Smith: Charge should have been attempted murder

Citing American law, United Future's Murray Smith today said the three youths jailed yesterday for attacking a pregnant 16-year-old with the aim of making her miscarry, should have been able to be tried for attempted murder.

"It's time that New Zealand recognised offences against unborn children, as occurs in the United States, where a crime such as this would result in separate charges relating to the mother and the child," Mr Smith said.

"Make no mistake about it, this was nothing short of an attempted murder.

"Convictions for procuring an abortion and injuring with intent just don't cut it," he said.

The three youths, all under 18 and members of the New Zealand Warriors development league squad, were convicted yesterday of charges surrounding the vicious August 2003 attack.

Two received 18-month sentences and the third, 15 months, and all three were given leave to apply for home detention.

© Scoop Media