WA: Father of Bali victim says death sentence is "just"

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WA: Father of Bali victim says death sentence is "just"

By Tim Clarke

PERTH, Aug 7 AAP - The death sentence handed out to Bali bomber Amrozi was the onlyjust sentence the court could have imposed, the father of a teenage bomb victim said today.

Aaron Lindsey from Perth was on a surfing trip in Bali with seven long-time friendswhen he was caught up in the massive explosion at the Sari nightclub.

The 19-year-old was rescued from the wreckage by his mates, and after numerous operationsto remove shrapnel from his stomach and neck, is now back at work.

Following the sentencing today, his father Alan Lindsey told of his relief at the verdict.

"The death penalty is the right sentence - the only sentence - they could impose,"

Mr Lindsey said.

"It is what everyone I have spoken to was hoping for. Everyone I know who was affectedby the bomb had the same feeling.

"He (Amrozi) is not a martyr, he is a murderer. After the crimes he, and those he workedwith, committed then if that does not warrant the death penalty then nothing does."

Aaron suffered numerous shrapnel wounds in his stomach and neck and has been recuperatingat home since being airlifted to Darwin and then Perth.

The Lindsey family, including Aaron and one of the friends who helped save his life,travelled to Denpasar last month to see the trial for themselves.

And Mr Lindsey said seeing the proceedings first hand helped his son, and him, in their recovery.

"The whole process, of seeing him convicted, and going over there, is another stepon the road. It took a lot for my son to go over there,

"It has been a long day today waiting for the verdict, but I think it is a just decision."

Several mothers of the group of friends watched the verdict together.

Aaron's mother Jenny said: "It has been a nervous day, but we have found there is strengthin numbers."

AAP tc/sjb/br

KEYWORD: BALI TRIAL LINDSEY