Sentence Another Limp Slap On The Wrist

If Justice France felt that Malcolm Alan Francis should serve 12 years for manslaughter, she should have been able to make that 12 years non-parole, because the non-parole period is likely to be the true sentence, ACT New Zealand Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks said today.

"Justice France set the non-parole period at eight years - the maximum allowable under a Government that doesn't believe in prison, and only sees the court sentencing process as a way to mollify the punters," Mr Franks said.

"Many people may feel that Francis was lucky to get a manslaughter verdict, for the killing of Cambodian woman Wathanak Tea. With the real sentences decided by the Parole Board, however, it is highly unlikely that Francis will ever end up serving the full 12 years of his sentence.

"Francis was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment - which he should serve in full. Parole is a failure that allows criminals to escape paying the full price of their actions. Without truth in sentencing, this 12-year sentence will not mean 12 years," Mr Franks said.

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