NSW: Iemma toughens sentencing laws following attack

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2005
NSW: Iemma toughens sentencing laws following attack

New South Wales Premier MORRIS IEMMA says he wants thugs who assault lifeguards ..

to face up to the maximum 25 years in jail.

Under the present Crimes Act .. penalties for assault range from two to 25 years ..

depending on the offender's intent and the amount of damage caused.

Mr IEMMA says he wants the law amended when parliament resumes next year .. so courts
consider it an aggravating factor if the victim of an assault is a volunteer.

He says people who selflessly give up their time to save those in distress on the beach
.. shouldn't be considered easy targets by thugs and hooligans.





Riot police are patrolling North Cronulla Beach .. in Sydney's south today .. amid
fears of violence between locals and visitors .. after an attack on two lifeguards last
Sunday.

AAP RTV kjd/jmt

KEYWORD: SURF LAWS (SYDNEY)

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