Dear Editor,
We are writing to express our profound concern and condemnation regarding the recent plea-bargained sentence of nine years for Joel Strachan, a 22-year-old man convicted of multiple violent crimes against women, including the brutal rape of an 83-year-old woman.
Strachan’s actions clearly classify him as a serial sexual offender, having committed a series of violent offences against women in a disturbingly short timeframe. This lenient sentence is not only inadequate but also sends a disturbing message about the system’s approach to protecting the public from violent offenders.
The potential penalties for Strachan’s crimes, particularly rape, ranged from 15 years to life imprisonment under the Penal Code. Given the severity of his offenses, including armed robbery and assault with intent to rape, the nine-year sentence is a grave miscarriage of justice. It fails to reflect the seriousness of his actions and the lasting impact they have had on his victims and our society at large.
While we acknowledge the factors considered by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), as noted by National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, it is imperative that plea agreements prioritize public safety and accountability for serial offenders.
The high acquittal rates in sexual offense cases should not deter the justice system from imposing appropriate penalties that reflect the severity of the crimes committed.
The current outcome raises significant concerns about the message it conveys: that violence against women, particularly by repeat offenders like Strachan, may not be met with the seriousness it warrants. It is crucial that future plea agreements take into account the need to protect society from individuals who exhibit a pattern of violent behavior.
We renew the call for the implementation of standardized sentencing guidelines that ensure serial rapists and violent offenders face the full weight of the law. Such guidelines should reflect the severity of their crimes and the necessity of safeguarding the community from further harm.
Written by: Lisa Bostwick-Dean
Vice-President, Women United
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