherson on board as her experience with her brother’s case would help her assist others who find themselves in similar situations.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.