So Fusillier Lee Rigby's killers have pleaded Not Guilty to his murder.

[InsanityandBeyond]

Un fucking believable that they are able to do this. IMO they don't even need a trial do they? The police did that poor lad a real disservice when they did not shoot them dead. They must be laughing their fucking heads off at us.

A real deterrent for future deranged fundamentalists. Commit a horrific murder in broad daylight on busy streets with no fear of intervention, then be detained in comfort and safety, and be allowed to make an absolute mockery of the poor victim's family's grief. Have it replayed all over the media again whipping up more publicity and sympathisers while insisting you have done nothing wrong.

Absolutely sickened and ashamed of this country.

[reelingintheyears]

So they'll get longer sentences when they get found guilty.

[InsanityandBeyond]

I am outraged that their 'Not guilty' plea has been accepted and at this case on the whole. Are you not?

[Changebagsregeneratedgladrags]

Well in their eyes it's not murder, they think it's required of them. So they wouldn't plead guilty.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Everyone has the right to their day in Court. Otherwise who decides. A jury of your peers is the only way.

[WestieMamma]

YABU

I'm proud of the country. That it can maintain it's dignity and uphold the law and justice when faced with evil people who want to destroy those things.

[Daykin]

Can they refuse to accept a plea?

Should they be able to?

Is it preferable to have the police shooting people on the street and detention without trial?

[WorraLiberty]

Well said WestieMamma

OP, you need to reserve your anger for the murdering scumbags...not for our justice system.

[GoodNeighbour]

I don't think that a plea can be refused, can it?

[scaevola]

The fundamentals of a justice system should not be thrown aside for mere expediency.

[MurderOfGoths]

"So they'll get longer sentences when they get found guilty."

Sounds good to me. Not seeing what the OP has a problem with

Of course they were going to plead Not Guilty, they know they'll be found guilty, everyone knows that, they just want to drag it out. Still end the same for them.

[Daykin]

I think you can be unfit to enter a plea, but that's not the case here.

(that might not be true)

[Damnautocorrect]

It's only to get more press, the same way they demanded it be filmed to be shown.
His poor family, watching that CCTV I can't help wondering if it was always that day, or by crossing the road when he did make him the target

[RedLondonBus]

op calm down....its the legal process,you must know that?surely

[InsanityandBeyond]

I think we should be able to declare them guilty and not bother with the renewed media frenzy around this case whipping up more publicity for them.

The cost of this trial, their 'defence'. Fuck it. I would not suggest stoning or any other inhumane method for their execution. There are plenty of humane methods .

[thenightsky]

I understand your anger OP.

But let's just let this thing run its course and see what happens in the end.

[MurderOfGoths]

So you'd be happy with not bothering with standard judicial process?

[ChristmasCareeristBitchNigel]

This is how our justice system works. The concept of "innocent until proven guilty " is its most fundamental bedrock

I suspect the not guilty pleas relate to their capacity to form the specific intent required for a verdict of guilty to be delivered in a murder case, which is a complex topic too lengthy and complex to discuss here.

[InsanityandBeyond]

Yes, I am sure they are going to plead 'insanity' (boom boom). They may just get off.

[Pigsmummy]

RedLondBus is right, Pleading not guilty is everyone's right even in the face of evidence otherwise.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

I think we should be able to declare them guilty We who? Tell you what, a good system would be for a few of us to get together, hear all the sides of it and decide for everyone. Oh, wait, that's what a jury trial is.

[notthefirstagainstthewall]

YANBU but..
Since they made such a big fuss about their reasons for killing Lee, claiming they are "not guilty" makes them look like gutless tools (rather than having a justifiable reason as they perhaps imagine they have).
Not doing their "cause" any favours.

[MurderOfGoths]

" They may just get off."

Seems a little unlikely