Franks calls for amendment to Arms Bill

Thursday 3 Mar 2005

Stephen Franks - Press Releases - Crime & Justice

ACT Justice spokesman Stephen Franks today called on Police Minister George Hawkins to add an amendment to his Arms Amendment Bill, which is shortly to have its first debate in Parliament.

"The amendment should clarify the muddled law that has seen the jury in the case of Northland farmer Paul McIntyre unable to reach a verdict," Mr Franks said.

"My Crimes (Self-Defence) Amendment Bill would clarify the troublesome sections in the Arms Act, but Mr Hawkins now has a effective illustration of why the law needs to change.

"Even if he wants to make it easier to prosecute farmers who need to defend their property, he should be clarifying the law. The Crown wastes money, as well as impoverishes the farmer, when trials misfire.

"A law change is too late for Paul McIntyre but it should be able to stop this nonsense in the future.

"ACT would gladly support a change to reinstate traditional rights to defend property and future Paul McIntyres," Mr Franks said.

ENDS

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