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Archived Press Releases 2009 14th January 2009

Kim Workman needs a reality check!

(14th January 2009)

Recent articles written by Kim Workman, Director of the Rethinking Crime and Punishment project, which looks into alternatives to prison are way off the mark, according to Leah Matena, Christchurch Sensible Sentencing Trust spokesperson.

"Kim Workman’s comments that we need to look at alternatives to prison, namely home detention, are missing the main point.... People need to feel safe in their homes."

"Too many times I have had to deal with people who have become the victim of a violent and horrendous crime committed by repeat violent offenders with long criminal histories. The same message comes out every time – too many rights for the offenders, and not enough for the victim" says Leah Matena.

"Why violent and repeat offenders should be allowed the privilege of home detention is beyond reasonable thinking. Allowing offenders to return to the streets, to work if they are so inclined, while the victim is too often not able to work again (at least for a long time) is NOT justice."

Crime in this country has escalated to the point where it desperately needs to be dealt with now! Put the innocent before the offender for once; get the balance of the scales the correct way around.

It is time we reclaim our communities/streets, looked out for one another, and responsibility is taken for the state our country is in for future generations to come.

"I am personally sick of the PC approach in New Zealand and previous governments taking the soft approach. It’s time our new government focused on the majority and not the rights of the minority."

Regards,

Leah Matena
Christchurch Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.
Mobile 027 3066 458