Sandy supports Jack on hangings

Trinidad and Tobago's national security minister believes that hanging convicted killers could be a deterrent to murder.

Brig. John Sandy told reporters Thursday if people know they will be executed they will think twice before committing murder.

"I'm sure you'll observe when it is their time, they try all means available to them to escape the noose. So if they know that their lives are so worthy, that their lives are so precious, I think that they will probably think twice before they commit some of the heinous crimes that they have been committing," Sandy said.

Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner is leading a campaign for the reintroduction of the death penalty in the country. He has said he will not give up on that matter.

Read the story: Police rescue wife, child of murdered man; Warner pledges to fight to hang murderers

Sandy suggested that while he supports the death penalty if should not be an automatic sentence when a person is convicted.

"I'm saying that each case must be dealt with on its merit and if it is felt that the person ought to lose his life as well, then I have absolutely no problem with that."

The minister reminded reporters of a case of a rapist who attacked a four year-old child who died. He said in such cases he would unreservedly support the death penalty.

"That child died. And he wants to live? I don't think so," Sandy said.