It appears that might has once again triumphed over right.
Owen Labrie, the St. Paul’s School poster boy has once again managed to manipulate the justice system and be released on bail again. Never mind that he has been tried and convicted of having sex with an underaged girl and using a computer to lure her in. He has repeatedly flouted his disdain for the legal system by refusing to take responsibility for his actions or show any remorse. He has violated his bail conditions and failed to comply with mandated psycho-sexual counseling. He has lied about repeated trips to Boston and blamed everyone but himself.
Recently, the state Supreme Court directed Judge Larry Smukler to “revisit” his decision to revoke Labrie’s bail and return him to jail. Smukler responded by spinelessly reinstating Labrie’s bail status.
New Hampshire has historically been weak on prosecution and appropriate sentencing for crimes against women, while officials beat their chests and wonder why women are reluctant to report such crimes. Open your eyes, people.
It’s time for us to revamp the rules and apply stiffer penalties for sex crimes and domestic violence against women. Owen Labrie needs to understand that his elitist status will not grant him any sort of special powers against prosecution.
Given all that’s transpired, one has to wonder if Labrie’s middle initial is J. (Look how the real O.J. turned out.) It also might be fair to assign the remainder of Labrie’s sentence for Judge Smukler to serve.
RON GODBOUT
Northfield