Free as birds

Last September an 82-year-old Kerikeri man who stopped to pick up two teenagers in the rain was assaulted by the pair, beaten unconscious, left in a ditch and his was car stolen. They were due to appear on Friday last week for sentencing. Sentencing has already been deferred four times.

The assault happened almost 10 months ago. These two youths, who pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery, have been on bail since then.

This seems terribly wrong to me — that the victim of the assault is likely still traumatised, afraid and out of pocket, while the two perpetrators have continued to lead their normal lives, free as birds.

Why is this the case? Are they ever going to be sentenced, or will this, for whatever reason, just be swept under the carpet?

It makes me wonder what is happening in the justice system. Not justice, that’s for sure.

**** ANNAH JONES

Kerikeri

The offenders are currently before the Matariki Court at Kaikohe. They are next due to appear on August 14. Editor.