Monday 13th Sep 1999
Richard Prebble
Media Release -- Justice
Scott Watson should get truth in sentencing
ACT Leader Richard Prebble says it doesn't really matter what non-parole period Scott Watson gets in his sentence for
the murder of Olivia Hope and Ben Smart, because it won't be enough.
"We should have truth in sentencing for Scott Watson. Scott Watson's so called 'life sentence' for the murder of Olivia
Hope and Ben Smart shows we have lies in our prison sentences.
"Instead of being in prison for life for taking two lives, Scott Watson will most probably be out in 10 years. Indeed,
you could say that for the second murder he received no penalty at all.
"I believe that Scott Watson should do at least 20 years without parole - since he committed two murders.
"To give an idea of how little we value human life, theoretically you can receive 10 years for burglary - the sentence
that Scott Watson will probably do.
"ACT says we need truth in sentencing. My Truth in Sentencing Bill requires offenders to serve at least 80% of their
court-imposed sentence.
"ACT is also opposed to the court's custom of concurrent sentences because it means that the second crime is 'free'.
"In Scott Watson's case he should serve life for both," Mr Prebble said.
ENDS