Letter from Albert Clifford

>>> Albert Clifford 22/04/05 16:13:10 >>>
On behalf of my family, & myself I would like to thank my fellow Firefighters, Support Staff & all other Members of the Department for their support & words of encouragement over the past two years.
You are no doubt aware that sentences were handed down on the criminals who murdered Kurt Smith & savagely beat my son.
I have heard from many of my friends, & like my family, & myself they are appalled at the leniency shown to these convicted criminals, & have voiced their opinion to their local member of parliament.
A lot has been said about the sentences given to these scum for their part in Kurt's murder, & rightly so. But little has been said about the fact that for some unknown reason, the Crown allowed those involved in my son's vicious assault, to plead to a much lessor charge of common assault. This is basically the charge given to someone who pushes, punches or slaps someone causing very minor, or no injuries. They were originally charged with 'assault occasioning grievous bodily harm'.
Both of the criminals convicted with my son's attack, were given 6 months for the assault, but due to time already served, both have already completed their sentence.
My son was a former Australian champion in his chosen sport, but due to injuries he received during what I describe as a vicious & cowardly attack on him & Kurt, he can no longer compete at the level he attained. He no longer competes at any level.
His injuries included a broken nose, damage to vertebrae in his neck & back, a cut to the back of his head where he was struck by a bottle, as well as cuts & bruises over most of his face & body from being kicked & punched numerous times.
Common assault, I don't think so.
I have written to the Attorney General, The Premier & various members of parliament, both in Government & the Opposition detailing my disgust at the sentences handed down.
I have attached a copy for information, but if you think this is not the right forum to be airing my opinions, please do not read it. I will be more than happy to forward a copy to anyone's private email.
The Attorney General has contacted me & told me that the DPP has been instructed to appeal the sentences. Hopefully in the future common sense will prevail & their will be no need for appeals.
In an unrelated matter, I also found a very interesting website for anyone looking for information regarding their local member or their opposition counterpart.
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/
You never know when you might want some information or wish to contact your local member.
Again thank you all for your past, present & no doubt future & continued support.
Albert.

The Letter to Mr Bob Carr

Mr Bob Carr,
Sir,
I am appalled & disgusted by the leniency shown by Justice Greg James during the recent sentencing of those convicted of the manslaughter of Kurt Smith.
Any person who states that they did not intend to cause harm to another by punching or kicking them in the head, is either a blatant liar or lacks the sufficient mental capability to enable them to participate in today’s society.
Recent years have seen many media campaigns that remind us of the damage to the brain that can be caused by shaking a baby. Or the reason why we are required by law to wear a helmet whilst motor cycle or bicycle riding. This then would lead us to think that the brain & head are very vulnerable parts of our bodies & are easily damaged.
Why then would a member of our judicial system show leniency in part, by accepting statements by criminals that they did not realise the consequences of kicking or punching someone in the head.
I am also appalled & disgusted by the fact that those involved in my son’s vicious assault were allowed to plead to the much lessor charge of common assault when I believe they were originally charged with ‘assault occasioning grievous bodily harm’.
Both criminals convicted of my son’s attack, were given 6 months for the assault, but due to time already served, both have already completed their sentence.
My son was a former Australian champion in his chosen sport, but due to injuries he received during what I describe as a vicious & cowardly attack on him & Kurt, he can no longer compete at the level he attained. He no longer competes at any level.
His injuries included a broken nose, damage to vertebrae in his neck & back, a cut to the back of his head where he was struck by a bottle, as well as cuts & bruises over most of his face & body from being kicked & punched numerous times.
Common assault, I don’t think so.
How many times in recent years have complaints been made to the Attorney General, the Government, Opposition & the media regarding far too lenient sentences handed down by some members of our judicial system.
Obviously they have fallen on deaf ears.
I therefore request that you take whatever steps deemed to be within your power & means, to see that the sentences imposed on those convicted of the manslaughter of Kurt Smith, be reviewed.
I request the same in relation to the sentences imposed on those convicted of the assault on my son Sean Clifford & the circumstances surrounding this assault.
I hope those responsible for the leniency shown to criminals never have to suffer from sleep deprivation, continual nightmares & the many other problems caused by the scars, both physical & psychological, left on the innocent victims of violent crimes.
Albert Charles Clifford JP.