I dare say some of the sentences handed down in the aftermath of the riots are on the stiff side of things. Some people are likely to be harshly punished for moments of stupidity as they were carried away by the thrill of running with the mob. But, though readers know I tend to take a pretty liberal line on criminal justice matters, I also think that this is one of those occasions when a measure of exemplary sentencing may often be appropriate.
Whether this is the case or not, it’s useful to read what those passing judgement are actually arguing. This being so, here’s the full judgement of four cases in Manchester. Make of it what you will. It’s worth reading, I think, the whole thing and one of the advantages online publishing has over printed newspapers is that there’s no need to offer you just a summary of the findings.
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