No, not a quote from 'Eastenders', just an expression of overwhelming disbelief! Surely I'm in some kind of bad dream? It's not April the first, but has the world gone completely mad? A judge chewing gum in court? That requires re-reading just so that the significance of it can sink in. But it gets worse, the judge in question wasn't sitting in judgement, she was being judged and according to this report, had to be told to stop by the court usher during a two-day trial in relation to an allegation of keeping a dangerous dog.
During the trial Judge Beatrice Bolton, who normally sits at Newcastle Crown Court and her partner were described as 'the neighbours from hell'. Upon conviction she was reported as shouting that the verdict "was a fucking travesty" as she strode out of court declaring "I'll never set foot in court again." I have to say that judging by this performance, that might be the best option for all our sakes. Exactly how can the dignity of her office be upheld now, even following a comprehensive apology?
But this comes on top of the case of the police superintendent who changed her plea at the last moment to one of guilt, having fully intended to put the public to the expense of a trial in relation to a speeding offence. She had been stopped when clocked by a radar speed gun when exceeding the 50 mile an hour limit by 29 miles per hour. Apparently she came out with the classic line "I didn't realise what speed I was doing." Nevertheless the hapless traffic PC felt the matter could be best disposed of by means of a warning when he discovered her identity, but this decision was overturned by senior management and the CPS. All this is understandable at all sorts of levels, but the real gem I think is that she intended to allege that her own force radar equipment was inaccurate.
It seems that common sense prevailed in the end, but did not prevent the District Judge having some choice words for Nottinghamshire Constabulary. Anyone working in the Criminal Justice System will be aware of the issues raised by these two stories such as contempt for the legal process, denial of responsibility and futile challenges of the legal process. It's just somewhat surprising to find them coming from within the system!
As with ANY organisation, we try and keep the problems to ourselves. Whether it is marriage, or even a stray manager. This is ALL understandable. And why shoukd the police, or the magistrates....or even the politicians, or priests, feel different? I understand, and agree, wholeheartedly, that its a good thing it coming out, that they were shown to be punished. But i also think, they should be shown the same law as anyone else, like with the pc assault the other week. Give them probation, or hours, or even lock them up. As long as it is inline, with everyone else.........thats good. But more often than not, they are shown leniency, let off after a quick complain. This is where it is wrong.
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