Law and Rights
Some sentences handed down by judges make people wonder just where the law is heading. Three men in Manchester have just received "Intensive Alternative to Custody" - (which is available in Greater Manchester) - sentences for an appalling crime. Please read Manchester Evening News 11th October 2010.
It is extremely hard to see why they are not now serving a substantial prison sentence. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm - to which they pleaded guilty - carries a maximum sentence of 5 years. It also makes one wonder what help and support is being given to their victim - see here.
The case also highlights the need for "Sentencing Remarks" to be published in full. The public ought to be entitled to see the reasoning behind sentences handed down in serious cases. The new Scottish Judiciary website does so.
Addendum 16th October: The Guardian refers to the case at Manchester in an article by Ian Birrell - "A whirlwind of hatred against the disabled." Mr Birrell is the father a child with severe learning difficulties. With reference to the Manchester case he wrote: 'In Manchester this weekend there are three sadistic young men swaggering around, no doubt still laughing, not least at how they escaped jail. And in another part of Britain their scarred victim is trying to rebuild his life, having being forced to move home as punishment for being tortured. Is this really the kind of country we want to live in?
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Police Officers in Manchester were ordered not to give chase to men who stole expensive motorcycles. Why? Because the thieves were not wearing helmets! See Manchester Evening News 16th August 2010. It makes you wonder ..... but see ACPO...
Law and Rights
A problematic sentence: R v Bolton, Griffin and Marshall - Manchester Crown Court
Some sentences handed down by judges make people wonder just where the law is heading. Three men in Manchester have just received "Intensive Alternative to Custody" - (which is available in Greater Manchester) - sentences for an appalling crime. Please read Manchester Evening News 11th October 2010.
It is extremely hard to see why they are not now serving a substantial prison sentence. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm - to which they pleaded guilty - carries a maximum sentence of 5 years. It also makes one wonder what help and support is being given to their victim - see here.
The case also highlights the need for "Sentencing Remarks" to be published in full. The public ought to be entitled to see the reasoning behind sentences handed down in serious cases. The new Scottish Judiciary website does so.
Addendum 16th October: The Guardian refers to the case at Manchester in an article by Ian Birrell - "A whirlwind of hatred against the disabled." Mr Birrell is the father a child with severe learning difficulties. With reference to the Manchester case he wrote: 'In Manchester this weekend there are three sadistic young men swaggering around, no doubt still laughing, not least at how they escaped jail. And in another part of Britain their scarred victim is trying to rebuild his life, having being forced to move home as punishment for being tortured. Is this really the kind of country we want to live in?
- An Event At An Anti-fracking Protest
Here is a link to a report in the Manchester Evening News 21st February. The Independent Police Complaints Commission is to investigate the arrest of a man at an anti-fracking camp. Dr Steven Peers is planning to sue Greater Manchester...
- The Court Of Appeal Speaks On August Disorder Sentencing
The Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) has issued judgment in relation to ten appeals against sentences imposed for convictions arising from the August disorder -R v Blackshaw and others [2011] EWCA Crim 2312. On 20th August, in a post related...
- Law Centres In Manchester Facing Closure
As we watch ?high profile? criminal and divorce "ancillary relief" cases proceeding through the courts, it is worth noting that at the far end of the legal scale very valuable Law Centres are now struggling to survive. This is certainly the case...
- The Mark Berry ("bez") Case ....
From time to time various "celebrities" appear in the courts to stand trial for serious matters. Mark Berry - (of "Happy Mondays" and "Domino Bones fame") - has been before the magistrates' court at Manchester and has been sentenced to...
- Can This Be Right ....it Makes You Wonder ....
Police Officers in Manchester were ordered not to give chase to men who stole expensive motorcycles. Why? Because the thieves were not wearing helmets! See Manchester Evening News 16th August 2010. It makes you wonder ..... but see ACPO...