Roe decision shows justice system broken

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Kamloops This Week

• Disgraceful criminal-justice system

• BASS: And justice for all? No, son, justice for some

Editor:

Re: The KTW story of Feb. 14 detailing the fact convicted killer Stephen Roe has had his day parole extended (‘Killer has day parole extended’):

Once again, the Canadian justice system has shown it cares little for the damage and suffering caused to victims and the families of the person murdered.

I am truly amazed and disappointed that the Parole Board of Canada has seen fit to grant day parole to Roe, never mind extending it.

This guy should spend the rest of his days behind bars. Just take a look at his crime and subsequent behaviour while in prison. Yeah, right — we are all sure he will be a model citizen in the future.

After viewing his Feb. 21, 2006, attack on David Holditch on the courtroom video, it was very apparent this was a pre-meditated, vicious attack with the intent to maim or kill Holditch. I remember the judge asking the prosecutor at the preliminary hearing why this was not presented as a first-degree murder charge. I believe the prosecutor said, “We think we can better make a second-degree murder charge stick.”

Wow.

What the most recent story did not mention was the fact Roe, during his hunt for Holditch, had stopped at another Esso gas station prior to jumping back in the taxi and carrying on to the Aberdeen Esso, where he finally found, cornered and killed Holditch.

Seems to me that kind of action requires a little forethought.

Until there is sincere, caring and solid action to help protect victims and families of such horrendous crimes, the Parole Board of Canada and the justice system might just as well pack up and go back to their respective cocoons because the way I and thousands of other Canadians see it, the systemic rot and leniency in Canada’s justice system will continue to get worse and people of the likes of Roe can, after a few years of so-called rehab, go merrily about their lives.

Meanwhile, victims have been denied their right to a full life. I feel very bad for the family Holditch. They have to continually live with the loss of David.

When will the rights of crime victims be recognized in a decent fashion?

And, was it really necessary to bring up the girlfriend’s name again?

The story was about day parole for Roe. Does it really make for a more juicy read if other names are also mentioned? She, too, as an innocent bystander, has to live with the memory of this obscene, vicious crime.

L. P. Larkin

Kamloops