An independent review has found Justice Graeme Panckhurst guilty of a disproportionate reaction that was quite simply 'over the top'. He has been sentenced to 3 years jail.
It doesn't matter what was going through Justice Panckhurst's mind at the time, it is clear he has made a terrible mistake, and he must therefore pay. Three years jail is letting him off pretty lightly. The police, when considering the case that caused this unreasonable action from Panckhurst, noted that the victim was being sentenced to jail and the aggressor completely let off. Effectively, Justice Panckhurst was guilty of kidnapping and obstructing justice.
This will send a strong message to the community. You can't have judges going around handing out disproportionate sentences. He may see his actions as 'simply doing his job' but he really should have considered things more carefully than what appears to have been a 'heat of the moment' sentencing decision.
It doesn't matter what was going through Justice Panckhurst's mind at the time, it is clear he has made a terrible mistake, and he must therefore pay. Three years jail is letting him off pretty lightly. The police, when considering the case that caused this unreasonable action from Panckhurst, noted that the victim was being sentenced to jail and the aggressor completely let off. Effectively, Justice Panckhurst was guilty of kidnapping and obstructing justice.
This will send a strong message to the community. You can't have judges going around handing out disproportionate sentences. He may see his actions as 'simply doing his job' but he really should have considered things more carefully than what appears to have been a 'heat of the moment' sentencing decision.
A young chef is going home from work late at night on a Christchurch bus. He is by himself and minding his own business. A group of young thugs start harassing him because he happens to be wearing a red sweatshirt – and red, in this pathetic aping of Los Angeles street culture, is the colour of a rival gang. He is spat on and a cigarette lighter is thrown at him. The bus security video reportedly shows him cowering and frightened. As the bullies leave the bus, the 21-year-old chef is punched in the mouth. He takes out his chef's knife, which he is carrying in a bag with his apron and hat, and lashes out. He stabs one of his tormentors, a 15-year-old, in the side and nearly kills him.Related Link: Karl du Fresne - The law has lost its sense of proportion on self-defence
The upshot? Hill was sentenced to two years' jail on a charge of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.