Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris
I'm not in the hang em high brigade ... But neither do I buy the claim of "moment of insanity" when someone has gone to a protest kitted out with a mask and gloves. He obviously intended to do things that might make his identity of interest to the boys in blue. And his "moment" was caught on several cameras, in several locations, over an extended period of time during the day.
He went intent on hell raising and took steps not to get caught. Personally I am very comfortable with the principle of him being made an example of.
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I concede that Charlie's behaviour throughout the day suggests there was more than a moment of insanity (I think he had a scarf not a mask btw), but I still think that the public isn't safer with him behind bars. As such, I seriously wonder what (apart from setting an example) purpose there is to putting him behind bars. I'm not saying he shouldn't be punished. It's just that I think there are more appropriate sentences.
Either way, there is also the case of Francis Fernie I linked to earlier. Twelve months for throwing two sticks at the police, with no evidence of intentionally setting out to cause mayhem. I feel to see the point of him going to prison. It's not going to make him a better man. Community service might.