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Archived Press Releases 2007 7th December 2007

WATCHDOG APPLAUDS JUDGES DECISION

(7th December 2007)

Double murder accused, Lipine Sila applied to the high court and has been subsequently denied pre-Christmas electronically monitored bail in Christchurch yesterday.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust Christchurch Spokesperson, Leah Matena , applauds this decision as “a step in the right direction for all the victims involved in this case”

I noted however, the article in the Press quotes and interview with a family friend who says the family is upset and “thems the breaks…., you get used to it, nothing surprises me. We were hoping to have him home for Christmas”.

“Well, I am sure that Hannah Rossiter and Jane Young’s family and friends would dearly love to have them home for Christmas as well. Now however, the only difference is that Lipine’s family and friends will one day have him home for Christmas, the families of Hannah Rossiter and Jane young will NEVER again experience that right.”

“Too many times in New Zealand , people are released on Bail or Parole in our current offender friendly, politically correct justice system and the consequences continue to be devastating!!”

“The rights of victims and their families MUST come first. So, thank you Judge John Hansen for putting our victims and their families first.”

Regards,

Leah Matena
Christchurch Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.