The Andrew Harper Case

[Witchofzog]

My heart goes out to his wife, family, colleagues and friends today. I just find the details reported in the media today absolutely horrifying. Part of me thinks there is no need to report such terrible details and part of me thinks the world needs to know what these animals did so there is no shred of doubt what monsters they are. His poor loved ones having to know this

Apparently the jury were being intimidated by 'associate's of the accused, wouldn't surprise me of the family were among them.

@Thewitcher

Apparently the jury were being intimidated by 'associate's of the accused, wouldn't surprise me of the family were among them.

Why aren't juries granted anonymity in such cases, maybe put a screen up so the gallery and accused can't see them?

It's probably all to do with the rights of the perpetrators and nothing to do with rights of victims families.

@aModernClassic unfortunately where I live we are all too aware of the thieving as we’ve had years of reading about his arrests & court appearances.

They're doubtless used to being able to do whatever they want and get away with it.

I totally agree.

It saddens me that these boys will have the full support of their families when they're the absolute scum of the earth, showing absolutely no remorse and giggling their way into court.

Where is the justice in this world! It's so sad.

Good piece in the times today about how we shouldnt put up with the habits of "travellers "

@billysboy The thing is though in a lot of circumstances, they seem to be above the law!

@billysboy Exactly that!

Imagine being that poor mans family. Failed in every single way.

I only hope they get the maximum sentence!

He's already been bragging to his mum about how he'll be out one day.

@Chickenblc The sad reality is that he will be!

It's probably all to do with the rights of the perpetrators and nothing to do with rights of victims families.

Anonymity for jurors is possible but rarely used.

Note that the arrangements in court are not about the rights of the perpetrator. The court is concerned with the rights of the accused. In this case the accused clearly were the perpetrators but that is often not the case.

Has anyone seen the Instagram post which Andrew Harper’s widow has posted? It’s pleading with anyone who can help to arrange a retrial. Her words are heartbreaking and she’s begging everyone to share the message. I can’t link things, such is my lack of tech knowledge, but I thought the least I can do is to post a message on here. Anyone can read her post on Lissie Harper’s Instagram page.

they should be incarcerated and live their lives behind bars

Really? I'd just shoot them. I'd be very happy to do it myself.

Bump for the morning traffic

Have you all seen the petition to sign?
There seriously needs to be a retrial...the jury were leant on so hard.

@Time40

they should be incarcerated and live their lives behind bars

Really? I'd just shoot them. I'd be very happy to do it myself.

Thankfully it's not up to you.

If they are retried first murder then they may be acquitted completely. I can't see how they could get a murder verdict. It wasn't pre meditated. I can see how they can get anything other than manslaughter.

So sad for his widow and the rest of the family.
I felt so angry and sick at seeing their laughing faces in the paper as they left court. Absolutely no remorse and respect.

@Toddlerteaplease it's absolutely murder! They knew he was caught up in the rope and they chose not to stop. If they stopped immediately when they realised he was there, he wouldn't be dead.

Would you think it wasn't murder if it was your husband??

Would you think it wasn't murder if it was your husband??

People get caught up in feeling that because this is utterly dreadful, and 'murder' sounds worse than 'manslaughter' that must be what this is. A manslaughter can be utterly unconscionable, it just lacks premeditation. And wanting them to be retried means there is the possibility of them getting off.

I think a life sentence can be imposed with a long tariff. As in the case of murder.

It isn't murder as it wasn't Pre meditated. They set out to steal a quad bike. Or whatever it was. They did not plan to
Kill anyone. Doesn't make it any better. And of course they should have stopped when they realised he had got tangled up. But it's still manslaughter.

Just heartbreaking