Macdonald's sentence 'sends all the wrong messages'

The Sensible Sentencing Trust thinks the sentence handed down to Ewen Macdonald sends all the wrong messages.

The 32-year-old has been jailed for five years after poaching deer, deliberately leaking thousands of dollars worth of milk, killing bobby calves with a hammer, and burning down a house on Scott and Kylee Guy's property.

He must serve at least third of it, but because he's already been behind bars for 17 months he's eligible for parole in about three months.

Trust spokesman Garth McVicar says if there was ever a case for consecutive sentences, this is it.

He says the arson charges alone deserve a longer sentence.

The Parole Board says 90 percent of offenders are refused parole at their first hearing, which is generally an opportunity to assess what rehabilitation the prisoner needs.

It says although Macdonald is eligible for parole, the board may not ever grant him an early release, meaning he'd serve his full sentence.

Photo: NZ Herald