4 yrs for cutting down tree, no jail time for rape

[Barnbrack]

Why are 2 men being given custodial sentences for cutting down a tree when men convicted of rape regularly get suspended sentences.

Is an important tree more important than a random woman! Justice system seems to think so.

What bs. No one gets a suspended sentence for rape.

@YouWillFindMeInTheGarden because you asked ‘what’s a soft prison?’

Scottish law is different to English law. I assumed we were discussing English law as the Sycamore Gap criminals were convicted in an English Court. Do you have an example of an adult convicted of rape in England getting a suspended sentence?

Just because rapists don't get the sentences they should doesn't mean we shouldn't punish people who do "lesser" crimes.

I agree that justice system is ridiculous and there needs to be reform where rapists should be getting harsher punishments but I also think the people who cut their tree deserve their 4 years in prison. I personally think rapists/child molesters should get a life sentence.

😂

There are no rape convictions in this case.

Agree that it is an insanely light sentence for appalling acts on very young children but there was no conviction for rape in this case.

Yes there are wider issues with the rate of conviction for rape but it is incorrect to state that they were found guilty or convicted of rape.

No sympathy for them. They deserved it. Some people just want to watch the world burn.

That’s not to say that there also shouldn’t be tougher sentences for rapists.

Prisons are far too soft. And there are free playstations. And prisoners do get a choice of food, and that is all free too. Law-abiders have to pay for food and games consoles whereas law-breakers get it all for free.

I don’t think it says anything.
I think it’s been long known that the justice system in this country is fucked up.
Today, it wasn’t. They got a prison sentence. It’ll be reduced. It’ll be in a category D. They pose no huge risk to people. But that sentence was needed for many reasons.
We could talk for decades about the unfairness of our justice system. Personally I’d like to see rapists cut in half with chainsaws. I’d happily watch.
But no matter how angry you feel about injustice in that area of the system (which o totally agree with) you can’t really compare this case.

my earlier point was that it’s subjective. Some would argue that trees are more important than humans. We produce CO2 where as trees absorb large quantities of it.
trees are essential to the existence of our planet and the ecosystem- humans are not. 4 years is the right sentence.
Trying to compare it to a rape case is just bonkers

I can think of a lot of people more deserving of jail time than them.
I never knew anything about that blasted tree and couldn't care less about it.

Comparing the sycamore gap tree to "any old tree" is ridiculous. If someone deliberately damaged a painting of dogs playing snooker in a pub, they'd get fined. If they deliberately damaged the Mona Lisa they'd get a very harsh sentence, and rightfully so.

yeah - its wild isnt it. Im not from here but it absolutely astounds me how lenient the system is here - im my country we have the death penalty.

Very true. If cutting down a tree gets 4 years (and I agree with this sentence - do not cut down beautiful trees) then a rapist should get life with parole.

So because you didn’t know about the tree they should get away with breaking the law? This makes no sense.

@krustykittens the report and news story contain terrible findings but still don’t back up the OP’s comment on convicted rapists regularly receiving community service orders.

@MarxistMags Well lots of people did so I feel sorry for your me me me attitude and lack of care for a thing of beauty. Says a lot about you.

The problem isn’t sentencing - the sentence here seems perfectly fine for the crime and the average sentence for rape is between 4 to 19 years

the issue in the justice system is the fact very few cases make prosecution and even fewer make sentencing - that is the issue

As you’re not from England please don’t believe the OP’s claim that there is ‘no jail time for rape’ as this is categorically not true if convicted, although I do agree that sentencing for rape is still too lenient.

I saw that as well and couldn’t believe he got off with such a light sentence, he’ll be out in half that time.
I personally think they should have had to do community service, something forestry based and having to plant lots of lovely trees.
The tree was iconic but when you look at the sentences others receive for things like causing death by dangerous driving etc it does seem bonkers

And you think that's why this sentence was higher? Because of the oxygen abilities of this tree?

How long are the sentences for the deforestation of the Brazilian rainforest? How long is each tree surgeon getting?

How long is the sentence for everyone who removes trees overhanging their property?

Your argument is odd

They will be released after a maximum 40% of their sentence. Possibly earlier on home detention curfew.

I wonder which would receive the harsher sentence, sexual violation of the painting theona Lisa or sexual violation of a living breathing woman

If you give a slap on the wrist and some community service to people who destroy national landmarks for a cheap thrill, we might as well say goodbye to the rest of them (not least in the age of dickheads doing social media stunts).

I'm fine with this sentence and surprised at the "its just a tree" posts, which just seem stupidly reductive.

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