An opportunity missed?

[sandyRoe]

If the looters and rioters arrested on the first day had been quickly tried and given exemplary sentences would the rioting have continued?

[ummmm]

Yes...I think so.

[China Doll]

Well yeah... It didn't all happen in one place in the country so the ones you'd be trying wouldn't necessarily be the ones out doing the looting the next day.

[Old_Geezer]

Interesting question, but I tend to believe folk do things they know they could get into trouble for in the expectation that it is the other guy who gets caught. May have been worth a try though.

[sandyRoe]

Imagine the first people convicted had already been given 4 or 5 year sentences. Who would risk that to steal a pair of trainers?

[Barmaid]

Trouble is, the wheels of justice have a similar pace to that of an arthritic snail.............

[Barmaid]

Seriously though - if the looters and rioters decided to plead not guilty, as is their right and elected a Crown Court trial as is their right, it would be impossible in such a short time to collect all the evidence together, instruct counsel, convene a Court etc etc etc.

One must take into account that Crown Court lists are fixed months in advance to take into account custody time limits. So if the Courts were cleared to make room for the rioters, other cases would end up having to be discontinued.

Nice idea though Sandy!

[Ankou]

i imagine the evidence gathering (proof of crime and guilt) would take more than a few days to asemble. an officer saying it was im wot did it, won't be enough.

[Ankou]

i think whisking them off to some gulag in the middle of nowhere for a few weeks without extenal contact, pending investigation, might send a message.

[sara3]

I know of a 17 yr old (not one of mine!) who was arrested on Saturday. he was kept in custody for a long time, interviewed, then released on police bail until mid-September. they took everything he was wearing for forensic testing.

[Old_Geezer]

And was arrested for indecent exposure as he tried to walk home.

[chelle7272]

In Bristol 4 of those arrested on monday night were in court today. One has juct been sentenced to 8 weeks for theft from a store. The Police are doing a good job of keepig the public informed.
I have to say it's been handled much better than expected here.