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Archived Press Releases 2010 3rd November 2010

NO VALUE ON A CHILDS LIFE

(3rd November 2010)

Murderer of 4 Year Boy about to be released even though the Parole Board believe He Will Reoffend - the Sensible Sentencing Trust say New Zealand law places little value on a childs life.

The Facts:

Defenseless, innocent 4 year old James Whakaruru was murdered after a prolonged beating causing extensive internal injuries 12 years ago, and now the Parole Board are about to release the murderer of this beautiful wee boy, even though they fear the offender Benny Haerewa will reoffend!

The Sensible Sentencing Trust believe major alarm bells should be ringing when the Parole Board signal their fears saying Haerewa’s psychological assessment is worrying, he is a high risk offender and eleven conditions have been imposed on him for his release!

It is unbelievable that the Parole Board do not have the authority to retain this offender in prison, what will it take? The Government should change the law to retrospectively impose preventative detention on Haerewa. What value do we put on the life of a defenseless child who has had his life brutally snuffed out? When will the Justice System put the rights of law-abiding citizens and defenseless children before those of the offender? Our society seems to put so little value on the life of our precious children when sentencing their murderers. It is incredibly heartbreaking and frustrating! Shame on our Justice System!

No one can give a guarantee that Haerewa will be properly monitored, or that he will abide by the conditions of his release and not reoffend, especially when the Parole Board are signaling their concern! Regardless of how good Probation Officers are, they are overworked and it has been proven time and again that if someone is determined to commit a serious violent crime or murder they will, just look at William Bell!

When he is released, which area will he be released in? Who will be Haerewa’s next victim, who’s child will be next to be brutally murdered and have their future stolen, who will be the next family to have their lives shattered and who will take responsibility for it?

The Sensible Sentencing Trust say this PC idiocy must stop, put the lives of our children before the rights of the offender, change the law and retrospectively impose preventative detention! It is the only right thing to do.

Regards,

Leigh Woodman
Wellington Spokesperson,
Mobile 027 561-2119
Mother of murdered schoolgirl Vanessa Woodman