Watching the news I couldn't believe my ears that the Maori King's son, Korotangi Paki, escaped conviction on drink-driving, theft and burglary charges which he'd pleaded guilty to.

This isn't a race issue but a class issue is what I keeping hearing. Well I don't care what kind of issue it is – he should have been convicted. So what if he loses his right to the throne – every other young Maori – or white – man who behaves the way would be in jail by now.

The Kingitanga already know he committed the crimes, so why does a conviction make a difference?

And who wants such a person leading Maori and their youth? If convicted and he did end up serving the Kingitanga in some way, at least he'd bring the message to own up to your wrongdoings and make good on them.

Judge Cunningham has just allowed this teen to tell all youngsters: if you can come with a good enough excuse, you'll get let off crimes.

Some say he's being punished by public reaction. Boo Hoo. Must be so hard. Maybe he could cry to other young Maori in jail right now serving time for much less.

And what about the victim of his crimes? The teen getting off scott free is a slap in the face for them.

Only in New Zealand do you get such a useless justice system and such a
gutless decision.

K Morland, Katikati.