A case of Dale's bent question or handbags at dawn?
Iain Dale with the title of this post "Perhaps Brown should be arrested..." suggests rather than questions because he does not use a question mark. Mr Dale's post (which includes a YouTube video) is as follows:
"I challenge any supporter of the Police action against Damian Green to argue the case that what Gordon Brown admits to in this 1985 video is different to what Damian Green is accused of - procuring misconduct in public office.
Perhaps Sky & the BBC might like to show this video on their news bulletins".
I am a supporter of the police action against Damian Green. I do like to accept challenges. However, the terms of the challenge have to be agreed and not imposed. Also, the rules of the challenge need to be agreed beforehand. The case is against Christopher Galley and Damian Green, and not against Gordon Brown. Mr Dale is trying the Fat Cat driving his Audi and caught speeding saying the man in the BMW in front was also speeding. It's no defence in law. It is against the law to aid and abet the commission of a criminal offence. The police have a duty to investigate the conduct of both Galley and Green. Surely, if Mr Dale's house gets burgled again he would want the police to investigate?
If it was a question and not a suggestion, the question is crooked. Mr Dale has come to the gambling table with a pair of loaded dice. In the old Wild West, if caught out, he would have been shot and it was legal to do so.
A mixture of law, politics, autobiography and humour. Once described as "The Devilish Advocate" (Guardian), I do have the ability to provoke a response. Sometimes it comes from someone who uses a thought process, and sometimes from jerks usually associated with the knee.
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Sunday, November 30, 2008
Damian Green and Christopher Galley are bang to rights
Damian Green and Christopher Galley are bang to rights
My first thought when I heard that Damian Green had been arrested and that a civil servant had been arrested for leaking official documents was, 'I thought civil servants were meant to be politically neutral?'.
This is not a case of Christopher Galley being a civil servant who comes across some sensitive information, and getting a pang of conscience, decides to whistleblow in the public interest. Nor can Damian Green claim that his role as spymaster was in the public interest.
Under Constitutional and Administrative law "The most junior civil servants are permitted to participate in political activities, but must be politically neutral in the exercise of their duties".
Neither Damian Green nor Christopher Galley can claim that they have done nothing wrong.
The Tories have enough lawyers in their party to know that this claim Tories claim police tried to entrap Shadow Minister with phone calls from Home Office mole is a load of hogwash. There is no such thing under English law as entrapment.
The Tories can huff and puff all they like, the truth of the matter is they are upset that their mole has been unearthed and is no longer in a position to feed them information that they had no legal claim to receive.
Damian Green and Christopher Galley should both be in the Bloody Tower, on Remand, awaiting trial for treason!
UPDATE: Latest news on the Green/Galley affair
Home Office mole revealed as a Tory party spy
Home Office mole revealed as a Tory party spy
Revealed: How civil servant accused in Shadow Minister row ran for election for the Tories
Civil servant Christopher Galley, who is accused of leaking information to Shadow Immigration Minister Damian Green, stood as a Tory candidate in 2004 elections for Sunderland Council.
Revealed: How civil servant accused in Shadow Minister row ran for election for the Tories
Civil servant Christopher Galley, who is accused of leaking information to Shadow Immigration Minister Damian Green, stood as a Tory candidate in 2004 elections for Sunderland Council.
Smith defends probe into Home Office leaks
Smith defends probe into Home Office leaks
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today defended the right of police to arrest a Tory MP over alleged Home Office leaks - suggesting the case was more serious than reported.
Officers had to be allowed to "follow the evidence where they need to" and it would be "Stalinist" for politicians to intervene, she told the BBC.
I watched this interview on the Andrew Marr show. Whilst I agree with Jacqui Smith that politicians should not interfere with a police investigation, it beggars belief that she did not know before hand that Damian Green was the recipient of confidential information and that he was earmarked for arrest.
Related content: An arrest to shame Whitehall and the police
and ... This arrest of an MP is a threat to us all
I just wish instead of her wasting her time and energy on a gobby shock jock, and a Tory MP who already has a lot of support, that Shami Chakrabarti instead gave her attention to the 80,000 convicted prisoners who are being denied their human right to vote.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today defended the right of police to arrest a Tory MP over alleged Home Office leaks - suggesting the case was more serious than reported.
Officers had to be allowed to "follow the evidence where they need to" and it would be "Stalinist" for politicians to intervene, she told the BBC.
I watched this interview on the Andrew Marr show. Whilst I agree with Jacqui Smith that politicians should not interfere with a police investigation, it beggars belief that she did not know before hand that Damian Green was the recipient of confidential information and that he was earmarked for arrest.
Related content: An arrest to shame Whitehall and the police
and ... This arrest of an MP is a threat to us all
I just wish instead of her wasting her time and energy on a gobby shock jock, and a Tory MP who already has a lot of support, that Shami Chakrabarti instead gave her attention to the 80,000 convicted prisoners who are being denied their human right to vote.
Hairdressers face jail for offering customers mulled wine
Hairdressers face jail for offering customers mulled wine
Hairdressers who offer their customers a festive glass of mulled wine at Christmas have been warned that they face six months in jail and a £20,000 fine.
Haven't Norwich City Council got better things to do than hound hairdressers?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Would you Adam and Eve it?
Would you Adam and Eve it?
Yesterday, I reported that binge drinking girls are to be given flip-flops by the police. Today, the police give a drunken arsonist lager!
And, it's just as well that this Chinese man caught driving with no arms was not trying to text on his mobile at the time...
Yesterday, I reported that binge drinking girls are to be given flip-flops by the police. Today, the police give a drunken arsonist lager!
And, it's just as well that this Chinese man caught driving with no arms was not trying to text on his mobile at the time...
‘Mole’ in hiding amid anger at MP Damian Green’s arrest
‘Mole’ in hiding amid anger at MP Damian Green’s arrest
The civil servant at the heart of a Whitehall leak investigation was in hiding last night as a political storm raged over the arrest of the Tory frontbencher Damian Green.
The 26-year-old civil servant was detained at his home in Middlesex at 6am on November 19. The assistant private secretary, who has been suspended from his job, is being looked after by the Home Office at a secret location because it owes him a “duty of care”, officials said.
The civil servant at the heart of a Whitehall leak investigation was in hiding last night as a political storm raged over the arrest of the Tory frontbencher Damian Green.
The 26-year-old civil servant was detained at his home in Middlesex at 6am on November 19. The assistant private secretary, who has been suspended from his job, is being looked after by the Home Office at a secret location because it owes him a “duty of care”, officials said.
Record number of prisoners let out early
Record number of prisoners let out early
More than 42,000 prisoners have been let out early to ease overcrowding after the releases hit record levels.
Some 2,775 inmates were released up to 18 days early last month - the highest total since the controversial scheme began in June last year.
It takes the overall total of inmates who have been let out without completing their full punishment to 42,181.
The scheme sparked outrage last month when it emerged three prisoners who were released early are believed to have murdered just days later.
It led to calls to end it.
Last month's total beat the previous high of 2,745 in September and suggests the rate of releases is increasing.
More than 42,000 prisoners have been let out early to ease overcrowding after the releases hit record levels.
Some 2,775 inmates were released up to 18 days early last month - the highest total since the controversial scheme began in June last year.
It takes the overall total of inmates who have been let out without completing their full punishment to 42,181.
The scheme sparked outrage last month when it emerged three prisoners who were released early are believed to have murdered just days later.
It led to calls to end it.
Last month's total beat the previous high of 2,745 in September and suggests the rate of releases is increasing.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Nick Herbert attacked by Human Rights group
Nick Herbert attacked by Human Rights group
I was livid as I read Tory MP Nick Herbert's speech at the British Library, so much so, I rang up the British Institute of Human Rights to complain about their support of this Boris-like buffoon. More later, but for now here is their press release in full.
Statement from BIHR in response to the lecture given by Nick Herbert MP on 24 November 2008
The British Institute of Human Rights is calling for a cross-party commitment to maintain existing vital protections guaranteed by the Human Rights Act and the strengthening of a culture of respect for human rights for all people in the UK.
The Human Rights Act guarantees the human rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights by making them enforceable in our courts and placing a duty on public bodies to respect those rights. We welcome Nick Herbert's reiteration of the Conservative Party's commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Conservatives propose to replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. Whilst BIHR welcomes all opportunities to hold a national conversation about human rights, we strongly oppose any proposals under which human rights would no longer be directly enforceable in UK courts. This would undermine a fundamental principle of human rights, which is to protect all people from an overweening and arbitrary state, particularly the vulnerable.
It is not acceptable that vulnerable people are treated in appalling ways which could breach their human rights, such as older people being strapped to chairs, CCTV cameras being placed in the bedroom of a couple with learning disabilities or a man's arms being placed in arm restrictive splints for days on end. These types of poor treatment and abuse can be addressed, without needing to go to court, under the duty on public bodies to respect human rights. This duty is a crucial element of the Human Rights Act. Mounting evidence indicates that public bodies are increasingly using the duty, and human rights framework, as valuable tools to deliver better quality and more accountable public services for all.
Any replacement of the Human Rights Act must retain mechanisms to hold public authorities - which act on behalf of the State - to account, and to promote a culture of human rights, based on dignity, respect, fairness, equality and autonomy.
Human rights apply to all people everywhere. The British Institute of Human Rights fully supports action to end human rights abuses across the world. As part of this it is vital that human rights are well understood and respected in the UK.
As Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the original drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights wrote "where after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home; in the everyday world of human beings. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."
Related content: From Our Kingdom The texts of Nick Herbert's public speeches sometimes give the impression of having been drafted first by a well informed assistant, with a sound knowledge of our constitutional history, and then given a ‘going over’ by Herbert to provide a (Conservative Party) politically correct gloss. The result can read in an oddly disjointed – almost Palinist - way. This is a pity: it diminishes the value of serious attempts to discuss serious questions in a serious way..
I was livid as I read Tory MP Nick Herbert's speech at the British Library, so much so, I rang up the British Institute of Human Rights to complain about their support of this Boris-like buffoon. More later, but for now here is their press release in full.
Statement from BIHR in response to the lecture given by Nick Herbert MP on 24 November 2008
The British Institute of Human Rights is calling for a cross-party commitment to maintain existing vital protections guaranteed by the Human Rights Act and the strengthening of a culture of respect for human rights for all people in the UK.
The Human Rights Act guarantees the human rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights by making them enforceable in our courts and placing a duty on public bodies to respect those rights. We welcome Nick Herbert's reiteration of the Conservative Party's commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Conservatives propose to replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. Whilst BIHR welcomes all opportunities to hold a national conversation about human rights, we strongly oppose any proposals under which human rights would no longer be directly enforceable in UK courts. This would undermine a fundamental principle of human rights, which is to protect all people from an overweening and arbitrary state, particularly the vulnerable.
It is not acceptable that vulnerable people are treated in appalling ways which could breach their human rights, such as older people being strapped to chairs, CCTV cameras being placed in the bedroom of a couple with learning disabilities or a man's arms being placed in arm restrictive splints for days on end. These types of poor treatment and abuse can be addressed, without needing to go to court, under the duty on public bodies to respect human rights. This duty is a crucial element of the Human Rights Act. Mounting evidence indicates that public bodies are increasingly using the duty, and human rights framework, as valuable tools to deliver better quality and more accountable public services for all.
Any replacement of the Human Rights Act must retain mechanisms to hold public authorities - which act on behalf of the State - to account, and to promote a culture of human rights, based on dignity, respect, fairness, equality and autonomy.
Human rights apply to all people everywhere. The British Institute of Human Rights fully supports action to end human rights abuses across the world. As part of this it is vital that human rights are well understood and respected in the UK.
As Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the original drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights wrote "where after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home; in the everyday world of human beings. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."
Related content: From Our Kingdom The texts of Nick Herbert's public speeches sometimes give the impression of having been drafted first by a well informed assistant, with a sound knowledge of our constitutional history, and then given a ‘going over’ by Herbert to provide a (Conservative Party) politically correct gloss. The result can read in an oddly disjointed – almost Palinist - way. This is a pity: it diminishes the value of serious attempts to discuss serious questions in a serious way..
Christmas spirit is banned this year
Christmas spirit is banned this year
Carol-singing Brownies and Guides have been banned from a shopping centre because they are considered a health and safety risk.
Bah humbug!
Home Office mole revealed
Home Office mole revealed
An alleged "whistleblower", thought to be a male Home Office official, was arrested 10 days ago.
Mole in a hole
Police to reward binge drinkers with a pair of flip-flops
Police to reward binge drinkers with a pair of flip-flops
Late night revellers in a Devon resort are being offered flip-flops to help them get home.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tory MP arrested as a suspected terrorist
Tory MP arrested as a suspected terrorist
It's just because of the likes of this man, Damian Green MP, that we need 42 days detention to question him. Followed by waterboarding at Guantanamo Bay. Five years from now, it should be decided whether to charge him with any offence and let him stand trial...
It's just because of the likes of this man, Damian Green MP, that we need 42 days detention to question him. Followed by waterboarding at Guantanamo Bay. Five years from now, it should be decided whether to charge him with any offence and let him stand trial...
Gay penguins steal eggs from straight couples
Gay penguins steal eggs from straight couples
A couple of gay penguins are attempting to steal eggs from straight birds in an effort to become "fathers", it has been reported.
We're the only two gay penguins in the zoo...
Boss who shamed thief charged with false imprisonment
Boss who shamed thief charged with false imprisonment
A boss who frogmarched a worker to the police station with a sign around his neck branding him a thief has been charged over the stunt.
Simon Cremer, 44, tied Mark Gilbert's hands, hung a sign round his neck saying "thief" and walked him through a town centre to the police station after he discovered he had tried to take £845 from the business.
Mr Gilbert was arrested for theft, admitted the crime and was given a caution but Mr Cremer, and three workers, have been charged with false imprisonment.
Let this be a lesson to all those who seem to think it is ok to take the law into their own hands. I hope he then sues them under private law and is awarded £845 in damages.
A boss who frogmarched a worker to the police station with a sign around his neck branding him a thief has been charged over the stunt.
Simon Cremer, 44, tied Mark Gilbert's hands, hung a sign round his neck saying "thief" and walked him through a town centre to the police station after he discovered he had tried to take £845 from the business.
Mr Gilbert was arrested for theft, admitted the crime and was given a caution but Mr Cremer, and three workers, have been charged with false imprisonment.
Let this be a lesson to all those who seem to think it is ok to take the law into their own hands. I hope he then sues them under private law and is awarded £845 in damages.
MPs seek to censor the media
MPs seek to censor the media
Britain's security agencies and police would be given unprecedented and legally binding powers to ban the media from reporting matters of national security, under proposals being discussed in Whitehall.
The Intelligence and Security Committee, the parliamentary watchdog of the intelligence and security agencies which has a cross-party membership from both Houses, wants to press ministers to introduce legislation that would prevent news outlets from reporting stories deemed by the Government to be against the interests of national security.
The committee also wants to censor reporting of police operations that are deemed to have implications for national security. The ISC is to recommend in its next report, out at the end of the year, that a commission be set up to look into its plans, according to senior Whitehall sources.
Never mind about Da Ali G, wad abaht the DA Notice?
I am referring to this post from Dizzy Thinks blog...
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The PFI Bombshell?
at 11/26/2008 11:43:00 PM
The whole point of PFI, if you believe the hype, is to deliver public service by shifting the risk to the private sector and then have the Government simply rent back the delivered project for a specified length of time at a premium rate to reward the private consortium for taking the risk.
So, why is it that no one has yet mentioned in the press that three of the key financial backers in the private consortiums are HBOS, Abbey National and RBS? That's significant because they are all institutions that are now partly in 'public ownership' thanks to an injection fo £50 billion in recapitalisation.
That means that the Government is not only propping them up, but it is also paying them premium rent for projects it got them to build and rewarding them for taking a risk that it is itself now liable for. In fact, the Government is now paying the banks to take a risk which they are no longer taking because all the risk is back in the hands of the Government as a significant, powerful and influential shareholder.
We're not talking about small picking either, they are over 600 signed PFI agreements that the Government has made, and quite a few of them are backed by the banks that the Government has pushed itself to bankruptcy to hold up. Now put this in context with new accounting rules that will be introduced in April 2009 to make PFI be "on balance sheet". At this point, assuming the Government do it, the books will be laid open and potentially the economy will crash even further.
If at this point the scale of the debt is revealed formally, then there is every potential that the Government could default on its payments to the banks for PFI (both the ones it has part ownership of and the ones that it doesn't); if one of those banks was then to collapse, what would happen to the schools, hospitals, defence installations, transport projects and all other manner of PFIs that have been agreed?
Seems to me that we might not just have a "tax bombshell" coming but rather a "PFI bombshell" that could cripple the country in a way not seen for a generation.
UPDATE: The bringing of the PFI debt on to the balance sheet in April would be a very good reason to hold a snap election before the roof falls in. No?
Obviously, the financial instability of the country must give the government cause for concern. However, removing the freedom of the media to report a story such as this must surely be stretching a request too far?
Britain's security agencies and police would be given unprecedented and legally binding powers to ban the media from reporting matters of national security, under proposals being discussed in Whitehall.
The Intelligence and Security Committee, the parliamentary watchdog of the intelligence and security agencies which has a cross-party membership from both Houses, wants to press ministers to introduce legislation that would prevent news outlets from reporting stories deemed by the Government to be against the interests of national security.
The committee also wants to censor reporting of police operations that are deemed to have implications for national security. The ISC is to recommend in its next report, out at the end of the year, that a commission be set up to look into its plans, according to senior Whitehall sources.
Never mind about Da Ali G, wad abaht the DA Notice?
I am referring to this post from Dizzy Thinks blog...
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The PFI Bombshell?
at 11/26/2008 11:43:00 PM
The whole point of PFI, if you believe the hype, is to deliver public service by shifting the risk to the private sector and then have the Government simply rent back the delivered project for a specified length of time at a premium rate to reward the private consortium for taking the risk.
So, why is it that no one has yet mentioned in the press that three of the key financial backers in the private consortiums are HBOS, Abbey National and RBS? That's significant because they are all institutions that are now partly in 'public ownership' thanks to an injection fo £50 billion in recapitalisation.
That means that the Government is not only propping them up, but it is also paying them premium rent for projects it got them to build and rewarding them for taking a risk that it is itself now liable for. In fact, the Government is now paying the banks to take a risk which they are no longer taking because all the risk is back in the hands of the Government as a significant, powerful and influential shareholder.
We're not talking about small picking either, they are over 600 signed PFI agreements that the Government has made, and quite a few of them are backed by the banks that the Government has pushed itself to bankruptcy to hold up. Now put this in context with new accounting rules that will be introduced in April 2009 to make PFI be "on balance sheet". At this point, assuming the Government do it, the books will be laid open and potentially the economy will crash even further.
If at this point the scale of the debt is revealed formally, then there is every potential that the Government could default on its payments to the banks for PFI (both the ones it has part ownership of and the ones that it doesn't); if one of those banks was then to collapse, what would happen to the schools, hospitals, defence installations, transport projects and all other manner of PFIs that have been agreed?
Seems to me that we might not just have a "tax bombshell" coming but rather a "PFI bombshell" that could cripple the country in a way not seen for a generation.
UPDATE: The bringing of the PFI debt on to the balance sheet in April would be a very good reason to hold a snap election before the roof falls in. No?
Obviously, the financial instability of the country must give the government cause for concern. However, removing the freedom of the media to report a story such as this must surely be stretching a request too far?
Woman faces jail after guilty verdicts in 'cyber-bully' case
Woman faces jail after guilty verdicts in 'cyber-bully' case
Housewife pretended to be boy of 16 as she sent online taunts to depressed teenager
A housewife who posed as a teenage boy to send hostile emails to a neighbour's daughter was found guilty yesterday of several minor charges related to the "cyber-bullying" that prompted the girl's suicide.
Housewife pretended to be boy of 16 as she sent online taunts to depressed teenager
A housewife who posed as a teenage boy to send hostile emails to a neighbour's daughter was found guilty yesterday of several minor charges related to the "cyber-bullying" that prompted the girl's suicide.
Teenage muggers and burglars can escape punishment by saying sorry
Teenage muggers and burglars can escape punishment by saying sorry
Violent teenage muggers and burglars can be let off their crimes and escape a criminal record just by saying sorry to their victims, it has emerged.
I am in favour of restorative justice if it is applied properly. And, if it helps to ease prison overcrowding that again is a good thing.
Violent teenage muggers and burglars can be let off their crimes and escape a criminal record just by saying sorry to their victims, it has emerged.
I am in favour of restorative justice if it is applied properly. And, if it helps to ease prison overcrowding that again is a good thing.
In the media jungle the tiger sleeps at night
In the media jungle the tiger sleeps at night
Dizzy Thinks, who is part of the new media, wonders as he breaks this story, why is it that the old style media has failed to report upon it? It's the economy stupid, they're all on about it, could they have simply missed the bleeding obvious? Enter the conspiracy theorists, or was there some kind of media blackout? Did the media hold back at the request of the government because of the damage such a revelation might cause?
Back in the 1960s, for a short while, I worked on the Leeds Other Paper. It was an alternative newspaper to the Yorkshire Post. Now and again, I would receive a tip off from a journalist working for the Yorkshire Post. It would be a good story, but for whatever reason the mainstream media couldn't or wouldn't print it. However, once it appeared in print in the Leeds Other Paper, the Yorkshire Post would then pick it up and run with it. Did something similar happen with the story Dizzy posted?
True it is Dizzy's story, nobody can take that credit away from him. He ran with it first. In the new media, it is not like Dizzy did the leg work. However, he did do the brain work and let his fingers do the walking over the keyboard. His eyes scanning documents on the internet, he has a reputation for thoroughness. The mighty oak grew from an acorn. Was the seed planted in the mind? If so, who planted it and where did it come from?
Part of the answer originated here. I don't lay claim to Dizzy's story. As stated, it is his. I am referring to influence. I was influenced from another source. So, my original post was not totally original. The seed was planted in my mind. Sometimes a seed naturally implants itself in the ground, and sometimes it may be because someone has planted it purposefully or accidentally. In any event, the story has broken in the new media whilst the old media was asleep.
Speaking to a contact yesterday, I was surprised to hear him say "I cannot talk to the media anymore, Ministers must do that". My response to that was, "But, they don't know what to say or cover things up". He replied, "I cannot comment on that". It left me with the feeling that the government are deliberately censoring so that the public do not become aware what is really being done in their name. If this is the case here, then Dizzy could well have stumbled upon censorship of the media. I don't know whether I stumbled upon my story or whether I was manipulated. Whatever the case, Dizzy's story is now out there and when the old media wakes up they can pick up where we left off.
UPDATE: It does appear as though there is a mainstream media blackout on the story.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Major news story leading to Major disaster for the economy
Major news story leading to Major disaster for the economy
Do You Know What it is Yet?
First clue.
Second clue.
UPDATE: All I know is that a fellow blogger (Dizzy Thinks) is well on the way to cracking this story...
UPDATED UPDATE: And another blogger (Cherrypie) is on the trail from another angle with the MOD.
UPDATED UPDATED UPDATE 02:09 Dizzy Thinks There she blows!
Do You Know What it is Yet?
First clue.
Second clue.
UPDATE: All I know is that a fellow blogger (Dizzy Thinks) is well on the way to cracking this story...
UPDATED UPDATE: And another blogger (Cherrypie) is on the trail from another angle with the MOD.
UPDATED UPDATED UPDATE 02:09 Dizzy Thinks There she blows!
Police quiz University Challenge contestant over RAF jacket
Police quiz University Challenge contestant over RAF jacket
A student who appeared on University Challenge sporting a mohican haircut and RAF-style jacket was spoken to by police after complaints from viewers.
Now, if the police had instead responded to Hannah Foster's 999 call she may still be alive today! "She had tried to call for help by secretly dialling 999, but was disconnected when she was unable to speak directly to the operator".
What a plonker
What a plonker
Sharia law should be introduced into legal system, says leading barrister
A leading barrister has said that Sharia law should be incorporated into the English legal system, it has been reported.
“Given our substantial Muslim population, it is vital that we look at ways to integrate Muslim culture into our traditions. Otherwise we will find that there is a significant section of our society which is increasingly alienated, with very dangerous results".
If Muslims come over here the onus is upon them to change to our way of living, not for us to change to their way of living. Changing our laws to suit them is not them integrating. Recently, under Sharia law a 13 year old girl was raped by three Muslim men and she was charged with infidelity and stoned to death. This idiot barrister needs to see a psychiatrist!
Sharia law should be introduced into legal system, says leading barrister
A leading barrister has said that Sharia law should be incorporated into the English legal system, it has been reported.
“Given our substantial Muslim population, it is vital that we look at ways to integrate Muslim culture into our traditions. Otherwise we will find that there is a significant section of our society which is increasingly alienated, with very dangerous results".
If Muslims come over here the onus is upon them to change to our way of living, not for us to change to their way of living. Changing our laws to suit them is not them integrating. Recently, under Sharia law a 13 year old girl was raped by three Muslim men and she was charged with infidelity and stoned to death. This idiot barrister needs to see a psychiatrist!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Why we should be afraid of the Tory Party
Why we should be afraid of the Tory Party
The Daily Hitlergraph reports Human Rights undermines public safety, says Tory. "The Human Rights Act has undermined public safety and led to a "rights culture" developing in the UK, the Conservatives said". In my view, this is highly irresponsible reporting by the Daily Telegraph and is worse than the prank played by Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand on Andrew Sachs. Moreover, my advice to the Tories is if they wish to win the next election then they need to bung up the mouth of the loose cannon Nick Herbert. And my advice to the public is, the Human Rights Act is there to protect you and not harm you and to be wary of why the Tory Party want to abolish the human rights of citizens in this country? Hitler first removed the rights of those destined for the gas chambers...
The Daily Hitlergraph reports Human Rights undermines public safety, says Tory. "The Human Rights Act has undermined public safety and led to a "rights culture" developing in the UK, the Conservatives said". In my view, this is highly irresponsible reporting by the Daily Telegraph and is worse than the prank played by Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand on Andrew Sachs. Moreover, my advice to the Tories is if they wish to win the next election then they need to bung up the mouth of the loose cannon Nick Herbert. And my advice to the public is, the Human Rights Act is there to protect you and not harm you and to be wary of why the Tory Party want to abolish the human rights of citizens in this country? Hitler first removed the rights of those destined for the gas chambers...
Hannah Foster's parents selfish?
Hannah Foster's parents selfish?
Hannah Foster's family said that killer Maninder Pal Singh Kohli's sentence of 24 years was a punishment that did not fit the crime and he should spend the rest of his life in jail.
"This man callously deprived Hannah of her primary human right - the right to life. This sentence gives him the right to a second chance at life, a second chance he never gave Hannah.
"To see Kohli's life valued in this way when he showed such utter disregard for Hannah's is hurtful beyond measure.
"The punishment should fit the crime. In this case, it most certainly did not".
Whilst I can understand the parents being angry firstly at Maninder Pal Singh Kohli's conduct, and secondly at the Criminal Justice System's level of punishment, the downside is it leads to clouded reasoning and this only leads them to suffer more if not by their own hands then at least by their own minds.
"There are four offences of abduction of women and girls punishable under the Sexual Offences Act 1956; three are punishable with two years' imprisonment, the fourth, which encompasses the taking away or detaining a woman of any age by force with the intent that she will marry or have unlawful intercourse with the accused or another, is punishable with 14 years' imprisonment". I can see no reason why the trial judge did not impose the maximum sentence possible just for this crime alone.
"Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 ("the 2003 Act"), which came into force on May 1, 2004, rape in England and Wales was redefined from non-consensual vaginal or anal intercourse, and is now defined as non-consensual penile penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth. The forcing of a penis into a vagina by a female is criminalised, as it appears to be covered by section 4 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 - causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. The maximum sentence of life imprisonment was maintained under the new Act". Again, I can see no reason why the trial judge did not impose the maximum sentence possible just for this crime alone. That would be Life plus 14 years.
Murder carries an automatic life sentence. It was possible to pass sentences of Life x 2, plus 14 years. Why the judge did not go for this option is beyond me.
Within the Life sentence is the power for the judge to set a minimum tariff to be served, in this case, 24 years. The Crown Prosecution Service can appeal against the leniency of the tariff. However, it should not be forgotten that this is just the minimum possible. Bearing in mind that I got a tariff of 15 years for manslaughter, and actually served 25 years before being released.
Whilst I have sympathy for the parents grief, I cannot sympathise with their view taken from the Old Testament of an eye for an eye, a life for a life. This only makes them angry, bitter and twisted. In effect, it makes them as bad as the offender mentality-wise. He did not care about our daughter's human right, we don't care about his. This is sad. Denying his human rights will not bring back their daughter. Isn't being selfish a sin?
Hannah Foster's family said that killer Maninder Pal Singh Kohli's sentence of 24 years was a punishment that did not fit the crime and he should spend the rest of his life in jail.
"This man callously deprived Hannah of her primary human right - the right to life. This sentence gives him the right to a second chance at life, a second chance he never gave Hannah.
"To see Kohli's life valued in this way when he showed such utter disregard for Hannah's is hurtful beyond measure.
"The punishment should fit the crime. In this case, it most certainly did not".
Whilst I can understand the parents being angry firstly at Maninder Pal Singh Kohli's conduct, and secondly at the Criminal Justice System's level of punishment, the downside is it leads to clouded reasoning and this only leads them to suffer more if not by their own hands then at least by their own minds.
"There are four offences of abduction of women and girls punishable under the Sexual Offences Act 1956; three are punishable with two years' imprisonment, the fourth, which encompasses the taking away or detaining a woman of any age by force with the intent that she will marry or have unlawful intercourse with the accused or another, is punishable with 14 years' imprisonment". I can see no reason why the trial judge did not impose the maximum sentence possible just for this crime alone.
"Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 ("the 2003 Act"), which came into force on May 1, 2004, rape in England and Wales was redefined from non-consensual vaginal or anal intercourse, and is now defined as non-consensual penile penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth. The forcing of a penis into a vagina by a female is criminalised, as it appears to be covered by section 4 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 - causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. The maximum sentence of life imprisonment was maintained under the new Act". Again, I can see no reason why the trial judge did not impose the maximum sentence possible just for this crime alone. That would be Life plus 14 years.
Murder carries an automatic life sentence. It was possible to pass sentences of Life x 2, plus 14 years. Why the judge did not go for this option is beyond me.
Within the Life sentence is the power for the judge to set a minimum tariff to be served, in this case, 24 years. The Crown Prosecution Service can appeal against the leniency of the tariff. However, it should not be forgotten that this is just the minimum possible. Bearing in mind that I got a tariff of 15 years for manslaughter, and actually served 25 years before being released.
Whilst I have sympathy for the parents grief, I cannot sympathise with their view taken from the Old Testament of an eye for an eye, a life for a life. This only makes them angry, bitter and twisted. In effect, it makes them as bad as the offender mentality-wise. He did not care about our daughter's human right, we don't care about his. This is sad. Denying his human rights will not bring back their daughter. Isn't being selfish a sin?
Dolphins put on spectacular display off Isle of Mull
Dolphins put on spectacular display off Isle of Mull
A school of dolphins put on a spectacular acrobatic display near the remote Scottish Hebridean town which doubles up as the setting for the BBC children's programme Balamory.
It's always a pleasure for me to put up a post that is peaceful and beautiful when there is a lot of shit going down in the world.
I thought it was against the law for a police officer to accept a bribe?
I thought it was against the law for a police officer to accept a bribe?
Tarique Ghaffur receives £300,000 pay-off over race claim against Scotland Yard
And, whilst we're at it...
Police officers convicted for torturing their pet dogs
"However they have yet to be sacked from the North Wales police force, despite the conviction".
Doesn't this one law for them and one law for the rest of us piss you right off?
Currying favour with Muslim prisoners
Currying favour with Muslim prisoners
Back in the 1970s, when I was at HM Prison Albany (before it became a prison for sex offenders), I remember the odd occasion when prisoners would be treated to a fish and chips supper. Prison Officers would pop down to the local chippy. Part of the deal was that they would also benefit in the treat. Therefore, this story from HM Prison Whitemoor holds no surprises for me in this respect. However, I cannot support the treat, in this instance, which favoured Muslim prisoners over all other prisoners. It is blatant reverse discrimination. I have tasted prison food for 35 years. I am not a curry lover, just a plain old fashioned sausage, egg and chips man. However, those who do like curry did inform me that the prison curries were alright. It would appear that the Muslim prisoners are playing the old soldier and the prison governor fell for it. I have known Muslim prisoners work in the prison kitchens preparing food for their fellow Muslim prisoners. If this did not happen at HM Prison Whitemoor, why not? If it did, then their complaint should be taken up with their own kind. All this case has done is play into the hands of the hang 'em and flog 'em brigade. I would be interested to learn who tipped off the media and what was their agenda?
Back in the 1970s, when I was at HM Prison Albany (before it became a prison for sex offenders), I remember the odd occasion when prisoners would be treated to a fish and chips supper. Prison Officers would pop down to the local chippy. Part of the deal was that they would also benefit in the treat. Therefore, this story from HM Prison Whitemoor holds no surprises for me in this respect. However, I cannot support the treat, in this instance, which favoured Muslim prisoners over all other prisoners. It is blatant reverse discrimination. I have tasted prison food for 35 years. I am not a curry lover, just a plain old fashioned sausage, egg and chips man. However, those who do like curry did inform me that the prison curries were alright. It would appear that the Muslim prisoners are playing the old soldier and the prison governor fell for it. I have known Muslim prisoners work in the prison kitchens preparing food for their fellow Muslim prisoners. If this did not happen at HM Prison Whitemoor, why not? If it did, then their complaint should be taken up with their own kind. All this case has done is play into the hands of the hang 'em and flog 'em brigade. I would be interested to learn who tipped off the media and what was their agenda?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Hamming it up and Christmas tree decorations
Hamming it up and Christmas tree decorations
I fail to understand why the public must help out the banks once again with this budget which hits the poorest again?
Meanwhile, in other news...
Guantanamo detainees to have art lessons and video games to distract from jihad
I would have thought that stand up comedy is a form of art?
It's not even the first day of Christmas, and my true love sent to me 4 illegal immigrants in an imitation Christmas tree. "In a separate incident, a group of Iraqi illegal immigrants were caught trying to enter Britain by hiding inside a lorry filled with ham...Followers of Islam, the predominant religion in Iraq, are forbidden to eat pork by the Koran because it is said to be 'unclean'". The report does not say how the ham was wrapped, for example, in tins or plastic bags? I don't suppose they would have been too clean themselves depending upon how long they stayed in the lorry. What a weapon for the terrorists, to contaminate pork and ham given that they do not eat it themselves then it would truly be unclean. I recall a Libyan terrorist who laughed it off when strips of bacon were wrapped around his cell door handle for a joke by some London gangsters.
I fail to understand why the public must help out the banks once again with this budget which hits the poorest again?
Meanwhile, in other news...
Guantanamo detainees to have art lessons and video games to distract from jihad
I would have thought that stand up comedy is a form of art?
It's not even the first day of Christmas, and my true love sent to me 4 illegal immigrants in an imitation Christmas tree. "In a separate incident, a group of Iraqi illegal immigrants were caught trying to enter Britain by hiding inside a lorry filled with ham...Followers of Islam, the predominant religion in Iraq, are forbidden to eat pork by the Koran because it is said to be 'unclean'". The report does not say how the ham was wrapped, for example, in tins or plastic bags? I don't suppose they would have been too clean themselves depending upon how long they stayed in the lorry. What a weapon for the terrorists, to contaminate pork and ham given that they do not eat it themselves then it would truly be unclean. I recall a Libyan terrorist who laughed it off when strips of bacon were wrapped around his cell door handle for a joke by some London gangsters.
Titan Prisons my arse
Titan Prisons my arse
House of Lords
Wednesday, 29 October 2008.
Prisons: Titans
3.01 pm
Lord Dubs asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether they will review their plans to build Titan prisons in light of recent projections of future prison populations.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Bach): My Lords, large prison complexes are about more than just additional capacity. They will enable us to seize an important opportunity to modernise the prison estate by decommissioning worn-out, ineffective prisons, and use these gains in efficiency to support improvements in the delivery of rehabilitation by delivering the interventions which help turn prisoners away from a life of crime.
Lord Dubs: My Lords, I welcome any improvement in the prison estate, but will the Government consider pausing in their plans to build Titan prisons until they can review more fully the nature of the prison population, particularly the numbers of mentally ill, many of whom might do better with treatment elsewhere than in the prisons?
Lord Bach: My Lords, we await the report by my noble friend Lord Bradley into the mental health issue which is due in December this year. The most recent projections show that 94,200 places will be needed by 2014 and we aim to provide 96,000 places—hardly a great margin. If the end-of-custody licence scheme were to come to an end, we would need an additional 1,300 places. However, I have to emphasise that the projections are based around estimates, and estimates are not an exact science.
Lord Elton: My Lords, the Minister has emphasised the importance of turning prisoners away from crime.
29 Oct 2008 : Column 1568
Does he recall paragraph 1.195 of the Woolf report in which the noble and learned Lord said:
“It is also highly desirable for the stable running of a prison and”—
I emphasise “and”,
“for the prospects for the prisoner leading a law abiding life after release that, whenever practicable, he should be accommodated as near to his home and community as possible”?
What has happened to change the Government’s enthusiastic acceptance of that view?
Lord Bach: My Lords, nothing has happened to change our enthusiastic support of that proposition. We are looking to build the larger prisons in areas where there is a large amount of demand.
Noble Lords: Oh!
Lord Bach: My Lords, I am afraid that is the uncomfortable truth. At the moment, of course, many prisoners have to be dispersed a long way from where they live, sometimes to smaller, sometimes to larger prisons. We need new prisons in certain parts of the country, and when these larger prisons are in place it will be easier for families and friends to visit those incarcerated.
Lord Elystan-Morgan: My Lords, taking into account delays which are inevitable in the processes of building prisons, what is the earliest date on which it is expected that the first of these prisons will receive the first prisoner?
Lord Bach: My Lords, it is not possible to answer the noble Lord directly. He knows that consultation on the operation and direction of these larger prisons is taking place. That is due to report soon. When the report is made public, it will be easier to say when the first larger prison will open.
The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth: My Lords, in ancient Greek mythology, the Titans were a pretty unsavoury lot. One of them cut off the unmentionable parts of his father with a sickle, married one of his sisters, swallowed five of his children and finally, along with his siblings, was cast into the dreaded Lake Tartarus. Will the Minister comment on that scenario in relation to these horrendous prisons, about which, in spite of his wonderfully sanguine demeanour and voice this afternoon, many of us are deeply sceptical?
Lord Bach: My Lords, that is why we now call them “larger prisons”.
Lord Henley: My Lords, as the Government have made up their mind fairly comprehensively on Titan prisons, or what the Minister has now rechristened “large prison complexes”, why are they consulting the public and others on their future? Have they decided to ignore the consultation in advance of its results?
Lord Bach: My Lords, I think that the noble Lord has misunderstood the consultation. It is not about the principle of whether larger prisons are appropriate, but about how best to organise, direct and manage such prisons.
29 Oct 2008 : Column 1569
Baroness Falkner of Margravine: My Lords—
Baroness Corston: My Lords—
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change & Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): My Lords, there is time for everyone. If the Lib Dems will go first, there will be time for the Labour Benches.
Baroness Falkner of Margravine: My Lords, the Minister will have seen the Justice Secretary’s speech from Monday, where he almost crowed that the UK spends most in the OECD on law and order. Does he subscribe to the view that that is a good thing, or does he subscribe to Professor Ian Loader’s view, expressed in yesterday’s Guardian, that:
“In a civilised society, punishment should be a matter for sorrow and regret, not a badge of political pride”?
Lord Bach: My Lords, I have read the speech fully and agree with every word of it. What I am proud of is the significant and sustained drop in crime—it has fallen by one-third since 1997—which represents an enormous success in social policy. It is an achievement of which we should all be proud. We should be proud of the cultural and structural reform of the police, of prisons, of probation, of the courts and of youth justice, which has breathed life back into a system that had too many deficiencies in the past.
Baroness Corston: My Lords, will the Minister confirm that Government do not plan to provide any Titan prisons for women? He will know that the Government accepted 41 of the 43 recommendations that I made in my report two years ago, where I said that women should be held be in small custodial units close to home. Will he confirm that that is still government policy in relation to women prisoners?
Lord Bach: Yes, my Lords.
Baroness Howe of Idlicote: My Lords, what is the Government’s budget for tackling the cycle of deprivation in families to prevent offending and reoffending, compared with the £2 billion that they propose to spend on Titans, which are almost universally condemned?
Lord Bach: My Lords, I am afraid that I cannot give the noble Baroness the first figure that she wants, but she should know that a huge amount of public money is being spent on what she referred to in the first part of her question. We will continue to spend that money, because we want to keep people out of prison. However, it is unfortunately necessary, unless the noble Baroness disagrees, for persistent, violent and dangerous offenders to be put in prison.
****
So, the government response so far has only been to change the name from Titan Prisons to "large prison complexes"? Lord Bach is wrong to claim that Titan Prisons "are about more than just additional capacity", a 2,500 space human warehouse is just that and it has inbuilt overcrowding in its design. Modernising the penal estate does not need or require Titan Prisons, this is clearly a retrograde step. True, the decommissioning of Victorian prisons would be a step forward. However, if the intention is to replace them with Titan Prisons elsewhere then this is like taking a step forward to take two steps backwards! Is Lord Bach thinking about gas bills when he refers to "gains in efficiency"? What makes those prisons ineffective in the first place is their size and excessive capacity. As the Woolf Report pointed out, the way forward is smaller more manageable units. This allows for one to one counselling to take place which would ensure "the delivery of rehabilitation by delivering the interventions which help turn prisoners away from a life of crime".
I feel that there is something distinctly dishonest about a so-called consultation exercise which leaves out of the equation the big question "whether larger prisons are appropriate"? Oddly, including these questions in the consultation exercise "how best to organise, direct and manage such prisons"? Is it now being claimed by Labour that Jack Straw and the Director General of the National Offender Management Service, Phil Wheatley, are not capable of organising, directing and managing prisons?
By contrast, the ECtHR has already decided that it is a breach of human rights to deny convicted prisoners the vote. And yet, the Ministry of Justice consultation asked the question "whether prisoners should have the vote"? This was the issue which required looking at to see how it could be implemented, not whether it should be. For example, by postal vote like in Ireland.
Lord Bach answering Baroness Corston's point has fallen into the trap of admitting that the Labour government is in danger of breaking the law as it relates to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. The Titan Prisons are unfairly just for men and will be built far from their homes in most cases. Whilst women prisoners will be treated fairly, in smaller more manageable units closer to their homes in most cases.
Finally, in this economic downturn I fail to see how £2bn can be justly spent on a Titan Prisons project which will benefit nobody save for the builders.
House of Lords
Wednesday, 29 October 2008.
Prisons: Titans
3.01 pm
Lord Dubs asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether they will review their plans to build Titan prisons in light of recent projections of future prison populations.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Bach): My Lords, large prison complexes are about more than just additional capacity. They will enable us to seize an important opportunity to modernise the prison estate by decommissioning worn-out, ineffective prisons, and use these gains in efficiency to support improvements in the delivery of rehabilitation by delivering the interventions which help turn prisoners away from a life of crime.
Lord Dubs: My Lords, I welcome any improvement in the prison estate, but will the Government consider pausing in their plans to build Titan prisons until they can review more fully the nature of the prison population, particularly the numbers of mentally ill, many of whom might do better with treatment elsewhere than in the prisons?
Lord Bach: My Lords, we await the report by my noble friend Lord Bradley into the mental health issue which is due in December this year. The most recent projections show that 94,200 places will be needed by 2014 and we aim to provide 96,000 places—hardly a great margin. If the end-of-custody licence scheme were to come to an end, we would need an additional 1,300 places. However, I have to emphasise that the projections are based around estimates, and estimates are not an exact science.
Lord Elton: My Lords, the Minister has emphasised the importance of turning prisoners away from crime.
29 Oct 2008 : Column 1568
Does he recall paragraph 1.195 of the Woolf report in which the noble and learned Lord said:
“It is also highly desirable for the stable running of a prison and”—
I emphasise “and”,
“for the prospects for the prisoner leading a law abiding life after release that, whenever practicable, he should be accommodated as near to his home and community as possible”?
What has happened to change the Government’s enthusiastic acceptance of that view?
Lord Bach: My Lords, nothing has happened to change our enthusiastic support of that proposition. We are looking to build the larger prisons in areas where there is a large amount of demand.
Noble Lords: Oh!
Lord Bach: My Lords, I am afraid that is the uncomfortable truth. At the moment, of course, many prisoners have to be dispersed a long way from where they live, sometimes to smaller, sometimes to larger prisons. We need new prisons in certain parts of the country, and when these larger prisons are in place it will be easier for families and friends to visit those incarcerated.
Lord Elystan-Morgan: My Lords, taking into account delays which are inevitable in the processes of building prisons, what is the earliest date on which it is expected that the first of these prisons will receive the first prisoner?
Lord Bach: My Lords, it is not possible to answer the noble Lord directly. He knows that consultation on the operation and direction of these larger prisons is taking place. That is due to report soon. When the report is made public, it will be easier to say when the first larger prison will open.
The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth: My Lords, in ancient Greek mythology, the Titans were a pretty unsavoury lot. One of them cut off the unmentionable parts of his father with a sickle, married one of his sisters, swallowed five of his children and finally, along with his siblings, was cast into the dreaded Lake Tartarus. Will the Minister comment on that scenario in relation to these horrendous prisons, about which, in spite of his wonderfully sanguine demeanour and voice this afternoon, many of us are deeply sceptical?
Lord Bach: My Lords, that is why we now call them “larger prisons”.
Lord Henley: My Lords, as the Government have made up their mind fairly comprehensively on Titan prisons, or what the Minister has now rechristened “large prison complexes”, why are they consulting the public and others on their future? Have they decided to ignore the consultation in advance of its results?
Lord Bach: My Lords, I think that the noble Lord has misunderstood the consultation. It is not about the principle of whether larger prisons are appropriate, but about how best to organise, direct and manage such prisons.
29 Oct 2008 : Column 1569
Baroness Falkner of Margravine: My Lords—
Baroness Corston: My Lords—
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change & Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): My Lords, there is time for everyone. If the Lib Dems will go first, there will be time for the Labour Benches.
Baroness Falkner of Margravine: My Lords, the Minister will have seen the Justice Secretary’s speech from Monday, where he almost crowed that the UK spends most in the OECD on law and order. Does he subscribe to the view that that is a good thing, or does he subscribe to Professor Ian Loader’s view, expressed in yesterday’s Guardian, that:
“In a civilised society, punishment should be a matter for sorrow and regret, not a badge of political pride”?
Lord Bach: My Lords, I have read the speech fully and agree with every word of it. What I am proud of is the significant and sustained drop in crime—it has fallen by one-third since 1997—which represents an enormous success in social policy. It is an achievement of which we should all be proud. We should be proud of the cultural and structural reform of the police, of prisons, of probation, of the courts and of youth justice, which has breathed life back into a system that had too many deficiencies in the past.
Baroness Corston: My Lords, will the Minister confirm that Government do not plan to provide any Titan prisons for women? He will know that the Government accepted 41 of the 43 recommendations that I made in my report two years ago, where I said that women should be held be in small custodial units close to home. Will he confirm that that is still government policy in relation to women prisoners?
Lord Bach: Yes, my Lords.
Baroness Howe of Idlicote: My Lords, what is the Government’s budget for tackling the cycle of deprivation in families to prevent offending and reoffending, compared with the £2 billion that they propose to spend on Titans, which are almost universally condemned?
Lord Bach: My Lords, I am afraid that I cannot give the noble Baroness the first figure that she wants, but she should know that a huge amount of public money is being spent on what she referred to in the first part of her question. We will continue to spend that money, because we want to keep people out of prison. However, it is unfortunately necessary, unless the noble Baroness disagrees, for persistent, violent and dangerous offenders to be put in prison.
****
So, the government response so far has only been to change the name from Titan Prisons to "large prison complexes"? Lord Bach is wrong to claim that Titan Prisons "are about more than just additional capacity", a 2,500 space human warehouse is just that and it has inbuilt overcrowding in its design. Modernising the penal estate does not need or require Titan Prisons, this is clearly a retrograde step. True, the decommissioning of Victorian prisons would be a step forward. However, if the intention is to replace them with Titan Prisons elsewhere then this is like taking a step forward to take two steps backwards! Is Lord Bach thinking about gas bills when he refers to "gains in efficiency"? What makes those prisons ineffective in the first place is their size and excessive capacity. As the Woolf Report pointed out, the way forward is smaller more manageable units. This allows for one to one counselling to take place which would ensure "the delivery of rehabilitation by delivering the interventions which help turn prisoners away from a life of crime".
I feel that there is something distinctly dishonest about a so-called consultation exercise which leaves out of the equation the big question "whether larger prisons are appropriate"? Oddly, including these questions in the consultation exercise "how best to organise, direct and manage such prisons"? Is it now being claimed by Labour that Jack Straw and the Director General of the National Offender Management Service, Phil Wheatley, are not capable of organising, directing and managing prisons?
By contrast, the ECtHR has already decided that it is a breach of human rights to deny convicted prisoners the vote. And yet, the Ministry of Justice consultation asked the question "whether prisoners should have the vote"? This was the issue which required looking at to see how it could be implemented, not whether it should be. For example, by postal vote like in Ireland.
Lord Bach answering Baroness Corston's point has fallen into the trap of admitting that the Labour government is in danger of breaking the law as it relates to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. The Titan Prisons are unfairly just for men and will be built far from their homes in most cases. Whilst women prisoners will be treated fairly, in smaller more manageable units closer to their homes in most cases.
Finally, in this economic downturn I fail to see how £2bn can be justly spent on a Titan Prisons project which will benefit nobody save for the builders.
Jail service 'should be split up'
Jail service 'should be split up'
A former jail governor has called for the prison service to be split up, with local councils taking responsibility for inmates serving short sentences.
This idea of going back in time prior to 1877 when there was two penal systems, one being managed by the state and one being managed by local authorities is hardly forward planning.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Dead Man Walking
Dead Man Walking
On Thursday I went down with either the common cold or influenza and by Sunday I have no energy or strength for almost anything. Last night I struggled to carry a 10kg bag of coal from Nissa, just around the corner. I was stopping every few yards to catch my breath. Some years ago the Prison Medical Service arranged for me to have my sinuses fixed. I think they made the matter worse. In any event, I generally tend to breathe through my mouth instead of my nose. For a number of years I have noticed I could not both smoke and walk as the shortage of breath got to me. (I know I should not be smoking!). With my nose blocked solid, I only have my mouth to keep me alive. But, this illness, the slightest exertion floors me.
Normal service will resume as soon as possible.
On Thursday I went down with either the common cold or influenza and by Sunday I have no energy or strength for almost anything. Last night I struggled to carry a 10kg bag of coal from Nissa, just around the corner. I was stopping every few yards to catch my breath. Some years ago the Prison Medical Service arranged for me to have my sinuses fixed. I think they made the matter worse. In any event, I generally tend to breathe through my mouth instead of my nose. For a number of years I have noticed I could not both smoke and walk as the shortage of breath got to me. (I know I should not be smoking!). With my nose blocked solid, I only have my mouth to keep me alive. But, this illness, the slightest exertion floors me.
Normal service will resume as soon as possible.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Prison governor says stuff prisoners turkey this Christmas
Prison governor says stuff prisoners turkey this Christmas
It did not take long for the fall out from this case to spread from a maximum security prison to a low category resettlement prison. Ebenezer Scrooge, the governor of Blantyre House, has decided to take turkey and Christmas pudding off the prisoners Christmas Day menu, because he does not believe that this once a year treat is publicly acceptable. Bah humbug!
Apparently, the governor had also decided to block prisoners from benefiting from the Release On Temporary Licence Scheme over the Xmas period. However, this decision was challenged by a prisoner who states "he had allowed Muslim prisoners to go out on the celebration of Eide and actually gave them travel warrants to go to the Mosque and be at home with their families".
It did not take long for the fall out from this case to spread from a maximum security prison to a low category resettlement prison. Ebenezer Scrooge, the governor of Blantyre House, has decided to take turkey and Christmas pudding off the prisoners Christmas Day menu, because he does not believe that this once a year treat is publicly acceptable. Bah humbug!
Apparently, the governor had also decided to block prisoners from benefiting from the Release On Temporary Licence Scheme over the Xmas period. However, this decision was challenged by a prisoner who states "he had allowed Muslim prisoners to go out on the celebration of Eide and actually gave them travel warrants to go to the Mosque and be at home with their families".
Bush's Guantánamo policy falls apart
Bush's Guantánamo policy falls apart
Yesterday's court-ordered release of Guantánamo detainees has far-reaching implications for the future of the prison
The Bush administration's Guantánamo policy is collapsing all around them as they pack their offices and prepare to leave Washington. At a steady pace through the last few years that accelerated this summer and into the fall, US judges have been unravelling the faulty legal basis used to construct and sustain Guantánamo. The latest rebuke is perhaps the most significant. For the first time a federal judge has ruled on the merits of the government's evidence against a group of detainees it contends are enemy combatants, and Judge Richard Leon ordered five of the six Algerians in the case be released from custody "forthwith". This decision will have far-reaching implications as president-elect Barack Obama develops his plans to close Guantánamo and return US detainee policy to firm legal footing.
I find it incredible that these men were first released by a court in their own country before being kidnapped off the court steps by the Bush regime and spirited away to Guantánamo. Perhaps, Bush should face trial?
Yesterday's court-ordered release of Guantánamo detainees has far-reaching implications for the future of the prison
The Bush administration's Guantánamo policy is collapsing all around them as they pack their offices and prepare to leave Washington. At a steady pace through the last few years that accelerated this summer and into the fall, US judges have been unravelling the faulty legal basis used to construct and sustain Guantánamo. The latest rebuke is perhaps the most significant. For the first time a federal judge has ruled on the merits of the government's evidence against a group of detainees it contends are enemy combatants, and Judge Richard Leon ordered five of the six Algerians in the case be released from custody "forthwith". This decision will have far-reaching implications as president-elect Barack Obama develops his plans to close Guantánamo and return US detainee policy to firm legal footing.
I find it incredible that these men were first released by a court in their own country before being kidnapped off the court steps by the Bush regime and spirited away to Guantánamo. Perhaps, Bush should face trial?
Burma jails comedian for 45 years
Burma jails comedian for 45 years
Rap star also imprisoned as ruling junta cracks down on popular dissidents
Secret courts in Burma have sentenced a popular comedian and a hip-hop star to hefty jail terms as the military regime cracks down on its dissidents, from monks to celebrities. The comedian Zargana, detained in June for criticising the government's slow response to Cyclone Nargis in interviews with foreign news groups, was sentenced to 45 years in jail.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Picture of the day
Picture of the day
A dramatic sunset acts as a backdrop to Stonehenge Picture: GETTY
A dramatic sunset acts as a backdrop to Stonehenge Picture: GETTY
Jack Straw's stand-up comedy routine?
Jack Straw's stand-up comedy routine?
I do question why a stand-up comedy course for 18 prisoners costs £8,000 for 8 days. It does seem a tad expensive. Therefore, it does appear to lack justification to burden the taxpayers with this bill. I don't see anything wrong with prisoners engaging in such a course, and as this article points out it has been running for 10 years. Because somebody decides to get in touch with the Sun, all of a sudden it becomes something that requires the attention of Jack Straw. I am surprised that he does not do stand-up comedy with his punishment/reform mantra. He goes on about the cost to the taxpayers, and yet thinks nothing of pouring good money after bad down the drain which is the penal system. And, then we have him embarking on the Titan Prisons project which everybody tells him is doomed to fail. As for publicly acceptable, his failure to implement the prisoners votes is not publicly acceptable. Nor was his involvement in the torture of suspected terrorists, where the CIA used British soil to carry out their dirty deeds before locking them up without charge and trial in Guantanamo Bay.
More of the same...
Al-Qaeda terrorist taught stand-up comedy at top-security prison
I wonder if there are plans to prevent Basil Brush using his offensive punchline "Boom Boom!"?
A prisoner rides his motorbike down the landing at HM Prison Whitemoor as prisoners practice their stand-up comedy routines...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
How a Home Secretary was hoodwinked
How a Home Secretary was hoodwinked
Two drug barons have been convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. They have been jailed for a total of 42 years but how did they manage to hoodwink HM Customs, a High Court judge and the then home secretary Michael Howard?
There's a sucker born every minute. I bet Ann Widdecombe is laughing right now at Michael Howard's embarrassing discomfort...
Hello hello what have we got ear then?
Hello hello what have we got ear then?
Police in '£87m ear damage claim'
Police in NI will have to pay out £87m because officers were not offered ear protection during firearms training, a member of the Policing Board has said.
Escape prompts mother's jail call
Escape prompts mother's jail call
A man who escaped from a psychiatric hospital while awaiting trial for murder should have been in prison, his alleged victim's mother has said.
It does appear that Springfield Hospital in Wandsworth, south London, has an appalling record of allowing prisoners to escape or abscond.
An Act of Innocence?
An Act of Innocence?
Michael Naughton questions whether the appointment of Richard Foster as the new chairman of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) can be justified, and whether we need a Innocence Act which will enable cases to be redecided in the Court of Appeal.
Justice must be seen to be done
Should a senior figure from the prosecution community really head the Criminal Cases Review Commission?
Michael Naughton questions whether the appointment of Richard Foster as the new chairman of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) can be justified, and whether we need a Innocence Act which will enable cases to be redecided in the Court of Appeal.
Justice must be seen to be done
Should a senior figure from the prosecution community really head the Criminal Cases Review Commission?
Prison could be good for you
Prison could be good for you
By Ann Widdecombe
Making prisoners do a full day's work every weekday, for real wages, would impart skills and reduce re-offending
The question: What good is prison?
The link above is for the Guardian series, and the link below for this article
"In my view, prison serves two purposes, one well and one badly. The one it serves well is keeping villains off the streets and the one it serves badly is making sure that they leave prison less likely to offend..."
Girl diagnoses herself with Asperger's after reading book
Girl diagnoses herself with Asperger's after reading book
A 10-year-old girl diagnosed herself with Asperger's syndrome after reading a book about the condition.
Rosie King realised she had difficulty in identifying facial expressions and making friends like the character she was studying.
The book Little Rainman: Autism - Through the Eyes of a Child is designed to educate siblings through a child named Jonathan describing his feelings.
Rosie's six-year-old brother Lenny was diagnosed with Asperger's four years ago and their parents Richard, 43, and Sharon, 38, were keen for her to understand his perspective.
As she and her mother turned the pages of the book by Karen Leigh Simmons and came to a section on Asperger's, Rosie suggested: "I think this might be me".
Dick Cheney charged over abuse in private prisons
Dick Cheney charged over abuse in private prisons
US vice president Dick Cheney has been charged with "organised criminal activity" over allegations about abuse in privately-run prisons.
A grand jury in south Texas indicted Mr Cheney and Alberto Gonzales, the former Attorney General, on state charges that they blocked an investigation into the mistreatment of prisoners.
The indictment cites a "money trail" relating to Mr Cheney's financial stake in prison-related businesses, including the Vanguard Group, which has an interest in privately-run federal jails in the region.
According to a grand jury in Willacy County, Mr Cheney is "is "profiteering from depriving human beings of their liberty".
It also accuses him of a conflict of interest and of "at least misdemeanour assaults" on inmates because of his links to the prison companies.
Mr Gonzales is accused of using his position to "stop the investigations as to the wrong doings" in county prisons.
The grand jury wrote that it made its decision "with great sadness" but said it had no other choice but to indict the pair "because we love our country".
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
'Urgent' changes needed at prison
'Urgent' changes needed at prison
The prisons inspector has called for "urgent" changes to be made at a jail in west London.
Anne Owers said conditions at Wormwood Scrubs in Hammersmith had deteriorated since her last inspection.
Her report said 20% of prisoners given mandatory drugs tests failed them, which had led to gang activity.
The prison had been at the centre of a scandal over abuse of inmates by guards but the inspection found no evidence of an abusive or negative staff culture.
A Hat-Tip to Barnacle Bill for finding me this piece, whilst I was otherwise engaged in my birthday party celebrations.
Weaning America off prison
Weaning America off prison
In the United States, a country addicted to jail, there are now more people behind bars than there are farmers
The question: What good is prison?
The above link begins Prison Week asking the age old question. And, the link below is one writer's view of the answer, at least as far as our American cousins are concerned.
The land of the free has become the land of the jailed. Between 1973 and 2000 the rate of incarceration in the United States more than quadrupled. There are more people behind bars (literally and proportionally) than any time in American history. One in every 32 adults is currently on probation, in jail or prison, or on parole. There are more prisoners than farmers. There are more prisoners than there are Lutherans. There are more prisoners than there are Native Americans. The United States currently has a higher percentage of our population in prison than any other nation.
Rejecting youth crime to build a better future
Rejecting youth crime to build a better future
Toni Elkington, 16, was taken into care after problems at home in Wakefield and repeated clashes with the law. In the third of a series of blogs to mark National Youth Week, Toni talks about why young people like her get into crime, and what support they need to get out of it
The morning after the night before...
The morning after the night before...
Well my dinner engagement proved to be a good night out. Double JD, ice and ginger ale for starters. The main course was Sirloin steak and chips, with another JD for side dressing. There was a jazz band and they asked for requests and one of our party asked them to play Happy Birthday for me. Much drinking and talking followed. I got home about 10pm, and half an hour later a couple of lasses turned up to wish me happy birthday and this party went on until 3am. I was concerned about the level of the music and kept telling them to turn it down. It made me feel like a party pooper, however, I didn't think the neighbours would appreciate the party atmosphere. Indeed, there was just one gentle complaint about the noise this morning and I duly apologised and explained the reason.
Next big bash will be Christmas...
Well my dinner engagement proved to be a good night out. Double JD, ice and ginger ale for starters. The main course was Sirloin steak and chips, with another JD for side dressing. There was a jazz band and they asked for requests and one of our party asked them to play Happy Birthday for me. Much drinking and talking followed. I got home about 10pm, and half an hour later a couple of lasses turned up to wish me happy birthday and this party went on until 3am. I was concerned about the level of the music and kept telling them to turn it down. It made me feel like a party pooper, however, I didn't think the neighbours would appreciate the party atmosphere. Indeed, there was just one gentle complaint about the noise this morning and I duly apologised and explained the reason.
Next big bash will be Christmas...
Houses of Parliament 'infested with vermin'
Houses of Parliament 'infested with vermin'
The Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and other parts of Whitehall are infested with vermin, according to official reports.
I don't think we need to waste public money compiling a report to tell us what we already know...
The Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and other parts of Whitehall are infested with vermin, according to official reports.
I don't think we need to waste public money compiling a report to tell us what we already know...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Hold the front page I'm just about to crash my car
Hold the front page I'm just about to crash my car
Labour peer Lord Ahmed to face court accused of dangerous driving
Labour peer Lord Ahmed is to face a court accused of dangerous driving after a six car Christmas Day car smash that killed a 28-year-old.
I am a bit puzzled why the Labour peer Lord Ahmed is not being prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving, but is instead being prosecuted for dangerous driving. His actions resulted in the death of another motorist. It would appear that shortly before the collision Lord Ahmed had sent a text to a journalist. He was driving in the outside lane at the time. There is no mention that he was overtaking vehicles in both the inside and middle lanes at the time. Also, it is stated that he was only minutes from his home. This being the case, I would have thought it would have been more appropriate to be on the inside lane ready to pull off the motorway onto a slip road? And, why could he not have texted the journalist when he got home in a few minutes?
Surely, the Labour appointed CPS are not showing favour to Lord Ahmed?
Labour peer Lord Ahmed to face court accused of dangerous driving
Labour peer Lord Ahmed is to face a court accused of dangerous driving after a six car Christmas Day car smash that killed a 28-year-old.
I am a bit puzzled why the Labour peer Lord Ahmed is not being prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving, but is instead being prosecuted for dangerous driving. His actions resulted in the death of another motorist. It would appear that shortly before the collision Lord Ahmed had sent a text to a journalist. He was driving in the outside lane at the time. There is no mention that he was overtaking vehicles in both the inside and middle lanes at the time. Also, it is stated that he was only minutes from his home. This being the case, I would have thought it would have been more appropriate to be on the inside lane ready to pull off the motorway onto a slip road? And, why could he not have texted the journalist when he got home in a few minutes?
Surely, the Labour appointed CPS are not showing favour to Lord Ahmed?
Britney Spears compares her life to a prison sentence
Britney Spears compares her life to a prison sentence
Troubled pop singer Britney Spears has compared her life to living in prison.
I am sure that there are millions of prisoners throughout the world who would willingly swap their lives and prison cell for Britney Spears life. It is a bit of a bum deal that a court has awarded the 26 year old singer's affairs be controlled by her father. He may have her best interests at heart, but I would have thought her record company, agent or manager would sort those out for her. The shaving her head wasn't such a good idea, and a breakdown can happen to anybody. It's a shame, she seemed such a nice girl and is just ending up like Paris Hilton and Amy Winehouse.
Troubled pop singer Britney Spears has compared her life to living in prison.
I am sure that there are millions of prisoners throughout the world who would willingly swap their lives and prison cell for Britney Spears life. It is a bit of a bum deal that a court has awarded the 26 year old singer's affairs be controlled by her father. He may have her best interests at heart, but I would have thought her record company, agent or manager would sort those out for her. The shaving her head wasn't such a good idea, and a breakdown can happen to anybody. It's a shame, she seemed such a nice girl and is just ending up like Paris Hilton and Amy Winehouse.
Jailhouselawyer's 58th birthday
Jailhouselawyer's 58th birthday
It's a bright and sunny and relatively warm morning so far. A great start to my 58th birthday. The full English, 2 x sausage, 2 x bacon and 2 x eggs are in the frying pan and I am just going down to make 2 x toast and the coffee.
This evening, Humph and Kathleen, and Lucy and Daniel are taking me out for dinner at the Pave. The original Father Ted and Kate Flanagan have phoned to say that they will be coming as well.
UPDATE: Apparently, I share my birthday with Mickey Mouse who is 80 today!
It's a bright and sunny and relatively warm morning so far. A great start to my 58th birthday. The full English, 2 x sausage, 2 x bacon and 2 x eggs are in the frying pan and I am just going down to make 2 x toast and the coffee.
This evening, Humph and Kathleen, and Lucy and Daniel are taking me out for dinner at the Pave. The original Father Ted and Kate Flanagan have phoned to say that they will be coming as well.
UPDATE: Apparently, I share my birthday with Mickey Mouse who is 80 today!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Name change for school next door to Britain's most notorious criminals
Name change for school next door to Britain's most notorious criminals
Despite good results and praise from Ofsted, a school has struggled to attract applicants -- and the staff think they know why.
Now, Broadmoor Primary School is to change its name in an effort to break the association with the high-security hospital next door, which is home to some of Britain's most notorious criminals including Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper.
The intake has been in sharp decline and governors say it is because parents are refusing to even look around the school, near Crowthorne, Berkshire, because of the stigma attached to its name. Pupil numbers are now 25 per cent below target, and as a result the school's funding has been cut.
Governors carried out a survey of local residents, estate agents and child-minders, which found that people expected the school to have a high number of pupils with special needs and mental health problems.
It's official, prisoners are now to blame for our failing education system...
Despite good results and praise from Ofsted, a school has struggled to attract applicants -- and the staff think they know why.
Now, Broadmoor Primary School is to change its name in an effort to break the association with the high-security hospital next door, which is home to some of Britain's most notorious criminals including Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper.
The intake has been in sharp decline and governors say it is because parents are refusing to even look around the school, near Crowthorne, Berkshire, because of the stigma attached to its name. Pupil numbers are now 25 per cent below target, and as a result the school's funding has been cut.
Governors carried out a survey of local residents, estate agents and child-minders, which found that people expected the school to have a high number of pupils with special needs and mental health problems.
It's official, prisoners are now to blame for our failing education system...
Prison's mental health 'scandal'
Prison's mental health 'scandal'
Inadequate mental health care provision at a young offenders' institution has been criticised as scandalous by Wales' children's commissioner and an MP.
It seems that Securicor is quite happy to make a profit, however, when it comes to providing the required services it falls far short. It is not as though prisoners with mental health issues is a new problem. This should have all been sorted out when the contract was drafted and signed.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Is Guido into kiddie porn?
Is Guido into kiddie porn?
I suspect that Paul Staines author of Guido's blog, and to a lesser extent, Phil Hendren author of Dizzy Thinks, will not be best chuffed that The Times is suggesting that the likes of them get their jollies from the virtual-reality, battered-infant graphic of Baby P.
Baby P and the pornography of child violence
Lurid images and salacious details distance us from suffering by turning tragedy into a modern penny dreadful
I have known some prisoners use such as the Littlewoods catalogue and programmes such as Jimmy's to get their jollies. Therefore, it could be argued that Guido with his fake outrage is hiding a dark secret.
I suspect that Paul Staines author of Guido's blog, and to a lesser extent, Phil Hendren author of Dizzy Thinks, will not be best chuffed that The Times is suggesting that the likes of them get their jollies from the virtual-reality, battered-infant graphic of Baby P.
Baby P and the pornography of child violence
Lurid images and salacious details distance us from suffering by turning tragedy into a modern penny dreadful
I have known some prisoners use such as the Littlewoods catalogue and programmes such as Jimmy's to get their jollies. Therefore, it could be argued that Guido with his fake outrage is hiding a dark secret.
Energy firms 'profit from poor'
Energy firms 'profit from poor'
Energy suppliers make some of their biggest profits from their poorest customers, a watchdog has said.
Firms make about half a billion pounds a year in extra charges from prepayment meters, Consumer Focus estimates.
About 1,000 prepayment meters a day are being installed in households where people have got into debt over their energy bills, it says.
Industry body the Energy Retail Association says many people like the meters because they help them budget.
But the industry is now under pressure from the regulator, Ofgem, to cut the prepayment tariffs.
Tell me about it! I am fed up of being ripped off by N Power and NatWest. Given that the government is claiming to be cracking down on benefit fraud, perhaps they will also look into these two companies to discover why they are fraudulently taking my state benefit off me month after month?
Shannon Matthews kidnap accused has been attacked in prison
Shannon Matthews kidnap accused has been attacked in prison
Michael Donovan, 40, was assaulted by an inmate after returning from court to Armley Jail, Leeds, where he is being held on remand.
He was punched twice in the face twice and appeared in the dock yesterday (fri) with a red mark below his nose.
Alan Conrad QC, his barrister, said: "Mr Donovan was assaulted and as a result of which he received facial injuries.
"The incident follows a week in which a number of things have happened to him. He has been verbally threatened and his prison identity card has been stolen in mysterious circumstances".
I am assuming that Michael Donovan had sought protection under Prison Rule 45 (formerly Rule 43)? Unless the attacker was also subjected to protection, Leeds Prison need to be explaining how this attack was allowed to happen. It used to be the case that prison officers would either be complicit in such assaults or at least turn a blind eye to them being carried out by inmates.
Whilst the likes of bloggers Iain Dale, Dizzy Thinks and Guido, have stated that they are in support of vigilantism like this, I am firmly against it and have been since the early 1970s when I saw such attacks being carried out on a regular basis and it sickened me.
Michael Donovan, 40, was assaulted by an inmate after returning from court to Armley Jail, Leeds, where he is being held on remand.
He was punched twice in the face twice and appeared in the dock yesterday (fri) with a red mark below his nose.
Alan Conrad QC, his barrister, said: "Mr Donovan was assaulted and as a result of which he received facial injuries.
"The incident follows a week in which a number of things have happened to him. He has been verbally threatened and his prison identity card has been stolen in mysterious circumstances".
I am assuming that Michael Donovan had sought protection under Prison Rule 45 (formerly Rule 43)? Unless the attacker was also subjected to protection, Leeds Prison need to be explaining how this attack was allowed to happen. It used to be the case that prison officers would either be complicit in such assaults or at least turn a blind eye to them being carried out by inmates.
Whilst the likes of bloggers Iain Dale, Dizzy Thinks and Guido, have stated that they are in support of vigilantism like this, I am firmly against it and have been since the early 1970s when I saw such attacks being carried out on a regular basis and it sickened me.
Police officers stay in jobs despite serious convictions
Police officers stay in jobs despite serious convictions
Police officers convicted of serious violent offences are continuing to serve, it has emerged.
Dozens of officers at a single force are patrolling the streets despite convictions for gun crimes, actual bodily harm, theft and other offences.
Many of the crimes took place while the officers were in post, raising concerns about a fall in police standards.
Last night MPs questioned whether courts could trust evidence from officers with serious convictions, and condemned the "deeply unfair" policies that allowed the officers to keep their jobs .
Figures released by Hampshire Police showed that its 4,000 serving officers had accumulated 42 convictions, including affray, benefit fraud, drunk and disorderly conduct and possessing cannabis plants. If the figures are extrapolated, it would suggest that there are 1,580 convictions among the 144,000 police in England and Wales.
I blogged here about what I thought was a case of unfair dismissal. Based upon the story above, it would appear that those police officers unfairly retained their jobs.
Police officers convicted of serious violent offences are continuing to serve, it has emerged.
Dozens of officers at a single force are patrolling the streets despite convictions for gun crimes, actual bodily harm, theft and other offences.
Many of the crimes took place while the officers were in post, raising concerns about a fall in police standards.
Last night MPs questioned whether courts could trust evidence from officers with serious convictions, and condemned the "deeply unfair" policies that allowed the officers to keep their jobs .
Figures released by Hampshire Police showed that its 4,000 serving officers had accumulated 42 convictions, including affray, benefit fraud, drunk and disorderly conduct and possessing cannabis plants. If the figures are extrapolated, it would suggest that there are 1,580 convictions among the 144,000 police in England and Wales.
I blogged here about what I thought was a case of unfair dismissal. Based upon the story above, it would appear that those police officers unfairly retained their jobs.
Friday, November 14, 2008
No early release for dying Lockerbie bomber
No early release for dying Lockerbie bomber
Libyan man Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi fails to gain early release from prison because he is terminally ill with late-stage cancer
"Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi, the Libyan man jailed for the Lockerbie bombing, today lost an attempt to secure early release from prison because he is terminally ill with cancer.
Judges from Scotland's court of criminal appeal rejected an application from his defence team for him to be freed pending the outcome of an appeal against his conviction.
Lawyers for Megrahi, currently seven years into a 27-year sentence for bombing Pan Am Flight 103 on December 21 1988, had requested his immediate release from Greenock prison to live with his family near Glasgow under strict bail conditions.
The former Libyan intelligence officer is additionally appealing against the conviction after the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission said last year he may have been wrongly imprisoned. He has repeatedly denied carrying out the bombing that killed 270 people, including all 259 people on board and 11 residents of Lockerbie, where the plane crashed.
Lawyers for the 56-year-old revealed last month that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which has spread to other parts of his body".
There is a provision to allow release upon compassionate grounds. It is a shame that the Royal Perogative of mercy is not exercised in this case. Especially as there is doubt that he actually carried out the bombing, and appears to have been a patsy delivered up by Libya to placate the British.
Libyan man Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi fails to gain early release from prison because he is terminally ill with late-stage cancer
"Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi, the Libyan man jailed for the Lockerbie bombing, today lost an attempt to secure early release from prison because he is terminally ill with cancer.
Judges from Scotland's court of criminal appeal rejected an application from his defence team for him to be freed pending the outcome of an appeal against his conviction.
Lawyers for Megrahi, currently seven years into a 27-year sentence for bombing Pan Am Flight 103 on December 21 1988, had requested his immediate release from Greenock prison to live with his family near Glasgow under strict bail conditions.
The former Libyan intelligence officer is additionally appealing against the conviction after the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission said last year he may have been wrongly imprisoned. He has repeatedly denied carrying out the bombing that killed 270 people, including all 259 people on board and 11 residents of Lockerbie, where the plane crashed.
Lawyers for the 56-year-old revealed last month that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which has spread to other parts of his body".
There is a provision to allow release upon compassionate grounds. It is a shame that the Royal Perogative of mercy is not exercised in this case. Especially as there is doubt that he actually carried out the bombing, and appears to have been a patsy delivered up by Libya to placate the British.
Holy Moses the Tories unveil their secret weapon
Holy Moses the Tories unveil their secret weapon
Apologies to Iain Dale's Diary
Idea from Jailhouselawyer
Photoshop RonKnee
Apologies to Iain Dale's Diary
Idea from Jailhouselawyer
Photoshop RonKnee
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Order order
Order order
A massive brawl broke out in the Ukrainian parliament ahead of a televised state of the nation address by President Yushchenko.
Video link.
It is a pity that our parliamentary proceedings are so boring in comparison...
A massive brawl broke out in the Ukrainian parliament ahead of a televised state of the nation address by President Yushchenko.
Video link.
It is a pity that our parliamentary proceedings are so boring in comparison...
Wrongly jailed men fail to get higher compensation
Wrongly jailed men fail to get higher compensation
Two victims of high-profile "miscarriages of justice" cases lost a legal battle for increased compensation awards today.
Darren Hall was wrongly imprisoned for killing Cardiff newsagent Philip Saunders, and Stephen Miller wrongly served time for the brutal murder of prostitute Lynette White.
Mr Hall, 39, from Newport, Gwent, and Mr Miller, from Clapham North, south London, and their co-defendants, had their convictions quashed by the Court of Appeal after spending years behind bars.
Total compensation awards in both cases are in excess of £400,000.
Sir Ian Blair has just been awarded a £400,000 golden handshake. I would have thought 11 years of false imprisonment is worth more than what the former top cop is being paid out.
Two victims of high-profile "miscarriages of justice" cases lost a legal battle for increased compensation awards today.
Darren Hall was wrongly imprisoned for killing Cardiff newsagent Philip Saunders, and Stephen Miller wrongly served time for the brutal murder of prostitute Lynette White.
Mr Hall, 39, from Newport, Gwent, and Mr Miller, from Clapham North, south London, and their co-defendants, had their convictions quashed by the Court of Appeal after spending years behind bars.
Total compensation awards in both cases are in excess of £400,000.
Sir Ian Blair has just been awarded a £400,000 golden handshake. I would have thought 11 years of false imprisonment is worth more than what the former top cop is being paid out.
Words fail
Words fail
The unspeakable case of Baby P raises profound questions about the state of Britain today. The welfare state has created some communities with no trace of morality
Haringey Council's decision to clear itself of any wrongdoing in the appalling case of Baby P, the child who died from unspeakable injuries after as many as 60 visits from health and social workers, points to profound problems within that local authority. It is simply unacceptable that its own director of children's services should have undertaken the review into such a desperate failure, and then declared that no one would be sacked. The Children's Secretary Ed Balls is right to be sending inspectors into the council. He must be prepared to call for heads - not just deputy heads - to roll.
It does seem strange that heads rolled at the BBC for a prank phone call that backfired, and yet in a case as serious as this those involved have decided to keep their heads.
The unspeakable case of Baby P raises profound questions about the state of Britain today. The welfare state has created some communities with no trace of morality
Haringey Council's decision to clear itself of any wrongdoing in the appalling case of Baby P, the child who died from unspeakable injuries after as many as 60 visits from health and social workers, points to profound problems within that local authority. It is simply unacceptable that its own director of children's services should have undertaken the review into such a desperate failure, and then declared that no one would be sacked. The Children's Secretary Ed Balls is right to be sending inspectors into the council. He must be prepared to call for heads - not just deputy heads - to roll.
It does seem strange that heads rolled at the BBC for a prank phone call that backfired, and yet in a case as serious as this those involved have decided to keep their heads.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
PC in un-PC Jungle law row
PC in un-PC Jungle law row
A highly successful traffic officer has been sacked over an alleged racist remark after being overheard saying a suspect was being "sent back to the jungle".
I don't support racism or racists. The remark may well have been mildly racist, or even black humour, in any event, I feel that the response is somewhat disproportionate to the alleged offence.
I often think and refer to it being a jungle outside my front door. Only the other day, I referred to my area of expertise as being my jungle.
I think this kind of record and dedication requires a more balanced penalty?
"The 30-year-old Essex Police officer is said to have made 1,000 arrests in eight years and more than any other officer in his force last year".
In this economic climate good coppers are a rarity.
Spare a copper Guv?
A highly successful traffic officer has been sacked over an alleged racist remark after being overheard saying a suspect was being "sent back to the jungle".
I don't support racism or racists. The remark may well have been mildly racist, or even black humour, in any event, I feel that the response is somewhat disproportionate to the alleged offence.
I often think and refer to it being a jungle outside my front door. Only the other day, I referred to my area of expertise as being my jungle.
I think this kind of record and dedication requires a more balanced penalty?
"The 30-year-old Essex Police officer is said to have made 1,000 arrests in eight years and more than any other officer in his force last year".
In this economic climate good coppers are a rarity.
Spare a copper Guv?
Brazilian woman killed by husband's coffin
Brazilian woman killed by husband's coffin
A Brazilian woman has died after being struck by her husband's coffin when the hearse they were travelling in was involved in a car crash.
Tragicomedy...
Baby P and the fascist thugs in the blogosphere
Baby P and the fascist thugs in the blogosphere
I don't think there can be many people who were not shocked upon hearing about the horrific case of Baby P.
Over at Comment Central there is a well written and balanced piece by Theodore Dalrymple "We can't be surprised by the death of Baby P - A lethal mixture of bureaucracy, blame culture and fear of violence blinds us to the horror that is staring us in the face".
By complete contrast the misnamed Dizzy Thinks has not thought this through. When I read this comment "Death is too good for them, they deserve pain instead. They do not deserve human rights because they're not human, they're sub-human", I am reminded of Hitler's so-called justification for sending 6 million Jews into the gas chambers.
Similarly, we have the twice convicted drink driver and former BNP activist in Hull, Paul Staines, advocating vigilantism. It is just by luck that Staines did not crash into a pram killing a 17 month old baby in it. Had that been the case would he still advocate vigilantes hanging him?
I don't think there can be many people who were not shocked upon hearing about the horrific case of Baby P.
Over at Comment Central there is a well written and balanced piece by Theodore Dalrymple "We can't be surprised by the death of Baby P - A lethal mixture of bureaucracy, blame culture and fear of violence blinds us to the horror that is staring us in the face".
By complete contrast the misnamed Dizzy Thinks has not thought this through. When I read this comment "Death is too good for them, they deserve pain instead. They do not deserve human rights because they're not human, they're sub-human", I am reminded of Hitler's so-called justification for sending 6 million Jews into the gas chambers.
Similarly, we have the twice convicted drink driver and former BNP activist in Hull, Paul Staines, advocating vigilantism. It is just by luck that Staines did not crash into a pram killing a 17 month old baby in it. Had that been the case would he still advocate vigilantes hanging him?
Grendon Prison to receive the Longford Prize
Grendon Prison to receive the Longford Prize
A prison which has achieved stunning results in reducing offending by dangerous and disturbed criminals – often in the face of hostility from prison bosses – will be honoured today for its pioneering work.
Peter Bennett, its governor, said yesterday: "Grendon has survived since 1962. There have been difficult times and there have been different kinds of emphases in prison policy over that period. But Grendon has shown extraordinary resilience." He said the jail cost £42,000 per prisoner per year compared to £35,000 for a normal grade B prison, but argued that the extra expense was recouped by the savings to society from reduced offending by former inmates.
Although Grendon provides a specialist service, Dr Bennett said that he believed its principles, particularly in the treatment of inmates and their close co-operation with staff, could be applied across the prison estate. "Prisoners are very well-behaved," he said. "There are very few violent incidents, low levels of self-harm and low levels of drug use".
In 1989, when I was transferred from Albany Prison (IoW) to the Hull Prison Special Unit, Phil Wheatley was the No1 Governor of the prison and Peter Bennett was a governor grade 5 in charge of the Special Unit. I had a lot of time for both men and came to respect them greatly. It is a shame that the Prison Service does not have more people with their qualities in the system because not only would prisoners benefit but also the public at large.
A prison which has achieved stunning results in reducing offending by dangerous and disturbed criminals – often in the face of hostility from prison bosses – will be honoured today for its pioneering work.
Peter Bennett, its governor, said yesterday: "Grendon has survived since 1962. There have been difficult times and there have been different kinds of emphases in prison policy over that period. But Grendon has shown extraordinary resilience." He said the jail cost £42,000 per prisoner per year compared to £35,000 for a normal grade B prison, but argued that the extra expense was recouped by the savings to society from reduced offending by former inmates.
Although Grendon provides a specialist service, Dr Bennett said that he believed its principles, particularly in the treatment of inmates and their close co-operation with staff, could be applied across the prison estate. "Prisoners are very well-behaved," he said. "There are very few violent incidents, low levels of self-harm and low levels of drug use".
In 1989, when I was transferred from Albany Prison (IoW) to the Hull Prison Special Unit, Phil Wheatley was the No1 Governor of the prison and Peter Bennett was a governor grade 5 in charge of the Special Unit. I had a lot of time for both men and came to respect them greatly. It is a shame that the Prison Service does not have more people with their qualities in the system because not only would prisoners benefit but also the public at large.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
China offers therapy to 4 million internet addicts
China offers therapy to 4 million internet addicts
Chinese hospitals will open special units to treat internet addiction after surveys revealed that over four million teenagers spend more than six hours a day online.
There's no hope for me then, I spend up to 16 hours per day on t'internet...
Chinese hospitals will open special units to treat internet addiction after surveys revealed that over four million teenagers spend more than six hours a day online.
There's no hope for me then, I spend up to 16 hours per day on t'internet...
Student dressed as Rambo arrested over plastic toy knife
Student dressed as Rambo arrested over plastic toy knife
A student who dressed up as Rambo for a night out with friends was arrested because his outfit included a plastic toy knife.
Anthony Radley, 21, was made up as the film character played by Sylvester Stallone when he was spotted by police officers.
But whilst his red bandana, face paint, string vest and combat trousers were perfectly acceptable to officers, his six inch toy knife was not and he was arrested.
He was due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday to fight an £80 fine police imposed, but the Crown Prosecution Service has now decided not to pursue its case.
"The maths and sports science graduate was arrested and held in a cell for three hours before he was charged with causing public alarm".
In my view, the actions of the authorities should be cause for public alarm. Utter madness. They'll be arresting babies next for sucking on their dummies!
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