PAROLE: Too Many Families Have Already Been Destroyed and Broken

7th July 2016

“The public should not be treated like lab rats and be subjected to this disastrous social experiment called parole.” Leigh Woodman, SST National Victim Advisor.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is incensed that yet another offender deemed to be fit for release by the Parole Board has committed further violent offences.

Warren Te Hei was today sentenced to preventative detention with a non-parole period of five years, after a jury found him guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assault with intent to injure. A 5 year non-parole period was imposed. Te Hei, is a patched member of the Rogue chapter of the Mongrel Mob, who once received a payout for alleged mistreatment by prison guards.

Woodman says, “Why is there any talk of Te Hei being paroled at all? Preventative detention is not imposed unless the offender is considered a very real threat to the community and Te Hei has an appalling history of violence, dating back to when he was 15. Surely the safety of the community must take precedence over the release of dangerous offenders like Te Hei.”

Te Hei was released in 2011 after serving nearly nineteen years behind bars. He was subject to parole conditions until April 2013, and has been back behind bars since late 2014 when he attacked a woman with a machete.

“How many people have to be hurt and maybe worse, before Government come to the realization that this parole ideology is failing. Past history is the best predictor of future behavior and Te Hei has proven yet again that he will not change.”

“The public should not be treated like lab rats and be subjected to this disastrous social experiment called parole.”

“Offenders like Te Hei should never be released and allowed to prey on anyone ever again. It is an absolute indictment on our justice system that they care so little for the victims and the Parole Board are literally saying its okay, go for it, we have to see how you go in society and if you stuff up, that's okay, we can recall you. But what about the new victims they have condoned being created? Is it worth the risk to innocent people? Too many families have been destroyed and broken and it has to stop.”

ENDS

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