Possible Appeal On Knifing Sentence (Press, 18 November 1983)
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Summary: Possible Appeal On Knifing Sentence (Press, 18 November 1983)
On 18 November 1983, William Marsters, a 27-year-old man from Hamilton, was sentenced to 18 months in jail after attacking his girlfriend's female lover, Kiritai Shirley Taylor, with a knife. He was convicted on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm but was acquitted of more serious charges, including attempted murder and threatening to kill his girlfriend. The sentence was handed down by Mr Justice Prichard in the High Court at Hamilton. Mr Justice Prichard noted that as a result of the attack, Ms Taylor would be left permanently incapacitated, described as a "vegetable." However, he remarked on the "unusual circumstances" surrounding the case, which led him to impose a lenient sentence. Following the sentencing, the Crown Solicitor's office confirmed that the details of the case would be forwarded to the Crown Law office in Wellington, where an appeal against the leniency of the sentence may be considered. Hugh Gaw, the general secretary of the National Gay Rights Coalition, expressed outrage at the court's decision. He pointed out that members of the lesbian and gay community felt a sense of horror regarding the judgment and the leniency shown to Marsters. Gaw argued that despite the court's statement condemning attacks on defenceless individuals, the leniency applied in Marsters' case contradicted this position. He questioned what could justify such leniency given the severity of the attack, which had irrevocably harmed a young woman's life. Gaw also claimed that recent comments from Minister of Justice Mr McLay, advocating for the recognition of crime victims, had not been adequately reflected in the court's handling of this case.
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