WENDELL HUSSEY | Cadet | Contact
In a bold attempt at receiving a more lenient sentence, a young Indigenous woman without favour or finance has applied for a spot in the priesthood.
The remote mother of two did so after realising that she was about to go before the judge on minor charges without the services of a high-flying barrister or solicitor.
The self-represented litigant, who can’t afford to pay some sandstone alumni lawyer huge amounts of money in six-minute increments, told The Advocate that she hopes that a priesthood will get her a favourable sentence.
“I’m pretty flat strap for cash at the moment because I have my income quarantined by the government, and can’t really afford decent legal representation unfortunately”
“So I’ve dropped down into the lower tier of the legal system reserved for people from low socio-economic background’s and people with mental-health issues,” she said.
The sole provider for several members of her extended family and wider community explained that she is hoping to not become another number in the prison system, which consists of 28% Indigenous Australians and is arguably the nation’s most serious human rights concern.
“One day I’ll get a well-paying job and some connections and then I’ll get bumped back up into the tier reserved for corporate big wigs, notable figures and members of the clergy.”
“Swing the scale of justice in my favour you know.”
“But for now, I’m hoping that I’m admitted to become a priest before sentencing so that I get off, or a light sentence at the worst.”
“I mean if a priest can get 6 years for some of the most heinous crimes, then I’m I’ll probably get off without even a slap on the wrist.”
More to come.
