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Archived Press Releases 2007 11th July 2007

PAROLE BOARD CONGRATULATED…BUT…

(11th July 2007)

The Parole Board decision to deny parole to convicted rapist and murderer Paul Bailey has won them congratulations from an organization better known for its criticism of Board decisions…but the accolades come with a proviso.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust wants "life sentences" to mean exactly what they say, "Life without parole." Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar said the Parole Board must by now understand the trauma victims suffer every time they appeal to the Board not to release the murderer of their loved-one.

"This crazy system that gives these murderers the right to apply for Parole is causing enormous anxiety and stress to an already traumatized family. While we accept governments are incapable of understanding this we would expect the Parole Board to stand-up and bat for the victims."

Paul Bailey was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1992 for the rape and murder of Owaka school girl Kylie Smith; he was later sentenced to a further fixed-term sentence for the rape of a 12 year old girl – a rape he committed before he went on to rape and murder Kylie Smith.

In its decision the Parole Board made a postponement order which effectively denies Bailey the opportunity to apply for parole for another 3 years.

While McVicar said he welcomed the Boards decision the Trust [SST] was dealing daily with families who continue to suffer from the added stresses the parole system put them under.

"These families have enough trouble dealing with the murder of a loved-one – let alone having to then face up to being clobbered again – this time by a parole system that puts the rights of murderers before the rights of their victims."

"We may call ourselves a civilized society, but how civilized is it that we continue to drive these families back into the deep dark hole they struggle daily to emerge from."

McVicar said while criminal-focused vested-interest groups continued to support murderers he struggled to see how decent people on the Parole Board could continue support a system that caused such anxiety to victims year-in and year-out.

"I have seen first-hand – and I am sure the Board have also – what the prospect of the killer getting parole does to a family, I have seem them literally throw up – I have experienced them wanting to take their own lives."

"We are urging the Parole Board to join us in our call to Government to ensure all Life sentences mean exactly what they say –LIFE – without parole."

"A truly civilized society would put victims before criminals – the criminal had a choice – they gave their victim none."

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.