If found guilty, what would be an appropriate punishment for this young woman?

[sp1814]

No doubt some will ask what happened to provoke such a foul mouthed tirade (especially in the presence of her young child).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/...gland-london-15923875

Whatever happened, bravo to those who chastised her, and double-bravo for everyone keeping their cool and not responding in kind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i47HoiM0Au8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[New Judge]

I can only realistically see a Racially Aggravated Section 5 Public Order Act (disorderly behaviour) charge succeeding arising from this. The more serious offence (Section 4A) needs to be supported with “Intent” to cause harassment alarm or distress. Given that the young lady is almost certainly under the influence of something or other it is likely that the charge will be the less serious one.

Section 5 is the part of the Act on which the delightful Denzel Harvey found himself on the receiving end for a prolonged stint of foul mouthed abuse aimed at police officers:

http://www.theanswerb.../Question1078364.html

You will see that his Honour Judge Bean suggested that such foul behaviour was so commonplace now that hardened police officers should not be troubled by it and he duly quashed Mr Harvey’s conviction.

It will be interesting to see if a similar view is taken about the behaviour exhibited by this shining example of an English Rose. It is probably true that black people are frequently on the receiving end of such abuse. So it is possible that the black people who found themselves unfortunate enough to be on the tram that day may be told that, since such abuse is so common these days they should not take any offence.

If convicted of Racially Aggravated Section 5 the maximum penalty is a fine of £2,500. No other penalty is available. Magistrates’ sentencing guidelines (for a first time offender pleading not guilty) suggest a “starting point” of a week’s net income.

[Snafu03]

sp - in a 'you lot' kind of way. It was succint enough.

[jackthehat]

She could have been meaning 'drunken people' or 'off-their-faces people'......

Whatever it was that she meant, it wasn't as insulting or outrageous as the comments which provoked it!

[Old_Geezer]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/...gland-london-15933829

[Sgt.Rock]

Who do you think the black woman was referring to when she said "you guys don't want to work"?

[jackthehat]

Like I said............drunk people?.....drugged people?

Are you seriously suggesting that her comments are in any way, shape or form as reprehensible as those made by Emma West?

I suggest that the black woman is entitled to hold her own opinions and wouldn't have said a word had EW not felt it necessary to share the workings of her tiny and befuddled mind with the entire tram carriage.

[Sgt.Rock]

Jack - I'm asking who do you think she was referring to?

[ludwig]

What I find really sad is the kid on her lap. What hope have you got with a mother like that?

[jackthehat]

You seem most anxious that I should agree with you that she's talking about white people..........she probably is, given the circumstances, or at least, a particular sort of white person; the sort exemplified by Emma West........but my other points remain.

[ummmm]

You hope that he breaks the mould. It does happen...

[Sgt.Rock]

Jack -She didn't say "people like you don't want to work". It's pretty obvious she was referring to white people in general - and I find that offensive.

[DrFilth]

Sgt.Rock >>
Jack -She didn't say "people like you don't want to work". It's pretty obvious she was referring to white people in general - and I find that offensive. <<

she may have meant white single mum with a kid not all white people

[Monkeyfun]

Sgt rock isn't it obvious that the black lady obviously meant scummy racist drunken junkies or are you (As many of you do) looking for a reason to become angered against someone without a real reason?

Or is there a reason?

I think we already know the answer to this so lets not play games and say what we really mean here.

[Sgt.Rock]

Dr Filth - fair enough, I agree with you, and if that was the case I agree with the black lady too.

[Sgt.Rock]

Monkey - That's your interpretation which you make to suit your own agenda. But you are making insinuations about me. Why don't you say what you mean?

[Monkeyfun]

Do i need agenda to be involved in a lively topical debate?

I've said what i have said and couldn't have been more clearer.

[DrFilth]

the thing what nobody has asked

what started her to shout out did someone say something to her that upset her.
everyone is quick to jump on her being a junkie/drunk foul moth white trash but something may have been said that has not been recorded

[DrFilth]

change foul moth to foul mouth

[Monkeyfun]

"the thing what nobody has asked

what started her to shout out did someone say something to her that upset her.
everyone is quick to jump on her being a junkie/drunk foul moth white trash but something may have been said that has not been recorded"

So by your logic something was said that made her take drugs/drink whilst in charge of a minor and then launch into an unholy and immoral rant against what appears to be placid people on their way home?

How very odd to think that.

If this was the case, why didn't she mention it at all and why did no one come to her aid?

[ummmm]

Not enough to insult a whole carriage full of people.