Tough new sentences await food tamperers

HEFTY new jail terms for food tamperers in the wake of the berry havoc – which will attract the same penalty as child pornographers – has been described as too weak by a copturned Federal MP because “soft” judges will not hand down maximum sentences.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday unveiled a shock political hammer in the wake of the strawberry needle crisis that has spread across Australia and led to copycat saboteurs.

As Queensland and Western Australia announced rewards to find those responsible for spiking berries, the Government revealed strengthened and tough new sentences that will be rushed through Parliament today.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said more than 100 cases of fruit tampering were being investigated.

The tough new laws, which will not be used when the culprits are found, include:

An increase to the penalty for existing offences relating to the contamination of goods from 10 years’ jail up to 15 years in prison. “One akin to possession of child pornography or funding a terrorist organisation,’’ Mr Morrison said.

A new offence “recklessness” to recognise food tampering will cause harm, which will carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ jail.

An amendment to the Commonwealth sabotage offences to ensure that sabotage of Australia’s food supply is captured by the sabotage offences. The penalties range between seven and 25 years’ imprisonment.

But Federal Queensland MP for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said while he supported the Government’ new penalties he did not believe it would be enough.

“I have little to no faith in the judiciary to implement them,’’ Mr O’Brien said.

“I believe you’ll see these criminals being dealt with in a soft way.”