11-year-old girl stabbed in London

[ohioboy]

This is surprising to me as a Canadian. Nothing goes through the court system quickly. It can take years.

According to that link, all plead guilty.

 

[ohioboy]

that is usually what happens here..this is the first time I've ever known courts to sentence immediately after arrest... these people didn't even get a chance to engage a lawyer... and some of them are mothers with young chidren. and usually that would prevent them going to prison especially if their children are very young... but not in this instance

I'm missing something, where was it indicated they were sentenced right after arrest?

 

[hollydolly]

I'm missing something, where was it indicated they were sentenced right after arrest?

it's been in the news every day since the riots....

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I'll add that I hope that evil man spends the rest of his life in prison.

 

[Trish]

I'm missing something, where was it indicated they were sentenced right after arrest?

Fast track courts mean that some protestors have been arrested, charged, convicted and jailed within 72 hours of committing offences.

In the UK, an accused person is entitled to free legal advice and a solicitor including the right to a duty solicitor to attend at the police station. Duty solicitors are on 24 hour call and are independent of the police. On arrival at a police station, an accused person would be advised of their right to legal advice, after arrest but before questioning. They can then request a duty solicitor or can contact their own legal representative, if they have one and before any interviews take place.

I have not seen any reports that arrested protestors were denied their right to legal advice. The swiftness of proceedings should not have prevented the accused from receiving legal advice and, it would obviously be very concerning if someone were arrested, charged and sentenced without the option of legal advice and representation. It would be interesting to read the source, if this is the case.

As to the fast tracking. I guess if the police have video proof of someone being involved in illegal activity, if the perpetrator is known, has previous criminal history and pleads guilty, conviction is inevitable and the only matter to be discussed in any detail would be the appropriate sentencing, i.e. community service, fines or imprisonment. In the case of the recent rioters, a clear message was being sent that, there would not be leniency for anyone involved, regardless of whether they took part in the riots themselves or used online platforms to incite others.

Personally, I think fast tracking in this case was/is appropriate and, as long as the arrested people were/are not denied their legal rights during the process, I hope it continues.