Jail for damaging a packet of crisps, even though she's pregnant. It only took 2 years to bring her to justice. I'm sure the resident Flog'em Brigade would welcome such draconian measures in their Little England.
A daft sentence if you just look at the latest offence - but you must feel sympathy for the both the Court and the local shops who have lost patience with a serial disruptor and thief.
What would you suggest as a real punishment for someone who (both literally and metaphorically) is sticking two fingers up at society?
I have no idea - she wouldn't pay a fine, or turn up for community service - so what do you do?
PS - the "But I'm Pregnant" defence is spurious - the ability to breed on demand should not be a get out of jail free card.
most on AB are reasonable people, where it gets heated is when you read of child killers who don;t always get a commensurate sentence, and those who murder, maim in the most hideous manner, don't get a life term.
Have you actually read it ? That is FAR from the full story. She had been permanently banned from the store for constant shop lifting. Breaking the ban was why she was jailed, NOT stealing the crisps. Breaking such a ban is ''trespassing'' under law, a possible prison offence .
If she had difficulty understanding what a store ban meant she has two months to learn the meaning and the consequences of ignoring it now. I wonder if they sell Pringles in the prison canteen. :-)
well, I'm really thinking of English law, Ireland may be different. Criminal trespass still exists, I think, but very limited in scope (mostly raves and squats)