Donna's release 'mocks system'

The fact that former ACT MP Donna Awatere-Huata was released on parole just 9 1/2 months after being sentenced to two years, nine months in prison makes a mockery of the justice system, says Sensible Sentencing Trust spokesman Garth McVicar.
Releasing people on parole early was one of the reasons why so much crime was being committed in New Zealand, Mr McVicar said.
"I think our parole and home detention system makes a mockery of the justice system."
People should serve the time they are sentenced to and parole should be at the end of their sentence, he said.
Awatere-Huata was sentenced to jail on September 30 last year, following conviction on a number of charges of using a document for pecuniary advantage and one of attempting to perverting the course of justice.
She was released on home detention early in May. Six weeks ago the New Zealand Parole Board decided to release her on parole.
The board's decision stated that if released on parole, Awatere-Huata would not be an undue risk to the community.
Awatere-Huata will remain on parole until her sentence ends in 2008.