Commentary
| Published date | 01 April 1996 |
| Date | 01 April 1996 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X9606900201 |
| Subject Matter | Commentary |
1hePOUCE
JOURNM
Does the Punishment Fit the Crime?
When found guilty of manslaughter atCardiffCrown Court, a 14-year-old
boy surprisingly escaped acustodial sentence and, instead, was made the
subjectof a three-year supervisory order. According to press reports, the
victim, another 14-year old boy from the same school, had been pulled
down by the hair and kneed 10times in the face; he died four days later in
hospital.
Naturally enough, in view
of
the nature of the attack, the victim's
mother appealed to the Attorney General to increase the sentence, but he
found that it was not unduly lenient and her plea was rejected.
The Police Journal has always held that the Judge who hears a case
must have the responsibility for sentencing. He or she can hear/read the
evidence, see the accused and be in a position to take into account all the
pertinent circumstances.
It
would appear that, in the case in question,
certain features caused the Judge to decide against acustodial sentence -
a decision which The Police Journal accepts.
Under all the circumstances, therefore, and without full knowledge of
the case, it would be quite improper to criticize the surprising leniency
shown towards this apparent bully, but, having regard to the increasing
publicity beinggiven to bullying and its sometimes disastrous consequences
in the form of suicides, it must be said that such a sentence will not
discourage other bullies from pursuing their villainous, often cowardly
acts - more's the pity for all concerned, especially the present and future
victims.
Helmets Away
Tradition was abandoned in Greater Manchester in February when it was
announced that its police force was to replace the helmet with a flat cap and
discard the heavy woollen tunic and overcoat in favour of an American-
style blouson. Another new item to be introduced was a bullet ar.d knife-
resistant vest to be worn under the blouson.
It would seem that the changes were decided upon following a three-
year trial and, from a purely practical point
of
view, it is difficult to argue
with the decision. It is understood that the lightweight blouson is
waterproof and is fitted with a removable body warmer; it affords easy
access to a substantially made belt, designed to take all the equipment now
April 1996 ThePolice Journal 95
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