NT: Ambassador amazed at leniency of croc death sentence

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NT: Ambassador amazed at leniency of croc death sentence

DARWIN, April 1 AAP - Germany's ambassador today said he was amazed at the leniencyof the sentence handed down to a former Kakadu tour guide blamed for a crocodile attackwhich killed a German tourist.

Glenn Robless, 46, was given a three year suspended prison sentence last week afterpleading guilty to making a dangerous omission which caused the death of backpacker Isabelvon Jordan. He had faced a possible 10 years in jail.

Von Jordan, 23, was killed by a 4.6 metre crocodile after Robless took her and othertourists for a nighttime swim in a Kakadu billabong where signs warned of the dangerousreptiles.

Germany's new ambassador to Australia, Dr Klaus-Peter Klaiber, said Robless would nothave got off so easily in a German court.

"I was a bit amazed by the sentence which this person has got," Dr Klaiber said in Darwin today.

"I don't know all the details, but I believe that probably in a German court he wouldnot have got away with a suspended sentence.

"He is running free and yet he was gravely engaged in that accident. There were warningsall over the place and he was an experienced tourist guide who should have known (better).

"I think if you are so seriously disregarding rules and regulations which cause thedeath of a person then I think a little harsher sentence would have been justified."

Dr Klaiber revealed a personal link to the tragedy: one of his best friends was Msvon Jordan's godfather.

"That, of course, adds a dramatic emotional dimension to the case for me, personally."

Dr Klaiber said he had not spoken to Ms von Jordan's family since the sentence was handed down.

"I would like to return to Canberra to talk about it with my staff who have been hereduring the case. I would also like to consider in more detail the circumstances and whyit came to this judgment and then I would like to talk to the family myself."

Dr Klaiber said coverage of the case in the German press may turn people off visitingthe Northern Territory.

"Maybe some people will think that if in the legal system you can get away so easilywith murder, with such an incident, then maybe we should avoid that state (sic). I hopethat does not happen but I cannot exclude it."

However, the diplomat paid tribute to the NT police's handling of the case and saidhe had visited police headquarters to thank officers.

The NT Supreme Court heard Robless, a tour guide with 14 years experience, told touristshe believed it was safe to swim in the billabong because local Aboriginal people swamthere.

Robless entered the water and shone his torch about looking for "eye shine" - the reflectionfrom the eyes of any crocodiles in the water - before giving the all-clear.

Later, Ms von Jordan and her sister Valerie were treading water with a male Britishtourist about 10 metres from the bank of the billabong when the croc struck, the courtheard.

Chief Justice Brian Martin said Robless made an error of judgment and the attack provideda lesson to others in the industry.

AAP str/sp/cjh/jlw

KEYWORD: ROBLESS AMBASSADOR