Media Statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 21 July 2005

Alexander: Bill injured home invader for his hospital care

The 24-year-old home invader who underwent surgery yesterday for injuries sustained in committing the crime should be presented with a bill for the full cost of his care on the day he leaves hospital, United Future law and order spokesman Marc Alexander today.

He said Lower Hutt man Tony Cancian had been "nothing short of heroic" in defending his family against the three intruders, including the man who was injured in the confrontation.

"The intruder chose to be there and to commit that crime; he is to be held utterly responsible for all consequences of that crime, including his own injuries from a desperate man defending his wife and daughters," Mr Alexander said.

"Home invasion is a dreadful crime and must be treated severely in the courts, but as a guiding principle, those injured in committing a crime of any description should not have their care funded by the State, as you or I would if we were injured.

"Criminals injured in the act of committing a crime should pay for their own medical treatment," he said.

Ends.

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