This is just the tip of the ice berg; the most disparate crime/punishment of many.
Don't get me wrong; I've always been in favour of effective punishment - but this is totally the wrong time for our justice system to "go spare".
Firm but fair is important in situations like this. I approve of punishing these two, who did something idiotic with the potential for great harm. A slap on the wrists, or a small fine maybe.
The problem is fear. Certain parts of our population are scared to he'll by these riots (ironically, most have probably not been within 10 miles if a riot...) fed by the media and a government trying to save their image. (I mean, they've switched from criticising the police for being heavy handed during the G20 protest to criticising them for being too standoffish! And the media are lapping it up)
I've been as disapointed in our justice system this week as I have been with the rioters.
Don't get me wrong; I've always been in favour of effective punishment - but this is totally the wrong time for our justice system to "go spare".
Firm but fair is important in situations like this. I approve of punishing these two, who did something idiotic with the potential for great harm. A slap on the wrists, or a small fine maybe.
The problem is fear. Certain parts of our population are scared to he'll by these riots (ironically, most have probably not been within 10 miles if a riot...) fed by the media and a government trying to save their image. (I mean, they've switched from criticising the police for being heavy handed during the G20 protest to criticising them for being too standoffish! And the media are lapping it up)
I've been as disapointed in our justice system this week as I have been with the rioters.