26 May 2005

Bentley case thugs - one right message

“I take great comfort from the judge’s attitude to Peter Bentley’s use of his rifle when he was attacked last October, “ ACT Justice spokesman Stephen Franks said today.

“Sadly Peter Bentley missed.

“That judge used common sense to reject the criminals’ attempt to blame their violence on Mr Bentley’s grabbing of his rifle.

“The judge has respected the long tradition of our law as well as ordinary common sense.

“Unfortunately, his attitude is inconsistent with polticially correct, more recent provisions in the current Arms Act.

“The sections tell people it is never okay to defend yourself with a firearm. They fit current dogma that you should just wait passively for the police.

“I hope this sentencing decision encourages more people to support my amendments to the Arms Act before submissions close on June 8. The Law and Order Select Committee considers the proposals next month.

“I will be urging the committee to deal with the tensions between today’s robust sentencing practicality and the Arms Act sections that drive police to prosecute vicitms of home invasions,” Mr Franks said.

ENDS

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