Serving of a sentence

[Andy008]

I yesterday attended a court case where the defendant was sentenced to 7 years for a series of robberies, thefts and burglaries, done to finance a crack habit. How much of the sentence will he have to serve?

[Andy008]

I am told he was released from prison in 2004, having served 3 years in a YOI. The offences also included credit card fraud, and possession of crack cocaine. The case included the QC telling the court about how the police were forced to extract a condom full of the drug from his rectum, and how he had bitten a man's ear whilst robbing him of his wallet.

[smudge]

The sentences never fit the crime, as far as I'm concerned!

[jake-the-peg]

One of the benefits of letting people out of gaol on parole before they've completed a sentence is that terms can be imposed and they can be monitored and sent back if there's a problem.

I'm confused by your example because you said you attended a case yesterday want to know how much he'll have to serve but then say he was let out in 2004.

Anyway if he served the whole sentence you'd kick him out of gaol 4 years later and not have any comeback. Would he be any less likely to re-offend if he served the whole sentence? Doubtful - would it cost us more in taxes? almost certainly.

How much exactly would you like to see him serve? Let's say 18 year old -  first conviction - a dozen or so burgleries - Crack habbit - no history of violence - What would you hand down? 

[Loosehead]

They should always serve the full term, if they behave. If they don't then instead of time off for good behaviour it's time on for bad. We are an absolute joke, criminals must be laughing there heads off, I mean in the unlikely event they go to jail they only do half of it and even then it's like Butlins! There are OAP's who'd love to get the luxuries our criminal scum get.

[jake-the-peg]

You've not answered the question

[Loosehead]

"I mean in the unlikely event they go to jail they only do half of it..."

mmm...

[Andy008]

I clearly stated he did 3 years in a YOI starting in 2001, and he was released in July 2004. Following a three-month crime spree, he was arrested in September last year, and charged with numerous offences. He has just turned 21. He was charged with I think 6 robberies, which in itself carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, and in each case he had threatened to use a knife (albeit never produced one). He had written to the judge asking for some leeway as the crimes were committed for the sole reason of financing a drug habit. He did however show no remorse, or offer an apology to any of the aggrieved. I personally thought 7 years was very lucky, had it been up to me I would have made it more like ten.

[smudge]

Well said Loosehead & Andy008.

[AllYourBase]

simple answer is "not enough"

[MargeB]

I think his culpability is  probably vastly reduced as a result of his crack habit and that he should have to serve a maximum of 4 years if he behaves in prison. He should have drug counselling and support when he leaves prison, along with careers counselling, to help him back on to the road of integrity.

[acw]

Marge he needs that stuff IN prison - where they can make sure he sticks to the thelp he is being given.  Least you see the fact that these people need help.  And if you think prison is like Butlins anyone else, quit your job, commit a crime, and go inside for 6-12 months.  Don't forget to send me a postcard. 

[MargeB]

I have been in prison, and I have shared a cell with one of the most notorious murderers in UK history. Ok, it was part of a course, but...I will never commit a serious crime, except maybe bank robbery :-), after what I saw in there. Nasty nasty. 'Porridge' it aint.

[Sasha13]

Judging by the current situations we hear about day in, day out, I'd say ooh about a week.