Convicted rapists should go to jail. But in NSW, that does not always happen
Sydney Morning Herald Opinion
By David Heilpern
Published by The Sydney Morning Herald on 14 July 2026, former magistrate David Heilpern reflects on the sentencing of convicted rapists in New South Wales, arguing that serious sexual offences should ordinarily result in imprisonment. Drawing on Anastasia Treharne's case and his experience on the bench, he examines the broader issues surrounding sentencing, public confidence in the justice system, and the need for reforms that better reflect the seriousness of sexual violence.
The article reinforces the goals of The Echo Campaign, advocating for a justice system that is more accountable, trauma-informed, and responsive to the experiences of victim-survivors.