NSW: Increasing sentences does not deter serious crime

AAP General News (Australia)
08-27-2001
NSW: Increasing sentences does not deter serious crime

The New South Wales Institute of Criminology says increasing the maximum sentences
for pack rapists is unlikely to be an effective deterrent.

Acting director MARK FINDLAY says the state government's proposal to increase the maximum
sentence for gang rape to life may be useful in reassuring the public but is unlikely
to reduce the crime.

He's told ABC Radio that young males involved in gang rape don't consider the consequences
of their actions because they don't believe they will be caught.

Professor FINDLAY says US research indicates that increasing sentences for serious
offences where rational decision making has been abandoned, does not reduce the incidence
of such crimes.

AAP RTV maur/jjs/ldj/rp

KEYWORD: GANGS CRIMINOLOGY (SYDNEY)

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