We, the deeply impacted kiwis, are outraged by the unjust system demonstrated in the case of Jessica Lee Rose Mulford. Her crime? Taking the life of an innocent two-year-old, and yet receiving a sentence that we perceive as unjust for the horrific nature of her crime.

In 2021 Ms Mulford strangled her partners baby, Harlee-Rose Niven, which resulted in the baby being hospitalised. 6 months later she assaulted the baby AGAIN with such force the 2-year-old girl suffered a massive liver laceration, a pancreas that was split in two, internal bleeding and damage to her bowel. She died the following morning. 
For this crime Ms Mulford was sentenced for manslaughter and to five years and seven months' jail… 

To this day Ms Mulford has not owned up to her actions, despite the abuse happening multiple times and messages showed in court where she admitted hating looking after her stepchild. Her repeated abusive actions show intent, and her lack of remorse makes her even more so a danger to our community when she is released from prison.

This event highlights the imbalance and bias, particularly visible in grave cases like child abuse and murder. The fractured consistency of rulings on such serious matters has resulted in a system mocked rather than respected. This case is only one of many - a symbol of a broken justice system. 

To add fuel to the fire, New Zealand has one of the world's highest rates of child abuse, where a child is admitted to hospital every two days due to assaults (Source: UNICEF NZ). Such a situation requires a severe response from the legal system as a means to deter potential and repeating offenders. The punishment should always fit the crime, especially when it's as heinous as taking the life of a defenceless child.

The current state of affairs cannot and should not persist. A shocking number of lives have tragically ended, while offenders roam free or with minor consequences. It is time to rectify this heart-breaking condition by reassessing the case of Jessica Lee Rose Mulford and setting a precedent of stricter sentences that reflect the severity of their actions. Only substantial penalties will contribute in creating a safer society for the children of New Zealand.

We urge you to sign this petition, as a stand against this failing and unjust system, and as a cry for change. Act now, before yet another innocent life is lost.

This petition will be sent to relevant government agencies / politicians once we have enough signatures. Thank you for your support of protecting our Tamariki