A 77% discount that punishes the victim

Stuff has the story of a young woman who was raped at knifepoint by a 17 year old in. a park. It is harrowing to read how it has shattered her life. Full of admiration for how she kept her cool, and tricked the rapist into walking through an area with security cameras so he could be identified.

The assailant received a sentence of only 26 months, which seems unbelievable for a violent rape. The victim calls it a pitiful response, which it is.

The unadjusted sentence was 11 years and one month which seems about right. But he then got discounts totalling 77% for various factors such as youth, assumed remorse etc.

The Government is going to change the Sentencing Act so that the maximum cumulative discount is 40%. In this case it would means a sentence of six years and eight months rather than two years and two months.

The opposition will of course oppose this law change.