[Haydos]

@ Dan

From 3.4.1 Rehabilitation as a sentencing goal in New Zealand

The courts have been ready to modify sentencing for rehabilitative purposes if the defendant has already made a genuine attempt to undertake a treatment programme. This strategy is sometimes tested by making attendance at a specified programme a condition of bail. Subject to satisfactory performance, the sentence of supervision is subsequently imposed to ensure continued attendance at the programme.

The general principle that the sentence must be commensurate with the gravity of the offending is equally applicable where the Court is imposing a sentence with a view to achieving the reformation or treatment of the offender or the disposal of a person who is troublesome in the community.

For mine..

It’s been established that Veitch was remorseful for his actions long before it became a public issue. He received counselling and therapy regarding the issue long before it ever hit the newspapers and from all accounts according to his wife, family and close personal friends, he’s never had issues with anger while they’ve known him. You have to also remember that Veitch was honest with his family and also his employer that there had been an issue, which is not the usual “denial” that would indicate he’s not willing to face the consequence.

What we don’t know is how much of the story told by the media is actually true.

Friends of the two came out and said that she was well known for being extremely difficult, causing arguments, insulting him infront of them, coming over at 3am and banging on the door in hysterics and acting in accordance to that of a psychofuckbat. While this doesn’t excuse him from his actions, provocation should definitely be taken into account.

For those saying he’s trying to escape consequence and buy his freedom, remember, it was her lawyers that arranged the deal, but only after he made it clear to her he wouldn’t continue the relationship. This was bitter extortion, plain and simple.

He, being a public figure, knew any indication that he hit his partner would mean the end of his broadcast career so was in a bad position for dealing with it, he came clean to his employers and they advised him to accept the deal. Until we hear the truth of the matter and the court case happens, all we know is she says he kicked her several times, broke her back and left her lying there while he went back to bed. He hasn't given his version of accounts and it seems he won’t until the court case.

Meanwhile, he’s lost his job, despite his honesty to his employers at the time. He’s lost all respect and credibility from several of his well known friends (Matthew Ridge, being one). He’s had his name dragged through public mud over and over again, he’s had media camping out on his every move and realistically, faced more consequence than any of us are ever going to know… yet people are saying he's trying to escape consequence through suicide?

Fuck me, you really are a bunch of zealots.

He, like her, deserves a fair trial - chances are, he's not going to get one.