Is It The Crime Or Where It's Committed Which Influences The Judge...

[sandyRoe]

...when it comes to handing down a sentence?

Imagine someone, well refreshed after a night in the pub, Verbally abusing the police.  He might spend a night in the cells and be fined the next day when he appears in the magistrates court.

The same behaviour just now could lead to many months in prison.

Am I alone in feeling uneasy about this?

[nicebloke1]

One person here and there drunk on any night of the week is a whole lot different than these hundreds of thugs setting alight our towns. But I'm sure you already know that, so lets not over cook it eh.

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect being *** counts as something to be considered when setting any sentence. Go out with the intent to cause trouble is different to finding you over-imbibed and let yourself make a fool of yourself when you come to the next morning.

[Old_Geezer]

...being urinated counts...

[jourdain2]

I said as much in a post  about the lengths of sentences being handed down for shouting and gesticulating.  I am a little uneasy about it, too.

[THECORBYLOON]

The fact someone was participating in a riot (which often does not end well, even when sober) when intoxicated, as opposed to stotting down the road and taking umbrage at being hindered by the bobbies on the beat, would be an aggravating factor.

[Gromit]

Rioters attacking the police should rightly be sent down for months and years. Anyone who disagrees is supportinting their criminality. And shame on them.

[douglas9401]

I bet there's a high-end version of when a big knob from head office appears and calls a meeting of all staff to remind them of why we're all here and how easy it is for everything to go to pot if a few don't pull their weight within the organisation.

Hymn sheets are then handed out so everybody sings the same song, unless they're looking for career change of course.

 

[Buenchico]

Since 'verbally attacking the police' isn't a crime, I can see no reason why it should be mentioned at all in criminal proceedings for those matters which actually are.  Indeed, our courts should be protecting the rights of individuals to forcefully express their opinions about coppers.

[david small]

This is a warning to those that want to change the system.

Those in power will do whatever they have to do to stay on top.

History is full of examples of such attempts to change the governing powers. Nothings new.

[Atheist]

Those in power were democratically elected. If they are to be gor rid of it should be via the democratic system.

 

[Peter Pedant]

Since 'verbally attacking the police' isn't a crime,

er sorry - calling an afrocaribbean / Asian policeman a picky is, and will cost you £150

[New Judge]

The people concerned have not been convicted of verbally abusing the police. They have been convicted under s2 of the Public Order Act for "Violent Disorder". The maximum sentence is five years. Here's the CPS charging guidance:

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/public-order-offences-incorporating-charging-standard

[fiveleaves]

Sentences are always harshes during periods of civil disorder. See the riots of 2011 for examples. The idea is to have a deterrent and put a quick stop to the riots

[Peter Pedant]

hi Fivey - little biblical joke coming up - dont worry, all the other readers are atheists !

Sentences are always harsher during periods of civil disorder. I read a book once where during riots they got hold of someone and nailed him to a cross !

dunno if it troo vo