29. Jan. 2010. – 16:53:46
It`s bit like waiting for a bus on a rainy
night; none comes for ages and then three at once. I suppose many jobs are
routine.....even a heart surgeon or a rocket scientist has a pathway to follow
in order to perform his task effectively and then there`s the one situation
when the format has to be radically changed for successful completion.
Looking through my 2009 diary before
consigning it in a drawer in case I might need an alibi sometime to prove my
innocence....can`t be too careful.......I was reminded of a day last April when
three matters came on one after the other.
The first was a drink driver having pleaded
guilty........not guilty is extremely rare.... had his counsel tell us in
confirmation after we had read reports from probation prior to sentence that he
would be unable to do unpaid work because he worked eight hours a day seven
days a week . Although this young chap stated that he earned £2,750 a month
after tax working in retail sales we thought this highly unusual and difficult
for us because his conviction fell right into the unpaid work category for punishment.
On questioning it was admitted he worked in the family business and earned
£3000 after tax. Needless to add his family business had to do without his
overtime services for the next six months.
The next chap, also drink driving, had an
alcohol level in breath of 191 ug in breath.....so high it`s off the scale. He
was told he was lucky to be alive and his prison sentence was suspended so he
could have treatment for alcoholism provided through the probation service.
Considering he was only 24 years old if he doesn`t stop now that level of
drinking will probably kill him sooner rather than later. I hope he`s not been
tempted to break his driving ban drunk or sober.
And finally a professional beggar with
previous who was disabled and had an alcohol problem arrested at a nearby
railway station where he had been frequently observed by colleagues on their
way to and from court and now charged with begging and harassing two women late
at night by threatening words. He couldn`t be imprisoned to protect the public...law
doesn`t allow it....couldn`t be fined......what would he do?....beg for the
fine money........so he was sent away with the "punishment" known as
a conditional discharge for six months. If he is convicted at any court in the
six months he`ll be back again for the original matter to be re considered.
Just an unusual April day in court.
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