Ashburton sentencing "will bring closure" for shooting victims' families

Source: PSA

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The sentencing of the Ministry of Social Development for not protecting staff in Ashburton from violent clients will bring much-needed closure for the families of the women who died, the PSA says.

Chief District Court Judge Jan-Marie Doogue said she would have imposed a nominal fine of $16,000 but as the Ministry is a Crown organisation, it cannot be fined.

"Today’s judgement acknowledges the failings which led to the tragic murders of Leigh Cleveland and Peggy Noble," PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay says.

"In sentencing, Chief Justice Doogue noted that staff at the Ashburton Work and Income office felt scared, exposed and vulnerable - and had at times been cornered and threatened by clients.

"We know from our recent Workplace Dynamics survey that frontline public servants often bear the brunt of their clients’ frustrations.

"The PSA has been working with the Ministry in establishing new guidelines for office layouts.

"However, there is more work to do, and those conversations are continuing.

"We believe today’s sentencing marks the end of a lengthy process which will have been deeply upsetting for the families, friends and colleagues of Peggy Noble and Leigh Cleveland.

"We hope their healing can continue, and we continue to offer our support to anyone who’s been affected by this tragedy."

ENDS

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