When a judge hands down a sentence for a major crime the term of incarceration usually pleases nobody. Some people think the prisoner should never be released and the judge sets both a maximum and a minimum sentence. The minimum is seen as a reward should the prisoner show contrition - and obey the rules and be of good behaviour.
Phillip Choon Tee Lin has now served eighteen years - the minimum of a twenty-four year sentence for the murder of heart surgeon Doctor Victor Chang. It was a grisly murder of a much loved pioneer of life saving surgery and now it is proposed that Lee be released on parole - and deported to his native Malaysia.
According to the prison authorities, Lee has been a model prisoner. He has shown remorse, obeyed prison rules and given his gaolers no trouble.
It is natural that many people are enraged at the prospect of parole, but then they would probably be equally enraged if he completed his twenty-four year sentence and was automatically released.
The problem is that the murder of an internationally respected leader of heart surgery is seen as an attack on the very foundations of the civilization we hold so dear - and to many no amount of gaol time would be an adequate sentence.
If the victim of this murder had been a citizen unknown to the public then this matter of parole would pass without question. People get parole every day of the year and criminals pass back into society without question.
It is unfortunate that because of the fame of the victim the intent of the justice system is about to be distorted. Lee will probably serve more time in prison - and his remorse and good behaviour will serve for nothing.
Whether the original sentence was adequate is a moot point !
What is an issue is that media publicity and public outrage is going to influence the outcome of what is supposed to be removed from the public arena and put in the hands of an experienced judge.
Justice extended to appease public opinion could be seen as justice denied !
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