MEDIA RELEASE
8 November 2012
Abusive Father’s Increased Sentence Welcomed
Family First NZ is welcoming the increased sentence for the father convicted of repeated assaults on his infant daughter
that resulted in her legs being broken in five places. Family First had written to the Solicitor-General regarding James
Hall and asked for them to appeal the original sentence of home detention.
“It was a pathetic sentence that sent a dangerous message that we don’t value the life and protection of our vulnerable
young children,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ. “This was a cold, calculated and grotesque
abuse of a four month old. To put a value on that as a ‘homestay’ for 12 months was insulting and pathetic.”
“As a community, we are trying to say that the abuse of our young and most vulnerable is completely unacceptable and
that our responsibility as adults is even greater around these young children – yet the consequences given out by the
courts can completely undermine that message.”
“It is significant that the consequences for attacking a police officer or prison guard are being increased. It is time
that children were guaranteed the same increased level of protection,” says Mr McCoskrie.
“People who murder and maim our children need to know that children will be afforded greater protection by the
judiciary.”
ENDS