Sophie's father backs victims bill

Murder victim Sophie Elliott. Photo / Supplied

The father of murdered Dunedin woman Sophie Elliott has lent his support to a proposed law change that provides more provisions for the victims of crime.

Gil Elliott this morning appeared before Parliament's justice and electoral committee, which is considering the Victims of Crime Reform Bill.

If passed into law, the bill would give victims more freedom in court impact statements, and make changes what information they receive during court proceedings.

Miss Elliott, 22, was stabbed to death by her former boyfriend Clayton Weatherston in 2008.

Weatherston pleaded not guilty to murder on the grounds of provocation, but was convicted, and later sentenced to 18 years without parole.

Speaking today about his own experience going through the courts, Mr Elliott described the justice system as a "can of worms'', and said there was not enough support for him and his family.

"A crime is against society, against the state, against the Crown - not against the victim,'' he told the committee.

"Prosecutors generally are not interested in the victim, they are only interested in getting a conviction for the offender.''

The consequence, Mr Elliott said, was that the entire focus of the proceedings was on the offender and the victim was often forgotten.

Mr Elliott said an advocate should be appointed during legal proceedings to help the victim's family understand what was going on, and speak on their behalf.

While there were a number of aspects to the bill that Mr Elliott said could be taken further, he supported the legislation as a step in the right direction.