And as for the thief is a thief comment, it's just not practical to treat all instances the same and I think you know that Mike. If we did, anyone caught nicking a grape from Morrison's could be banged up in jail....that's just insane!
If I steal your car, I am a thief! If I steal a cabbage from your garden. I am a thief!
Unless you are saying it is wrong for me to steal something of high value of yours, but OK as long as it is relatively low value!
This differentiating was part of the problem when this downward spiral of response to criminal action started.
These "kids" in court now - how many of them have probably received numerous cautions, a couple of ASBO's already.
One of those prosecuted at 23 years of age had 217 convictions! What is wrong with our Judicial system that after this record he was free to commit further crimes.
Time to go back to basics. One caution, One suspended sentence, Jail (or the old Reform School if they are aged between 10 and 17 yrs).
It has already started here with your comments Sector 9. Start giving these morons even more chances!!
This is why this country now belongs to the YOB and CRIMINAL. They are rapidly joining the other crooks - bankers, fuel company bosses amd politicians!!
AS to the Grammar School girl, I just wondered how she (with a rich Daddy) got bail, but her companions were remanded in custody. They may ALL be innocent as far as I know, but equally they may all be guilty. Has the court already decided she is innocent but her passengers are guilty? Or, are their Daddies not rich?