The Cook Islands Attorney-General, Norman George, says a new Sentencing Acxt he plans to introduce this year will send a clear message to the community that violent crimes will not be tolerated in the Cook Islands.
Mr George says the Act will over-ride other legislation relating to crime and treat offenders "with a closed fist rather than a gloved hand."
He says the government has been concerned for some time over increasing home invasions .
The Attorney-General says he will also be looking at increasing penalties for violent crimes against women and children..
Mr George says the need for the new law will be obvious even to the opposition and he hopes to have it passed before the end of the year.
