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Archived Press Releases 2008 31st October 2008

Why Still No Action on this Paedophile?

(31st October 2008)

It has been almost a year now since a 21 year old man who fathered a child to a 13 year girl turned himself into Police. The man had been having sex with the girl since she was just 11, yet apparently received only a verbal warning according to this Herald story

The Children’s Commissioner Cindy Kiro was obviously aware of the case, as she highlighted it herself, yet there has been no action taken. Surely a matter such as this should have taken precedence over the “smacking” issue and cases arising from that. There existed a prima facie case to prosecute, yet nothing has been done.

And this is not the only case where the "Justice" system has grossly failed to protect our children lately.

Recently a 19 year old man admitted to charges of sexual violation and indecent acts over a two-year period from when the girl was just five and he was 14. A pre-sentence report "indicated the man was at a high risk of re-offending and continued to lack insight into his actions."

For effectively ruining the life of an innocent child he was sentenced to just 12 months' home detention!

This issue needs addressing urgently. Offenders of this sort should be sentenced adequately to ensure they are taken out of circulation, but in some cases they are not even being charged and prosecuted?

This is a travesty of justice and places innocent lives at risk

The Sensible Sentencing Trust hopes that the next Government and its appointees will give these matters the priority attention they merit, and take the protection of children seriously.

Regards,

Peter Jenkins
Auckland Central Spokesman and webmaster,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.
mobile 0274 338562