Jail for standing up to drug dealer

Exactly what i would expect of this countrys justice system. Anyone who attempts to stop someone wrong doing gets hammered by the courts. Hence why no one wants to help people getting mugged etc. They fear they will end up getting prosecuted, this country is rapidly going to the dogs.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by MiniMatt

Hearsay? Slander? The prosecution stated:

"On Sunday at 5.30pm, the accused, who was under the influence of alcohol, went to the address and demanded entry. He was allowed into the hallway and began shouting and swearing at Nellies.
'He continued to shout and swear and threatened to kill Nellies if he continued to supply heroin to members of his family."

(my emphasis)

The defence did not contest this account.

Does not render it proven

The prosecution stated "you said this".

The defence had opportunity to contest, could have easily said "no i did not" and it would then have been up to the prosecution to prove it (which undoubtedly they'd struggle to do). The defence chose not to contest what was said.

The Sheriff, the prosecution, and the defence all seem happy that the threat to kill was an accurate account of events.

Jeez, your asking for proof of something that everyone involved in the case accepts happened.

I don't condone vigilante actions - but I would have taken his circumstances into consideration (had it been put to the Jury of Dirk).

FWIW: He did the wrong thing by admitting to the police that he had been to the house and that he had threatened to kill the dealer. If he'd kept stumm, then it would have been his word against the dealer - who's the police going to believe then?

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by MiniMatt

Jeez, your asking for proof of something that everyone involved in the case accepts happened.

Well not really, I just think that but if it were a proven fact (or were indeed capable of being proved) then they would have prosecuted for making threats to kill. As it is he was prosecuted for a breach of the peace which he coughed for.

Maybe there was a plea bargain, I am ever the cynic.

[embee]

Remember that our legal system has nothing to do with finding out the truth, it's all about which lawyer can win the argument. That's it in a nutshell.

It's probably the worst legal system in the world, apart from all the others.

Me, I saw nothing, heard nothing, said nothing. I know nothing. I didn't pee on the constable even though he was on fire. I have nothing but respect for the law, and precious little of that.

[Bluepete]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

The coppers and justice system take a very dim view of ordinary folks doing what they are too scared to do.

Now Mike, that's just not true and you know it.






It saves us loads of paperwork if people sort their own problems out

Pete

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

Vigilantism is only one step away from rebellion once people start to question their "elected" government...

lol,i think we are well past questioning mate lol

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by timwilky

By reclaiming morel law and the need to see transgressors adequately punished you are potentially doing these professionals out of a job. No wonder they were keen to protect themselves from a more efficient system.

Quite.

That and the previous post suggesting what he really did 'wrong' was showing the Plod up is what got him nicked.

Scandalous.

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Well not really, I just think that but if it were a proven fact (or were indeed capable of being proved) then they would have prosecuted for making threats to kill. As it is he was prosecuted for a breach of the peace which he coughed for.

Maybe there was a plea bargain, I am ever the cynic.

In relation to the above comment, the common law crime of Threats is vary rarely used except in extreme circumstances these days unless viewed to be serious threats and not just rubbish.

A breach of the peace is more applicable in this case as it covers all of his behaviour.

Also, there is no way that guy would have been jailed unless he has a long string of previous convictions for similar offences!

Did anyone see his picture in the paper - nothing but another ned!

I do agree with the idea that the guy selling drugs is a low-life scumbag ruining other people's lives, however, people have to take responsibility for there own actions.