Media Release
20 October 2003

Justice System A Joke

New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark is calling on the Minister of Corrections to explain why up to sixty percent of offenders fail to complete sentences of community work.

“It is astounding that corrections workers are sent home because too few offenders turn up to do their sentences, instead of tracking down the offenders and making them complete the community work.

“These figures are showing the justice system to be a joke. Light sentences are handed down to offenders who know that they will never have to complete them and nothing will be done about it,” said Mr Mark.

“This is outrageous, it is no wonder there is no respect for the law and that crime is getting out of control.

“Not only do we not have enough police to catch criminals, when they are caught they can be guaranteed a pathetic sentence that they may well never have to complete.

“Greater sentencing options must be given to judges. If an offender continually fails to complete a sentence of community work then the offender can be seen as a recidivist offender and sentenced to a minimum period in prison.

“This is the only way to stop criminals laughing in the face of a soft justice system,” said Mr Mark.

ENDS

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