Police Congratulated on Gang Arrests Call for Judiciary to Show Same Courage - SST

27th January 2017
The Sensible Sentencing Trust say the Police showed enormous courage in arresting 12 gang members and is calling on the Judge who sentences them to show the same courage.

The 12 arrests came after shots were fired during a mongrel mob funeral procession in Whakatane. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/88851765/police-arrest-12-after-shots-fired-at-mongrel-mob-funeral-procession

Sensible Sentencing Founder, Garth McVicar, said the Police showed enormous courage and determination in arresting the 12 men from Whakatane.

"Those arrested are facing numerous charges, including using a firearm against law enforcement officers, reckless discharge of a firearm and rioting."

McVicar said, anyone who is prepared to use a firearm to commit a crime is obviously very dangerous.

"The Police would have put their lives at great risk to arrest not one - but 12 such dangerous men."

"The Sensible Sentencing Trust appreciate their courage and on behalf of our thousands of supporters we congratulate and thank them."

"The Police have done a magnificent job it is now up to the Judiciary to show the same tenacity and courage and make sure these dangerous thugs are locked away for a very long time."

"These thugs are facing multiple charges, our call is for the sentencing Judge to use the full strength of the law and sentence them to cumulative [multiple] sentences."

McVicar said the sentencing Judge will have the discretion of ensuring the message gets through that anyone prepared to use a firearm in the execution of a crime will not be tolerated in New Zealand society. ENDS

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