The coalition is out of touch on crime

The coalition talks a lot about reducing the number of short criminal sentences. But this talk ignores just how liberal the sentencing regime already is. Just take this case reported on page 31 of the Evening Standard yesterday, a placement which suggests that it is far from unusual.

‘At Finsbury Park station Ali, who had drunk a bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey in Trafalgar Square with Jamil that night, aimed a punch at Mr Sanson over his girlfriend’s shoulder. Miss Le Doussal turned around to ask what was going on, only for Ali to punch her in the face, leaving her with a black eye. Fellow passenger Daniel Hurley stepped in to remonstrate but as the argument spilled out onto the platform, Jamil punched him in the temple, knocking him to the floor. Jamil then aimed a kick at his head, while Ali kicked him in the legs. Mr Hurley later received hospital treatment before being released.”