Heavier Fines 'If Person Can Pay’

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31922, 25 February 1969, Page 28

Heavier Fines 'If Person Can Pay’

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, February 24. The imposition of heavier fines to cut the reconviction rate of men released from prison and Borstal could defeat itself unless the person had the ability to pay, Mr A. A. Coates, S.M,, said today.

The Magistrate was commenting on remarks made to the Wanganui Rotary districts by Mr Justice Woodhouse at the week-end. His Honour suggested heavier fines for young offenders—these to be paid in weekly instalments for several years—and greater use of participation in community work. “If people can’t pay, they don’t,” the Magistrate said. “The Court then has the difficulty of collecting the money and considering a term of imprisonment if they don’t pay. Then you’re back where you started.” The reconviction rate could be misleading. “You are dealing with that portion of the population that

has chosen crime as its vocation,” he said. “And they regard prison as a vocational hazard.”

Community work for offenders was always important. It kept the offender in the community supporting his family, but deprived him of his leisure. Community involvement was also important, in that it made people realise how the law worked.