I can barely comprehend it, let alone put my thoughts into publishable sentences.

Admittedly Van Ryn has copped a 13-year sentence, but a non-parole period of only seven years.

That means he can be back out in the community before some of his victims celebrate their 21st birthday!

The courage of these children, all between the ages of 8-15 when they were abused by Van Ryn, is to be commended and encouraged in others so this type of abhorrent crime never happens again in our community.

However, what is it telling these innocent children and their supportive, loving families when for their hurt, anguish and potentially life-long scars, justice does not appear to be on their side?

Fourteen charges, relating to nine children, over multiple instances and the course of years, distilled into a sentence that sees this predator possibly out on the street in seven years.

Quite understandably, our entire community is outraged and hurt by the sentence handed down late on Wednesday.

In fact, the outrage spreads wider, with the news making daily newspapers and popular metro airwaves, particularly via Ray Hadley’s morning show on 2GB Radio.

More than just the sentence, people are also horrified at some of the comments made by Judge Clive Jeffreys in his judgement.

ADHD, whether it even exists, is no excuse for criminal activity of any kind.

A (previously) respected public profile is not a mitigating circumstance for child abuse - it’s what made the abuse so easy to hide.

And media coverage of a high-profile businessman pleading guilty to multiple counts of one of the most abhorrent crimes the community can think of is not punishment necessitating a reduced sentence.

I can’t condone some of the more extreme views on punishment some readers and commenters want meted out - violence is an understable reaction, but never the solution.

However, I fully appreciate their frustrations.

Potentially less than a year behind bars for each of his young innocent victims is most definitely not enough of a sentence for Van Ryn.

I personally called on the Attorney General to look into the matter and she replied to say she understood the Director of Public Prosecutions was looking closely at the issue.

Member for Bega Andrew Constance is on record saying this is a “woeful” sentence and had also been in touch with the AG.

As a community, continue to petition our local member knowing he is standing with us, and send emails to the Attorney General to let her know we won’t let this stand.

More importantly, support our children and, as a community, stand up for victims of abuse in whatever way you feel appropriate.

Bravehearts says Educate, Empower, Protect.

While the Van Ryn sentencing in no way lives up to reasonable expectations for the crimes to which he admitted, we can be a little thankful he is at least off the streets.

Now we can return our focus to keeping this community strong.

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