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Archived Press Releases 2007 16th November 2007

HEADS SHOULD ROLL OVER BABY’S DEATH

(16th November 2007)

A Justice Watchdog is calling for heads to roll after it was revealed a man found guilty of the murder of a Tauranga baby was already facing a murder charge but was released on Bail.

Michael Curran, 28, a father of three, was today found guilty of murdering a Tauranga toddler Aaliyah Morrissey. It can now be revealed Curran was on Bail facing a murder charge for the 2005 killing of Natasha Hayden at McLarens Falls near Tauranga.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is calling for a major overhaul of Bail laws and wants those responsible held accountable, saying it was a travesty of justice that a man facing a murder charge could be released on Bail.

Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar said this was not the first time someone on Bail for a previous violent offence had killed while on Bail.

"The Officials who allowed this to happen should be facing charges alongside the murderer. Michael Curran may have struck the blows that killed the baby but it was bad Bail legislation that allowed it to happen."

"The Minister and Government Officials responsible for this legislation should have been facing charges alongside Curran. They talk about the safety of the community then introduce pathetic airy-fairy legislation that exposes innocent people to violent offenders."

It has also been revealed that the Crown opposed Curran’s Bail, and McVicar said the lawyer responsible for Curran’s release must now share the lions share of the responsibility for the baby’s death.

"This lawyer knew Curran’s previous violent history and yet he still went way beyond the bounds of duty to ensure his client was granted Bail."

"The culmination of bad Bail legislation and a clever defence lawyer set in motion a disastrous chain reaction that cost an innocent baby’s life."

"Michael Curran may have been found guilty of the toddler’s murder but there are a number of people equally as responsible."

The Sensible Sentencing Trust will be doing its utmost to ensure those responsible are held accountable, McVicar said.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.