I admit I thought this was going to be yet another of the many serious crimes ignored by the police, but on this occasion the police have done what they are paid to do and what every law-abiding member of the public wants them to do: arrest criminals.
So good work by the police, now it's over to our learned betters at Leeds Magistrates' Court.
I give 3-1 on that both of them will walk out of the court (well they would, if they weren't appearing by video link). They might have some impressive sounding 'community orders' or other such nonsense, but 3-1 on that they will be out on the street ready to attack again.
Hibbo
ReplyDeleteI have read your comments on other sites. Some of your opinions I have strongly disagreed with while others I have found both enlightening and amusing.
With regard to the recent 'bleaching' of a mother by teenage thugs, I have to commend the police for the prompt action resulting in the arrest of a murderous little git.
Personally, naive I know, I'd be surprised if the sentence is non-custodial.
ReplyDeleteThere's attack is entirely unprovoked, and in running off to get some bleach this lad has clearly demonstrated forethought and malice.
As they say, we'll see.
Hope you're wrong, but you might not be.
Martin
There's = This
ReplyDeleteIt's the new form of English, don't ya know...
Tom,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad my opinions have sometimes entertained you, and also given you something to disagree with! Opinions are like clitorises (clitori?); every c**ts got one! B-boom!
Martin,
You are right of course, given the circumstances and nature of the attack, a custodial sentence is the only answer. However...
How strong is your faith in our legal system? What price would you give me on at least one of them going to jail?
PS. In legal terms, does a suspended sentence count as 'custodial'?
Hi Hibbo...
ReplyDeleteI, er, don't gamble.
But I take you're point - I'm by no means sure that any of them will get a custodial sentence.
My understanding by the way is that a suspended sentence does count - the sentence is very real, as the defendant will discover should they find themselves in trouble again.
It's a funny thing - I an see it being a powerful tool with certain people, and it gives the courts the flexibility not to totally screw someone's life if they think they have a shot at redemption. Of course, with the wrong sort of person, it's just a waist of oxygen, paper and ink...
Martin.
Just to open this up a little though, were you to be the magistrate handling this, what would you do?
ReplyDeleteFor example, how would your sentence vary between the main attacker (there always is one) and those "swept along in the moment"...
(I suspect you'd hang them from a slightly lower tree lol...)
Martin
I'll take a tenner at those odds. The case will not be sentenced by magistrates but at the Crown Court. Magistrates will decide on bail.
ReplyDeleteI'll let you know where to send the cheque when the case concludes.
Hi Bystander, what an honour it is to have you comment on my humble blog!
ReplyDeleteI had already learnt since writing that piece that the case will be passed up to the crown court.
I think you may have misunderstood my wager; I gave odds of 3-1 ON that the perps would walk free, ie if you bet £30 quid on the walk out you would win £10 (plus your stake back of course).
What odds would you give of them going down?
How about a straight tenner? They walk, you send me a tenspot, they (at least the main attacker) go to jail (immediately, not suspended, not a curfew, but locked up) and you owe me. Deal?
PS. Always gamble responsibly.