Te Rangiaho Ian Williams, 19, says he was prospecting for a gang in Manawatū when he stalked three women and inappropriately touched them in May.

He was granted a discharge without conviction in the Palmerston North District Court on Wednesday. Although guilty of three charges of indecent assault, his criminal record remains unblemished. Judge Stephanie Edwards said the consequences of entering a conviction would be out of proportion to the gravity or seriousness of Williams’ offending.

This is the kind of sentencing that creates rapists and expands rape/sexual assault culture. Choosing to not sentence someone because it would hinder their future goals and aspirations tells victims that speaking up is not fair to an offenders future. Those women get to wear that for life, and he walks free knowing he could potentially re offend with no or little repercussions. Makes me sick.

Here is the Stuff article to read more about the trial - https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/122630501/teen-who-sexually-assaulted-women-on-palmerston-north-walkway-avoids-conviction 

WE WANT HIM CONVICTED TO SHOW RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IS NOT OK!