By XAVIER SMERDON
A PROMINENT western suburbs politician has said he is open to discussion about the return of the death penalty in Victoria, following the grisly discovery of a woman’s body in Point Cook.
Member for the Western Metropolitan Region, Bernie Finn, told Star last week the discovery of 22-year-old Sarah Cafferkey’s body in a Point Cook home had made him rethink his views on capital punishment.
“I have to say I have been sickened by this incident and I could be open to being convinced on introducing the death penalty for murder,” Mr Finn said.
“My view is I support capital punishment for terrorists and drug lords but given the sickening nature of crimes we are seeing of late, I am not as opposed to it being used in cases of murder as I used to be.”
Steven James Hunter was arrested last week over the murder of Ms Cafferkey and it has been reported that he was previously sentenced to 16 years in prison over the murder of an 18-year-old school girl in 1986.
Mr Finn said he was not judging Mr Hunter prematurely and he was entitled to a fair trial but he welcomed debate about the use of capital punishment.
“If the allegations that have been raised about this incident are correct then the system has broken down,” he said.
“I’m open to hearing the views of residents. The best form of enquiry is for residents to voice their opinions.”
Mr Finn also said women needed to be as careful as possible in the wake of the attack that has shocked Wyndham residents.
“As the father of three daughters it horrifies me,” he said.
“My kids are going to be out and about soon and I am worried for them.”
