Sentencing remarks in James Haberfield matter

Statement from Chief Magistrate

There has been controversy in some sections of the media this week about the sentence imposed on Mr James Haberfield on Wednesday.

I have caused a version of the magistrate's sentencing remarks in the matter to be posted on this website.

Whether there is an appeal or not, it is clear the magistrate applied the law (as he saw it) to the facts to reach the sentence he imposed.

It would have been wrong for him to do otherwise.

Incidentally, prior to his appointment, the magistrate was a principal solicitor with the Office of Public Prosecutions.

Judge Peter Lauritsen

Chief Magistrate

Click here for the sentencing remarks.