More jail for the violent

Press, 15 July 1987, Page 3

More jail for the violent

PA Wellington Heavier sentences for violent offenders and more compassionate treatment of their victims are among the provisions of a legislative package passed in Parliament yesterday. The Minister of Justice, Mr Palmer, said that most of the measures brought were recommended by the Roper Committee of Inquiry into violent crime. The legislation provided practical measures to “ac-

tually improve the situation in relation to violence and ... give the courts greater power to deal sternly with the problems which come in front of them,” he said. He described one of the bills, which ensured that the victims of crime were “treated with compassion, dignity, and given information,” as an important law change. Under the legislation on violent offences the following provisions would apply: Those sentenced to life

imprisonment face a minimum prison sentence of 10 years before parole is considered. Those convicted of serious crimes of violence will be jailed for at least two years, and will not be eligible for parole. Prison will be mandatory for violent reoffenders, and for those who commit violent offences while on bail. Electronic surveillance will be available to the police for detecting organised crime. The courts will have the

power to order the removal of fortifications round gang houses Alcohol will no longer be considered a mitigating factor. Mr Palmer criticised amendments the Opposition had wanted made to the legislation. One sought to increase the maximum penalty for rape from 14 years to 20 years. The Opposition also wanted to alter the law on electronic eavesdropping.

It would also have had “grave implications for civil liberty.”

The Opposition spokesman on justice, Mr Paul East (Rotorua), said Labour was a late starter on the issue of violent crime.

Some changes under the legislation were measures National had tried to introduce but had been opposed by Labour members of Parliament. National supported the stricter provisions which were part of its policy, Mr East said.

Sentences for rape and murder were still too short, Mr East said.