AIBU to think that a mum of two should not be jailed for

[Mitmoo]

taking a pair of shorts that her friend stole in the riots.

She's got six months.

A young man who took £3.50 worth of water from a ransacked shop got six months.

I want justice, I want those who terrified my family even though we were fortunate enough to only view it through the television screen to be punished but I want some kind of proportionality.

Do we remove mum's from their children for six months because she took a pair of shorts from a friend who had been in the riots?

It was wrong of course, she should have shopped the "friend" but six months????

menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1455638_mum-jailed-for-six-months-for-wearing-pair-of-looted-shorts-

Perhaps Laura Johnson has no previous convicitions where as the other woman does? Also perhaps Laura has elected Crown Court and the other went straight from magistrates? Don't know but it is possible?

I do hope they throw the book at Laura Johnsonthough btw

because this is the uk and money does talk its a fact unfortunately

Well they will give bail for non-violent offences, won't they? It's only when violence has been committed that they won't.

And they won't deal with her immediately because it's a Crown Court offence.

I dont think its that the short-stealer was comitting a violent offence she didnt get bail second coming - i think it is becuase she was tried by the magistrates court who sentenced her pretty much immediatley, therefore bail was not an issue. I am assuming so could be wrong but..

In the "shorts" case, it wasn't a case of whether or not she was granted bail.

She was found guilty and sentence given.

They have been refusing bail to lots of people though havent they? It was comment worthy enough to make the news.

I assumed that this meant it was unusual.

if they are getting more than 6 months they have to go to crown court magistrates can only give up to 6 months for more minor offences more serious crime is taken from mag to crown court (magistrates can fine up to £5000) and as the prisons atm are rather full they will def offer bail to crown court offences as nowhere to put them all, there are not bail fees in uk btw only a fee if you do do a runner

sorry should have added because they will also expect her father to make sure she turns up to court she will get bail because they also know he will be able to pay them if she doesnt.

perrycombover I assume you are referring to me and have misunderstood my point

I didn't say most sentences for woman are for drug offences. What I said is the majority of woman sentenced to custody are drug addicts (65 % as I recall)

The reason that more woman end up receiving custodial sentences for first non violent offences is that a higher proportion of woman who are convicted are drug abusers making custody (in the absence of rehab) the only viable option where the custody threshold is passed. This is because a community penalty is often unsuitable for a drug abuser because they simply wont comply. A sentencing tribunal has a duty not to impose a sentence that cannot be complied with because the punishment for breach can be more sever.

Custody is not just about preventing reoffending in the long term. I have had clients who will literally shoplift 12 hours a day, everyday until they are court. They take £1000's of property and when they get a custodial sentence local businesses are grateful for the respite.

Of course this raises the question about suitable rehab facilities, but that is a whole nother thread

sorry for typos BF baby and building lego helicopters...

She didn't just happen upon them tsc!

She knew the history
She had seen the riots on tv

Did she hear the PM say ' we will come down hard' ??
He said they would all be caught and prosecuted, he also mentioned he wasn't going to be put off by human rights as well

Did I imagine him saying that?

The police also said 'keep your kids off the streets'

The message was clear. My dd was going with a carful of mates to 'take a look' at our city and the trouble. I went out to the car and made her get indoors. I told the kids in the cars to get the hell home and grounded all of my teens. I'm in HA place and know my tenancy agreement. No way was I, or my dc going down that road.

Cameron meant what he said didn't he? Good on him!

I admit to being surprised at some of the sentences handed down this week. Doubtful the guy with case of water would have got banged up for 6 months if he hadn't nicked it during the riots, nor the woman with the shorts. However every single one of those people deserved the sentences handed down to them as they all played a part, however "small" in what went on this week.

I am a bit as to where on earth all this space in the uk jails has come from though as I thought they were full and I really hope they haven't kicked anyone out to make room for this lot of shitbags new prisoners.

they did say mostly they want the sentences to be short sharp thrift thefirsrmrsd they said they have to make them instantanious as an example this was part of the idea that would prevent further rioting if you knew not in a few weeks or a months time but tonight your caught , you will be banged up for rioting... seems harsh to some but appears to have worked thus far.
as for the lady that recieved stolen goods im not sure quite what she was expecting, and the magistrates only have guidlines for length of sentences they have a clerk who does the paperwork and advises them , so you will get different sentences depending on which magistrates on and if its in london or manchester as its up to the magistrate to decide.

Totally agree ILT. They knew what was coming their way and they went ahead regardless. Hard to have any sympathy whatsoever.

I missed your point TQoD thanks for the clarification though

I just see so little point in jailing addicts. Treating effect not cause is a crap sticking plaster that allows this to endlessly continue.
Again those who are the poorest and most abused drug abusers are more likely to get a custodial sentence and least likely to get the help they need.

Another time though and congrats for the baby!

TheSecondComing... You make it sound as if she couldn't help herself, that she was an innocent bystander in all this? That's pathetic. If she now has to go on benefits, then that's what she's entitled to. Her employers were entitled to sack her for her crime.

Should we tell the left wingers where to go in the same manner?

I think that the government decisions have been too fast to enable proper thought with consideration given to ramifications of their decisions, but again, that's what the public wants, immediate justice and punishment. I really hope that includes restitution to those left without homes and property, and some small comfort to those grieving family and friends who have been killed.

TSC..... Were you swearing at me there?

I am surprised also that it's been swift and tough. But I was more surprised at Cameron. Hinting at having disregard to human rights! Brave moves. Wonder if he would have been so tough if his Tuscan holiday hadn't been interrupted!

Here's a top tip: if you don't want to accept the consequences, don't accept stolen goods.

Tbh if she'd been sentenced to be hung by the neck 'til dead, there'd still be support from some on here, spouting off about morality. Oh the irony.

She should have considered her children before committing the crime. What kind of bonkers society would incentivise criminals to reproduce by handing out lighter sentences to people with children?

perry tend to agree re jailing addicts: same old story I guess, rehab is expensive and not terribly effective even when the adict wants help. Certainly don't pretend to have the answers