08. Jan. 2010. – 14:30:02
It is perhaps unwise to comment on
particular cases in the public eye particularly when full knowledge is
unavailable but then some would say it is unwise for a magistrate to comment.
When deciding sentence magistrates and
judges have strict guidelines to ensure that "post code" justice does
not exist now as it might have done thirty years ago. So it was interesting to
read that earlier today Labour Party deputy leader Harriet Harman has been
fined £350 after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention.
This was not her first motoring offence. On 7 April 2007, Harman was issued
with a £60 Fixed Penalty Notice for speeding. On this recent matter apparently
the lady pleaded guilty at the "earliest opportunity" thus earning a
reduction of one third in the proposed fine. If it is assumed the offence
itself was at the lowest level with no aggravating circumstances and perhaps
some mitigating factors the level of fine is Band A. This is equal to half a
week`s wages. So if the £350 is grossed up it was £525 before the reduction. So
that`s wages of about £1000/week or £50,000 per annum. In 2007 she was earning
£125,000 and there is no reason to think she is earning much less now. It does
not seem unreasonable to conclude that the lady`s fine is very lenient.
When public figures appear to be
treated outwith the recognised legal parameters it brings the whole process
into disrepute and that is adding the drip upon drip of cynical acid to the
body politic.
No comments:
Post a Comment