What price does the justice system put on life?

TWO court cases reported (ODT, 3.7.20) were incredible for the disparate sentences handed down.

The first case concerned the intersection death of a mother of three, Nola PatersonBarton, caused by a deliberate act on the part of Rodney Martin, a farmer.

Rodney Martin was allegedly travelling at 56kmh on entering an intersection which had a stop sign. This was the deliberate act on his part as he obviously had no intention of obeying the stop sign. His sentence was eight months’ home detention and fines of $11,594.

The second case concerned Lorin Winter, a thief and drug addict. His crime was breaking into homes and stealing goods valued at $17,000. His sentence was five years and eight months’ imprisonment.

In both cases victim impact reports were read out in court and both judges commented on the impact it had on the families, notably of being robbed of important memories.

I fail to understand how the law can allow such injustice.

It leaves me with the overall impression that a life is worth less than chattels and that who you are affects sentencing.

W. N. Brook

Wakari

I AGREE with Bob Scott (letters, 4.7.20) regarding the very serious crime which resulted in virtually no punishment.

There seems to be a growing number of drink drivers who escape conviction due to the possible effect on their future careers — surely anyone driving when drunk is a potential killer. Humphrey Catchpole

Dunedin Central

Fabulous fantails

WHAT a joy to open this morning’s paper (ODT, 7.7.20) to see that amazing photo of those little fantails.

Stephen, you never cease to amaze and I can spot a ‘‘Jaquiery’’ at 20 paces.

Keep up the great work and I look forward to the next book to go alongside the other one.

Heather Payne

Alexandra