A juror who pulled a sickie to go to London and see the musical Chicago with his mother has been sentenced to 14 days in a “young offenders’ institution” for contempt of court. Presumably this comprised 7 days for pulling the sickie and 7 days for choosing such a lame way to spend his day off.
How clearly were the requirements of jury duty explained to the jurors, particularly that the defendant’s future is at stake, so being off sick isn’t an option unless you can’t get out of bed?
I know that’s obvious to many of us, but given the abject fecklessness of the majority of modern youth, this little twat probably viewed his actions as akin to ringing in sick to skive off from a low paying job he hates anyway. His mother’s response: “We thought he’d get a slap on the wrist” shows were he gets it from.
Yes, you’re right, love. He was only helping decide whether or not someone accused of a criminal offence is actually guilty. But don’t worry, it’s not a big deal if he skipped off to London with mummy for the day to watch some poncy musical and wasted dozens of people’s time, not to mention a day’s extra legal fees for the defendant. How old is this little cunt? 14?
I had to laugh at his mother’s other comments: “He wanted a career in government but now he’s got a criminal record.” Probably fortunate for the citizens of Britain that’s no longer a possibility.
It’s not the harshness of the punishment that is the problem: it’s the type. What possible net benefit to the community is there in a 14 day custodial sentence, for this or any other offence?
How is there any restitution derived from serving 14 days in prison? What is the cost to the community of housing and feeding someone for 2 weeks? What requirement is there for the community to be protected from the anti-social behaviour of this dangerous thug?
I was under the impression judges were required to take the above into account in sentencing. Britain is struggling with massive debt and a judge wastes public funds on a short custodial sentence for a first time, non-violent offender who makes Morrissey look like a cage fighter?
Surely there is a large amount of graffiti and refuse needing removal in the Greater Manchester area. How about a boot in the arse, a fine equal to the day’s jury service fees for the 11 jurors who had to be sent home, plus 50 - 100 hours of community service?
No, we’ll waste taxpayers’ funds locking him up for 14 days instead. Nice work Judge Rudland, you dunce.
Contempt of court … is it really so strange?
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