VICIOUS MURDER BY TWO YOUTHS RAISES QUESTIONS FOR NEW GOVERNMENT 
 
 

Two17 olds have been charged with the murder of a man found in a roadside drain in Tutira.
 
A 17 year old male was charged on Monday and a 17 year girl will be in Hastings district court Friday 22nd.
 
Sensible Sentencing Trust youth justice spokesperson Jess McVicar says she is disturbed at how young our killers are becoming and is asking how the new Government intends preventing other young people entering into a life of crime.
 
“We have lobby groups saying that our youth justice system is too harsh on teens and that at the age of 17 they should not be charged the same as an adult. But then we have 17 year olds committing heinous crimes such as this and leaving us with another victim and society shaking its head in wonder.”
 
 “The accused not only murdered a man but stole his car and two cell phones! I truly hope this is not another situation where an excuse is made that they didn’t understand the nature of what they were doing or they didn’t mean to kill him.”
 
Jess says it is time to teach these two criminals right from wrong and teach them the ABCDs ACCOUNTABILITY BOUNDARIES CONSEQUENCES DISCIPLINE.
 
“This cold blooded murder comes at a time the new Minister of Justice, Andrew Little, is talking about reducing the prison population by 30% and repealing a lot of other legislation that has been put in place to ensure serious offenders are held to account for their crimes.
 
 “Andrew Little has so far said he will pretty much tear down all the justice work that has been put in place over the last 9 years, including getting rid of the 3 Strikes.”
 
“My question for Mr Little is given that he wants to send less people to prison what does he think should happen to these two young thugs who have committed such a despicable crime and how will he prevent other young people traversing this tragic journey?”
 
Our thoughts and condolences are with the families who have been effected by this terrible crime. ENDS
 
http://nzh.tw/11962401
 
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11964621&ref=NZH_fb
 
Jess McVicar
Sensible Sentencing Trust Youth Advocate
Mobile: 021 230 2391