Corrections being failed by Government and Courts – SST

9th March 2017

The Sensible Sentencing Trust says that prisoners are making a mockery of a liberal prison and Court system and costing tax payers millions of dollars.

“When a despicable killer like Phillip Smith can sue for hurt feelings or breach of human rights because he was prevented from wearing his hair piece you can be certain that many other criminals will be contemplating how they too can play the game.” McVicar

The comments come after a week where it was revealed a convicted killer is suing the Corrections Department for hurt feelings after they prevented him wearing his toupe and another convicted murderer escaped any punishment after going on a rampage and committing $6000 of damage to prison property.

SST Founder, Garth McVicar said the Corrections Department and staff were doing a great job in extremely difficult circumstances but were receiving no backup support from the Government or the Courts.

“We have seen many situations in recent years where serving inmates have damaged prison property and the Courts have failed to punish the perpetrators. These are not kids damaging their kindergarten; these are hardened criminals making a mockery of the system because they know they will not be punished.”

McVicar said the fact criminals were able to get away with gaming the system was now having an effect on other parts of the prison system.
“When a despicable killer like Phillip Smith can sue for hurt feelings or breach of human rights because he was prevented from wearing his hair piece you can be certain that many other criminals will be contemplating how they too can play the game.”

“Not only are these convicted criminals making a mockery of the Courts and ridiculing the prison system they are costing New Zealand tax payers millions of dollars.” ENDS

For related articles please see the following links:

https://nz.news.yahoo.com/top-stories/a/34570387/murderer-sues-corrections-over-hair-piece/

Four maximum security prisoners charged over violent attack on Paremoremo
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11740734

Assaults on Prison staff escalate
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11733556

Garth McVicar
Founder Sensible Sentencing Trust

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