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Archived Press Releases 2009 22nd January 2009

Judge Colin Doherty applauded by Justice Watchdog

(22nd January 2009)

A Justice Watchdog has applauded a Christchurch District Court judge for handing down long prison sentences to two youths affiliated with the Crips gang for a savage assault on a 14 year old boy which caused him swelling to the brain, cracked teeth, eyes swollen closed, and bruising to his head, arms and torso. The offenders, Harley Ehekrera Tapine and Jamie Junior Karlytzky, were jailed for seven years and six years respectively, and were both out on bail at the time of the crime.

"This type of violence is escalating in New Zealand particularly that committed by youth gangs. Judges now seem to be taking into account the New Zealand public’s views on serious violent offenders, and how fed up the public is with leniency for this type of criminal," Sensible Sentencing spokesperson Ross Crosby said.

While the Trust believes it is mad and completely unnecessary that people convicted of first-time offences such as stealing library books are being sent to jail. It also feels it is crazy that repeat violent offenders, sex offenders, recidivist drink drivers and methamphetamine dealers are being given home detention, and are granted bail while they await trial.

"Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm carries a maximum of 14 years, but according to records on our offender data base the average sentence looks to be about three and a half years - quite pathetic," Mr Crosby said.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust hopes the lengthy jail terms handed down by Judge Colin Doherty to these two young thugs who have no shown no remorse and no willingness to change will encourage other courts around the county to do the same, and actually use their statutory powers to their full.

Regards,

Ross Crosby
Sensible Sentencing Correspondent for Australia
Assistant to Webmaster and Database researcher and auditor,
mobile 0061 42 4993905
email rncrosby@tpg.com.au