Woodstock's Police Chief urged Canadian lawmakers to approve a mandatory minimum sentence for kidnappers today. Rod Freeman made a presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. He was speaking in favour of a private members bill that seeks a mandatory 5-year sentence for any stranger that kidnaps a child under the age of 16. Chief Freeman says given the severity of the case they just finished prosecuting, the committee was all ears. "It was an honour to be able to represent Woodstock here at Parliament today. They were very interested in what we had to say, having experienced what we did in Woodstock. I'm pleased that perhaps Victoria's death will not be for nothing. Perhaps this law will pass based on what we were able to contribute today." The Justice Committee Freeman spoke to is comprised of 16 Members of Parliament from all different parties. BC MP David Wilks tabled the bill (C-299) in hopes of preventing child abductions, and prosecuting those who do victimize children. Freeman has hopes the law will pass. "I would like to see this pass. I get the sense around the table that may in-fact happen. It's an expectation that we all have as parents that are kids are going to be kept safe. And I think there's a responsibility...to make sure that we have measures in place if a kidnapper is successful...there's going to be a substantial, effective punishment at the end of the day." Freeman was called by Ottawa to come make a presentation on Tuesday, the same day Michael Rafferty was formally sentenced to life in prison in Tori Stafford's abduction, rape and murder.
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