Justice Minister proposes higher penalties for assaults against first responders
The proposed legislation was promised in National's coalition agreement with New Zealand First.
Photo:
RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has proposed the introduction of higher penalties for people who assault first responders.
Goldsmith's proposal would expand the current assault against police to also cover prison officers and all first responders.
The new offence of assaulting a first responder with intent to injure would mean up to five years in prison - two years higher than the standard offence.
Actually injuring them would carry a sentence of up to seven years and counts against the three strikes regime, which can impose mandatory minimum sentences.
The proposed legislation was promised in National's coalition agreement with New Zealand First.
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