06 May 2004

Home Detention For Child Pornster?

New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark says he is outraged that home detention has been granted to a man convicted of trading in child pornography.

Stephen Karl Folster, of Blenheim, was yesterday granted leave to serve his eight-month sentence at home.

“This is utterly appalling. What is wrong with our justice system when a man like Folster gets off so lightly for his despicable behaviour?” asked Mr Mark.

“Folster was convicted of collecting and distributing pictures of children and babies being raped and abused. Is this the kind of man we want back in our community?

“By allowing Folster to serve his sentence on home detention, I believe the judiciary has offered only a token deterrent to future perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

“He may have been given conditions to his home detention, such as restricting access to a computer – but who is going to police this?

“Home detention was put in place to allow minor offenders to serve their sentences at home – not people who commit abhorrent crimes and are a risk to the community.

“The sentence handed down to Folster will simply allow him to continue his sick crusade from home,” said Mr Mark.

ENDS

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