"One of the Worst Cases of Abuse of Trust"

"One of the Worst Cases of Abuse of Trust Our Country Has Ever Seen"

"We are sickened, upset, angry and frustrated that 12 innocent children’s lives have been torn apart. As the law stands, we think our current legislation sanctions this horrific child abuse." Victim Advocates

In one of our countries worst cases of sex abuse, 64 year old Christchurch school caretaker and part-time teacher Robert Selwyn Burrett has pleaded guilty to 21 charges of sexual abuse of 12 primary school girls aged 5 to 12. The sexual violations include rape, sodomy and forcing them to watch pornography in an underground shed over a period of two years.

Sensible Sentencing Trust Victim Advocates Leigh Woodman and Jayne Walker say "the terrible far reaching and lifelong effects, the depth of depravity and trauma these paedophiles impose on the victims and their families is beyond comprehension" The Trust is calling for a Preventive Detention sentence to be imposed "to reflect the horror inflicted on these vulnerable children."

"We believe Burrett has committed a massive breach of a position of trust" The Sensible Sentencing Trust are asking the Judge "to have the guts to really make an example of this monster and to impose a SENSIBLE sentence of Preventive Detention. While Burrett is totally to blame for his actions, we believe this Government and previous Governments need to face up to the fact that they are in part to blame aso; it is reflected in previously pathetic sentences handed down, and we believe this condones and perpetrates the behavior. As the law stands, we think our current legislation sanctions this horrific child abuse."

"We are sickened, upset, angry and frustrated that 12 innocent children’s lives have been torn apart. We are truly revolted at this premeditated cruelty, and so hurt to know what has happened to these vulnerable children. This must not be swept under the carpet like so many cases are. Burrett should NEVER EVER be released."

The Sensible Sentencing Trust has been calling for there to be an open Sex Offender Register for a long time "It is paramount in working towards combating this abhorrent offending. It may well transpire that this is not Burrett’s first offence, often we see more victims come forward in these cases" An open register would make it easier for individuals to check on people they may have serious concerns about.

ENDS

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