Rapist’s sentence pathetic

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Opinion

What is happening to our legal system?

I read the article of the trial of the man who decided to invade a child’s sleeping space — yes she was 17, a child — and raped her. As he ran off, her friends caught him.

Why oh why does he get his eight years reduced? He pleaded guilty — well, of course he should have, her friends held him down till the police came, no argument it was him. He said sorry — “sorry sorry, sorry” — see, simple to say.

His upbringing — plenty of people have horrible upbringings and don’t do things like this.

It is pathetic. The person he attacked, who had the right to be safe in her “home” for the night — gets more than three or the full eight years — she gets the lifetime of this event!!

Why are perpetrators getting so much care and the victims tossed aside?

To the heroic, now young woman who articulated the whole situation in front of strangers, but more heart-breakingly her friends and  family — your strength is outstanding. Your power was to speak up and to now go on and live the best life you can. I send you my strength and aroha.

The court system needs to respect the victim.

Sue Omer