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Archived Press Releases 2009 4th September 2009

In memory of Krystal

(4th September 2009)

Krystal walked her first half marathon with her mother, Sharlene, 15 years ago; she would have loved to have been with her family as they walked the Taupo half marathon again this year. But sadly Krystal was killed by a recidivist drugged driver on 5th September 2005.

Sharlene, her two daughters and husband Malcolm now walk the half marathon in memory of Krystal and to raise awareness of the carnage caused by drunk or drugged drivers.

The Barnett family has become staunch supporters and members of the Sensible Sentencing Trust and Malcolm and Sharlene are joint coordinators for the Taupo region.

They say belonging to Sensible Sentencing Trust has helped them with their 4 year battle to have median barriers as an integral part of the future roading infrastructure. (Krystal’s killer crossed the centre line and collided head-on with Krystal’s car)

The Government has made an announcement that median barriers will be erected on dangerous stretches of roads and they will also be erected on new roading projects.

The Barnett’s also speak publicly to raise awareness and membership for the Trust and Krystal’s college recently introduced her story of being killed by a repeat drugged driver into their curriculum for Life Skills.

Malcolm says belonging to Sensible Sentencing has also given them support and courage to fight for a more balanced justice system that doesn’t focus solely on offenders rights.

“Writing letters and meeting people in positions of power and authority is daunting at the best of times as these people have education and information on their side that we don’t. But by believing in what we are doing gives us the strength to step outside our comfort area and speak out about the lack of justice and the lack of consequences for serious crimes committed every day by the sort of people that take life so much for granted.”

The Trust was formed in 2001 by a small group of motivated people with a passion and a vision to create a patriotic, crime free New Zealand. The Trust now has many thousands of members nationwide including Victims of some of this country’s most horrific offences.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust will hold its 6th Victims Rights Conference in Taupo on the 19th and 20th September, the conference will be attended by families and Victims of violent crime from throughout New Zealand .

Regards,

Malcolm Barnett
Taupo Spokesman,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.
027 5349418