SENTENCE DESERVES ANOTHER LOOK

o say the Townsville community has been very concerned about the sentence handed down to a teen rapist last week is an understatement.

The Townsville Bulletin ran the story last Saturday telling the harrowing tale of how a 17-year-old teen was found guilty of orally and anally raping a 16-year-old virgin.

Despite the conviction, the teen walked free from court with no conviction recorded.

Since the story ran the Bulletin has fielded calls from many saying the sentence didn’t send a strong message to the community about the severity of rape.

Federal member for Herbert Phillip Thompson and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto were quick to denounce the sentence.

Mr Thompson said his office had been “inundated” with calls and messages expressing distress about the sentence, which he described as “unbelievable”.

“I do not believe that anywhere in the country and in Townsville would agree that decision is fair and just,” he said.