Justice served

Former ACT President must rot in prison for sexual abuse

As someone who has long supported the ACT Party, discovering that Tim Jago was convicted of sexually abusing two young boys left me feeling not just disappointed, but revolted. When the verdict came in, I hoped with every part of me that the courts would deliver the punishment he deserved. Yesterday, with his appeal and request for early parole both denied, I feel a cautious sense of relief that justice has, at least for now, held firm.

I have believed, and still believe, in ACT’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, and personal responsibility. But no political philosophy, no matter how coherent or attractive, can excuse or shield serious criminal misconduct. To learn that a person once entrusted with leadership in the movement was guilty of such heinous abuse struck me like a betrayal. It’s one thing to disagree with your party’s policy or direction; it’s another to confront the reality that someone you once respected, or at least tolerated, was guilty of sexual violence against these young men. That changes everything.

Jago was convicted by a jury for sexually abusing two teenage boys in the 1990s, and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. He appealed on multiple grounds, including challenges to jury directions and arguing that some charges should not have been considered. In a ruling released on 29 September 2025, the Court of Appeal dismissed all his appeals. I’m deeply gratified that the appeal was denied. There is no room in our justice system for soft treatment or leniency for those who abuse vulnerable people, especially children. The court’s decision reminds us that even those once well-connected must face the full weight of the law.

I was also relieved to see that early parole was not granted. For someone convicted of this kind of offence, serving the sentence imposed is the bare minimum. Anything less would feel like a miscarriage of justice. Given the severity, nature, and deep moral repugnance of Jago’s crimes, I frankly hope he serves every day of his sentence. It’s not vindictive to ask this, it’s a recognition that for certain acts, the only morally defensible position is full accountability.

I am not blind to the possibility of rehabilitation, nor do I believe every person who errs is irredeemable. However, in cases where innocent children were harmed, where trauma and betrayal are involved, the demand for justice must override political loyalty.

No ideology is worth defending at the cost of protecting predators. Let the courts decide, let them punish, and let them ensure that those who harm the innocent are never allowed to escape full consequence.