University of Law Professor Bill Hodge is correct when
stating he was "concerned to see a run of cases where athletes were
discharged without conviction, on the basis it would affect their employment
and their ability to travel or compete in international competitions.”
"It's just a bit concerning that it seems to be setting
up a two-tier system of justice, where one class of people get one form of
justice, and a different class of people get a different form.”
His statement comes in light of Blues player George Moala's
discharge without conviction.
Only Professor Bill should have replaced the word ‘athlete';
with the word ‘rugby player’.
New Zealand triathletes, rowers, soccer players are
after-all all athletes.
Where is their ’get out of jail free’ card?
Last week ex Auckland Grammar student Moala was found guilty of one
charge of assault with intent to injure.
What would the chances of escaping conviction under the same
circumstances if you were a supermarket worker?
You told your probation officer “I not guilty” and denied
your role away from court?
Nil!
No judge would care if you wanted to travel overseas at some
future stage and the conviction would impinge those plans if you were a
mechanic or a truck-driver.
This is such an outrage that I wouldn’t be surprised if we
saw listings in the Yellow Pages giving Joe-Blogs facing prosecution the
ability – at a price - to all solicit the support of ex All Blacks, since
clearly their “He is a good guy” references gain sway with N.Z judges.
The crime of assault with intent to injure has a precedent
case on its books which reduces what is a serious offence to below that of a
traffic fine.
When you get a traffic fine you get a record.
Yet another, shameful day for N.Z justice.
