[danielf]

Originally Posted by Derek

It's a deterrent effect. If people see that they can go on a wrecking spree during a protest and get away with a slap on the wrist then the next time a protest happens more and more people will get involved.

If when it starts getting a bit feisty they think "Hang on a sec, I might end up as the prison bike if I keep this up" then its job done.

I'd say the sentences for general crimes are too lenient, not that the sentences for violent disorder are too harsh. Mind you I am a fully paid up member of the hang em and flog em brigade.

Yeah, and I'm not. I don't really buy into the deterrent thing. The risk of getting caught is a bigger deterrent than the punishment imo. Either way, I think it's stupid to send people to prison for a moment of insanity that has had no real consequences, and never put people in harm's way. It's also a waste of money that could be spent on more worthwhile things. Isn't that exactly what community service is for?