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Amendments to
Sentencing Act

Premeditated or Aggravated Murder:

"Life means Life"

Urgent legislation is needed to ensure that premeditated or aggravated murder receives a "life without parole" sentence, by replacing the 17-year starting point under section 104 of the Sentencing Act 2000 with a MANDATORY whole of life sentence for this offence.

In addition to premeditation: aggravating factors shall include, offending while on parole, use of a firearm in the commission of an offence.

Many of the families in attendance have had a loved one murdered in a brutal premeditated attack, it would assist these families greatly if they knew for certain that the criminal responsible would never walk the streets again, and reduce the possibility of other families having to experience a similar trauma.

The introduction of MANDATORY whole of life sentences for pre-meditated or aggravated murder would eliminate the very costly appeals on murder sentences that are occurring at present.

The Crimes of William Bell - a typical case

1997 - aged 19, sentenced to 5 years jail for aggravated robbery.
Convictions before robbery, presenting firearm, 11 burglary, 18 fraud, 21 theft, 7 stealing motor vehicles, 2 impersonating police officer and numerous traffic offences.
At time of arrest for robbery he was wanted for failing to answer bail conditions. Assaulting a female, 5 burglaries and stealing a car.
July 2001, released on parole after serving 4 years and two weeks of his 5-year sentence.
December 1st 2001: Stole $4800 cash from Tavern Papatoetoe
December 8th: Only 5 months after release and while on parole murders three people and tried to murder a fourth while robbing the Mt Wellington-Panmure RSA.

Sensible Sentencing for a safe crime free New Zealand

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Premeditated or Aggravated Murder:

"Life means Life"