Judge's swipe at `3-strikes' law

Christchurch District Court Judge David Saunders had an offender with a long record in the dock on a burglary charge.

But he was concerned that the proposed law change could lead to an unavoidable 10-year jail term for what looked to be a minor offence.

The 29-year-old unemployed Northcote man was seeking bail and the judge granted it in spite of the police opposition.

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Judge Saunders commented: ''This case points to the failure of the ACT policy if this charge were proved. He might likely face 10 years' jail for going into a dog shelter.

Some people would say that this guy would have been in jail before this happened as he had so many convictions.

I thought prison was for rehabilitation... a real shame that the government isn't doing what is evidence based as opposed to hysteria...

''At $100,000 a year to keep someone in prison, one can imagine the huge cost to the country for something that is relatively minor. A judge might not be allowed to grant parole.''

''America's arrived, Sir,'' Mr Knowles commented. It is a sad day indeed! But perhaps we can elect another goverment, and get rid of this pandering-to-fear law!

The man was released on bail with a curfew at his home, and forbidden to go to the dog pound _ meaning that someone else will have to arrange to get his dog freed.

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