NSW Bar Association Criticises Proposed King Hit Bill
Thursday 14 November 2013 @ 11.35 a.m. | Crime
The New South Wales Bar Association has described the proposed ‘one punch’ law will result in disproportionate sentences for those convicted. NSW Attorney General, Greg Smith, is currently proposing law reform that will impose a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for single-punch assaults causing death.
The draft bill is based on the current ‘one punch’ law seen in Western Australia and is in response to the death of Sydney teenager, Thomas Kelly. Criminal Lawyer and President of the NSW Bar Association, Phillip Bolt, criticises the law for creating a maximum gaol term similar to the more serious charge of manslaughter:
"You don't need to prove the same things you need to prove to convict someone for manslaughter with this new offence...It's a less serious form of homicide."
Mr Bolt suggests that the law is a rush response to the four year gaol term given to the killer of Mr Kelly:
"The Government is entitled to bring in a new law and they should be reflecting community standards...But the right time to change laws is in a calm environment, and we haven't had it the last few days. The Attorney-General has been under a lot of pressure…It hasn't been a very calm and informed discussion."
Police Minister Mike Gallacher explains that the proposed law is only part of a tougher approach the government is taking towards alcohol fuelled violence. He went on to say that community education will be large part of the strategy to stop binge-drinking.
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