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It's been over three years
since the Three Strikes Act came into legislation,
which means on the second strike,
offenders would receive a full sentence,
and third strike maximum penalty.
But its critics have slammed the legislation
after a young man was warned of a 14-year jail sentence
if he attempts another street mugging.
Peata Melbourne has more.
It was in this courthouse where Elijah Whaanga
pleaded guilty to two charges of aggravated robbery.
The 20-year-old earlier stole a mobile phone and hat.
Four months later he committed two aggravated robberies.
He has been warned by the judge that if he does it again,
he could spend 14 years behind bars with no parole.
Kim Workman says instances like the Whaanga case
show how the 'three strikes' legislation
takes away the discretion of the judiciary
to make appropriate sentences for lower-risk offenders.
However, over the last four years, there has been an increase
in warnings for offenders...
By the end of last month
there were 2684 offenders on their first strike
and 17 on their second strike.
In a statement from the Minister of Justice,
Judith Collins today said
the legislation is working well.
The Government has no plans to change it.
It will cost over a million dollars
to hold offenders such as Elijah Whaanga for 14 years.
So Workman believes rehabilitation programmes should be considered.
Peata Melbourne, Te Karere.