To feel that sentences in the UK for crimes are too lenient? Trigger warning

[isitfridayyet1]

Just that really, I'm feeling quite hopeless today. Sometimes I decide just to not read or listen to the news, as it's often full of stories about crimes committed against children.
Just read a very disturbing case I won't link as I was horrified by it, of a ex policemen and a top welsh lawyer being found guilty of some very disturbing crimes. The policeman only received 16 years! Of which he's been told he has to serve 12, I bloody well should hope so too! I imagine he probably used his position to gain the trust of others, surely an abuse of power of this sort should lead to an even lengthier sentence?

It's really affected my trust in the legal process. I mean what does someone have to do to get a long sentence these days! Be a mass murderer! I find it despicable this man will be out in just over a decade and will be free to continue his life on the outside. That poor, poor child and the other victims will always be affected by his actions.

I know he will probably be on licence even after release but at the end of the day he will still be free, whereas his victim will suffer life long effects. I don't know I just feel really, really sad about this and other similar cases and I know not all men are like this but there's so many stories about these days of a similar nature I feel I can't trust anyone with my son.
Does anyone know of a way o can channel this anger positively? Other than becoming an MP or getting involved in the legal system I don't know how I can work towards these crimes being taken more seriously or help the victims?

My parents, husband and I have ranted about this over dinner tonight. Makes me me feel physically sick, angry and disappointed in the justice system. He will likely be out when he's 60 so able to commit future abhorrent crimes, how is this safeguarding children?

I dont have the answers either. Well I do. I'd castrate the cunts and throw the key in the ocean. but who's going take notice of me.

Quite often we're lucky if they even get a prison sentence. and people wonder why we have vigilantes.
I'll give this thread a few bumps.

bump

bump

Can only hope they meet true justice in prison - ex coppers are not popular cell mates as it is! Add child offences on top of that and you've pretty much had it - good!

I don’t disagree with you, but I don’t think it’s just the UK... there were reports today of an absolutely horrible case in Germany, where the guilty parties were given sentences of 12.5 and 12 years. No doubt they’ll be out in 6-8 years, whereas their victim’s whole life has been probably been ruined.

It stinks.

Sadly, Nonces are kept on a separate wing,
Sunflower. As the system knows what happens to them. Child killers abusers pay with their lives. Therefore they're classed as 'vulnerable'. However don't get me wrong sometimes things slip through the net.
Look at the specimen who was disembowled in his cell by 2 fellow inmates. I'd have gave them a knighthood personally. It's one less nonce in the world for the tax payer to keep.
He was in for rape of a little girl around aged 13.

Thanks for all your responses everyone. I feel less alone in my anger.
Now I understand why people consider vigilantism, as the police just don't seem to have the capacity to deal with what appears to be epidemic levels of this. Although I've heard that that vigilante activity (even when no violence is involved) can disrupt police investigations sometimes.

I did read that the justice system have brought in some new rules regarding appealing sentences. Apparently the public can now appeal a sentence that they feel is too lenient even if you have nothing to do with the case I don't know if this is a new thing but I only just found out about it). I'm seriously considering contacting the email address I found but as there seems to be a daily occurrence of these types of crimes i can't help feeling it would be a lost cause!

The justice system is a fucking joke in this country.

The bastard who took my dd's life, lives on the same street as my sister.

I think were too strict for some lower level crimes and shouldn't send so many to prison, and should do tough community work, strict curfews, courses they must attend and a fine with half to be paid to the victim.

And we need stricter sentences for others, with life meaning you die in prison for murder and rape. And then tough sentences for the rest.

The justice system is forever bemoaning the fact that prisons are busting at the seams. Yet miraculously they soon find room for the poor soul who can't pay their council tax.

as the police just don't seem to have the capacity to deal with what appears to be epidemic levels of this.

It's not the police's fault for lenient sentences, it's the judges and laws. The police can only arrest and charge, the sentence is up to the courts.

I don't think that sentences are too lenient generally. But, I completely agree that child sex offenders aren't dealt with properly. There seems to be such a chasm between public sentiment and the service being provided by the criminal justice system in respect of these types of crimes. Crime is a social construct, society decides who is labelled criminal, who is targeted for prosecution, which crimes are defined as most severe... why is there such a disconnect when it comes to this? I'd bet money that every mother I know would rather have a limb chopped off than have her child suffer sexual abuse. The level of harm is considered immense by all but child abusers... and law makers it appears.

There are sentencing guidelines with a minimum and a maximum. A judge and jury can feel the man in front of them deserved 100 years in prison and have the evidence to support that,but they can't sentence outside the "limits".

It's these limits that need changing,especially for serious crimes or (my personal preference ) making cumulative sentences possible.

I was just thinking this today when I read a local story about a domestic abuse case, the perpetrator was sentenced to 30 months for seriously beating his pregnant girlfriend and leaving her with 50 injuries, added to which he assaulted 2 police offiers when they tried to arrest him. 30 months!

The sentences for child abuse cases are a joke most of the time. I agree rebel that we should have cumulative sentences, if someone is charged with more than one serious crime they should not be served concurrently.

All these bastards are kept together on protection, used to be rule 43, not sure if it still is, so they only associate with other sickos and no doubt trade details of the horrific fucking abuse they have inflicted and get off on it. Feed them to the wolves, put them in general population and let them experience a fraction of the terror they have put those children through. Bastards

@ParkheadParadise that must be so difficult for you, I'm sorry you have to go through that. If a criminal takes someone's life that should mean they sacrifice their freedom for what would be a typical life expectancy, so at least 70 years never mind 10 or 20!

What I can gather from all your responses is that it's the sentencing guidelines that need to be totally overhauled. The police are doing their job but it's the CPS and the judges who decide these things and that's where the change needs to happen.

As for these scumbags being put on wings with each other. Solitary confinement should be the only option, that and some intensive mental health treatment and evaluation before they are ever released!

Slightly wrong the cps and judges do decide what sentence and what to charge hem with, however the government create the guidelines and the laws

I'm in the US. It's very common to meet people who have gone to jail because they convict so many people. The sentences are harsh too and you only earn early release for good behavior. I don't have an issue with lengthy jail terms and convicts earning early release via 'good' behavior.

The police here have a very tough job but they are firm but fair. The municipal courts are very strict about low level crime. Drunk drivers can expect a jail term for a 2nd offense and walking in the street with an open container of alcohol is a $2000 fine. Urinating in public has a fine of $500 and your name is published in the paper. Do it a second time and you will be doing community service.

I'm happy with the way crime is dealt with in my area. It's not perfect but I think the balance is right the majority of the time.

A family member was given a custodial sentence for sexually abusing children. He maintained his innocence throughout, and my father, who was very close to him, believed him. Then, when visiting the prison, my father saw this person engaging in a friendly interaction with another inmate in the corridor leading into the waiting room. Later, he enthusiastically told my dad all about how great this guy was and how they had a great laugh together on their wing. My dad was devestated as it dawned on him that this person, who he loved, was happily socialising with child abusers - something a decent non child-abusing person would not do. The pyscho wasn't quite sophisticated enough to take account of that perspective, so lost his only visitor for the last decade of his sentence.

Capital

Yanbu. I've said on here and irl for years there's too many in prison for petty crimes who it would make more sense to make them do community service of some kind, or in the case of drug users be sent to rehab.

And too few serious dangerous criminals not getting the sentencing they deserve AND which would keep the public safe.

Murder (inc death by dangerous driving, drink driving killing someone), rape (inc csa), attempted murder - should be automatic full life sentence ie they die in prison.

Gbh, armed robbery, dv I'd set at 30 years.

Mugging, home burglary 25 years.

Drink driving I'd set zero level like here in Scotland, ban them for life, confiscate and sell car, make it an offence to sell or make available to drive, a car to someone without a licence.

Lower level crime - longer community service sentences, curfews (use electronic tagging and house arrest more), address the cause (addiction, poverty, undiagnosed Sen, undiagnosed mental illness, illiteracy...)

"Yet miraculously they soon find room for the poor soul who can't pay their council tax." Exactly, also people in trouble with debt or prostitutes not paying fines etc

Wotsittoyou - there's a theory held by some that it's because too many in the judiciary have similar 'tastes'.

There's also too much weight given to a criminals background - ie criminals from wealthy, highly esteemed family get lesser sentences even for the most heinous crimes.

No hope with current Home Secretary I think, a banker who wants to reduce police numbers generally.

YANBU.

Actually only found out today that someone I know committed some vile crimes a decade ago and got a pathetic 2 years in jail. Disgusting.

Completely agree, a lot of rape & child abuse sentences seem to be far too low. I think life should mean life.

I also have a major problem with the sentencing when someone kills someone by car.

Anyone know the Gary/Jody Plauche story about vigilante justice?