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Archived Press Releases 2009 4th August 2009

PUBLIC SUPPORT 25 YEARS JAIL FOR REPEAT VIOLENT OFFENDERS

(4th August 2009)

While current debate rages around prison numbers a recent poll shows that politicians have lost sight of the fact the New Zealanders do not want violent offenders continually recycled. And if that means building more prisons – so be it!

A recent poll shows 75 percent of New Zealanders want an effective three-strikes policy to ensure repeat violent offenders are locked up for 25 years after conviction for their third violent offence.

The poll was commissioned by ACT after it became concerned that National had effectively destroyed the original Bill drafted by David Garrett.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust said it was disappointing that National campaigned to get tough on Law and Order yet was playing cat-and-mouse when it came to actually doing something about protecting New Zealanders from repeat violent offenders.

Trust Spokesman, Garth McVicar said National got elected on the Law and Order ticket and he was very disappointed to see them effectively destroy a Bill that was designed to target the offenders who cause so much hurt to innocent families.

"These are real people and real lives that are being destroyed; we are not talking about someone who has kicked over your letterbox. This Bill targets the criminal who simply gives his fingers to the Police, the Courts and society in general."

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.