Wednesday, 2 February 2005

Alexander: Killed by a teen? You're still dead

The release this week of two brothers after serving just six years for their part in the killing of Reporoa woman Beverly Bouma makes a mockery of placing a high value on human life, United Future law and order spokesman Marc Alexander said today.

"Mark and Luke Reihana were participants in the brutal home invasion killing of an innocent woman. They got reduced eight-year sentences because they were teenagers.

"The day being killed by a 15-year-old leaves you less dead than being killed by a 25-year-old, I'll buy that," Mr Alexander said.

"But until then, let's have a system that ensures that those who kill in such circumstances are punished with lengthy jail sentences. No ifs, no buts.

"Clearly not the Parole Board believes a miserable six years is a fair sentence served. The average New Zealander doesn't.

"These men chose to break into the Bouma's farmhouse and commit an aggravated robbery. They took Beverly into a room naked, beat her and then shot her."

"This was basically the case for which the term 'home invasion' was coined in this country. It horrified a nation." A media report at the time of the Reihana's court case ended with the line: "But in time Beverly Bouma may also become known as the woman who helped change the way this country treats its violent offenders'.

"Sadly, that hasn't been the case. Justice has not been done," Mr Alexander said.

ENDS

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