update:
the first convictions are being processed this morning. almost all are guilty pleas and are being referred to crown court for sentencing (as in theory they can apply heavier sentences than the magistrates courts).
the very first sentence given out this morning is worth looking at in some detail. a 19yr old student, pleaded guilty to burglary of 2x T-shirts from a shop, total value ~£70. his sentence - 1 day in prison and a fine. since he's already spent a day inside, hes been released.
I checked out the sentencing guidelines for
Burglary in a building other than a dwelling, the starting point is a
Community order, the range is
Fine -> 26 weeks custody.
this here is a large part of the problem which caused these riots. the maximum sentence for the crime he committed and pleaded guilty to is
26 weeks in jail. despite everyone saying that the consequences for these rioters will be "severe", this guy has been given
1 day in jail.
where is the punishment?
where is the deterrent?
why wouldnt this guy just go out again this evening and do it again?