Media Statement For immediate release Thursday, 22 January, 2004

Alexander: Kurariki decision the right one

Keeping New Zealand's youngest convicted killer, Bailey Junior Kurariki, behind bars was the right decision as it was important that the age of an offender in such a serious crime did not become a licence for leniency, United Future's Marc Alexander said today.

Applauding yesterday's Parole Board decision that will see Kurariki continue to serve the seven-year manslaughter sentence imposed in August 2002 for the slaying of Auckland pizza worker Michael Choy, Mr Alexander said that an early release would have sent all the wrong signals to both Kurariki and to society at large.

"The fact that this crime was committed by a boy of 12 rightly shocked the nation," Mr Alexander, United Future's law and order spokesman, said.

"There are two aspects to sentences - punishment and rehabilitation.

"This young fellow has not been away long enough on either count," he said.

Ends.

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