Justice in NZ is under threat by decisions such as this one.

The decision by Justice Winklemann to discharge, without conviction, an 18 year old for causing the death of Stephen Dudley is monstrous.

Regardless of Stephen's purported pre existing medical condition the illegal actions of this boy, and others, lead to Stephen’s death.

While the Judge was driven by the future impacts of a conviction on the 18 year olds life, in doing what she did she failed completely to acknowledge that Stephen no longer has a life, his family no longer have a son,and an illegal act lead to Stephens death.

In her judgement she noted that this boy had never resorted to violence before – so now that’sOK – you can commit a crime once and get away with it??

And because Stephen had a pre existing medical condition it appears killing people with medical conditions is also OK.

In addition she assessed this as nothing more than a school yard fight - NOTHING MORE???!!!

Fundamentally this sort of thinking is WRONG. Any unlawful act should be prosecuted, and if found to be unlawful, as was the case here, punished in accordance with the law. A discharge without conviction is not a punishment.

This case needs to be appealed – I mean sick people get second opinions. Stephen is DEAD. He and his family, indeed the NZ community, need a second opinion.

For more information including the judgement - follow this link.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11305636

TV3 News

http://www.3news.co.nz/Judges-decision-to-discharge-teen-disgusting/tabid/423/articleID/355924/Default.aspx