Alexander: Scrap parole legislation and start again

In the wake of the quiet release of five-time rapist Michael Carroll, United Future law and order spokesman Marc Alexander has called upon Justice Minister Phil Goff to go back to square one on parole legislation, and scrap parole altogether for violent offenders.

"Those convicted of truly violent crimes should serve the full length of their sentences, and in the case of those whose multiple violent acts have been sufficient to earn preventive detention - they should leave prison on their 101st birthday or in a pine box," Mr Alexander said.

Carroll's release into the small community of Pukerua, north of Wellington, in February was just another example of the essentially flawed nature of the whole parole system.

"Bleeding hearts often call for a second chance for violent criminals. Well this man has had his second, third, fourth and fifth chances, and the Parole Board has now seen fit to effectively give him a sixth crack at the women of New Zealand.

"At what point are these people going to get in touch with where New Zealanders stand on violent crime?

"We have corrections officials who have had the company of this man for 21 of the last 23 years in prison, and who regard him as a time-bomb. How does this translate into 'let's set the guy free'? Just what is going on?

"This is only the latest example of how the parole system is simply not working in the best interests of the people of New Zealand.

"I challenge Mr Goff to scrap it and start again, based upon the first premise of protecting New Zealanders, and on parole being a privilege and not a right," he said.

© Scoop Media