Sarah Everard's Murderer

[sp1814]

The current law in England and Wales states that the murder of a police (or prison) officer in the course of duty is a factor indicating a murder of ‘particularly high seriousness’, which must attract a minimum sentence of 30 years.

This is (thankfully) extremely rare, but if found guilty should the same apply to police / prison officers who murder civilians?

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/sep/29/sarah-everard-family-haunted-by-the-horror-of-daughters-murder

[davebro]

//I think it reflects well on our civilised society that we no longer have it.//

If by "society" you mean the voting public then I think a referendum on the subject would see the death penalty reinstated. IMV

[Ellipsis]

Maybe our society is not so civilised after all, then. Like this one ...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58675153

[Stickybottle]

Ellipsis
This guy should definitely get a whole life term.

As for the death sentence ... maybe the Taliban think it's a good idea, but I think it reflects well on our civilised society that we no longer have it.

I think it is dreadful that a police officer could abuse his power to commit such a heinous crime in a civilised society and not receive a sentence that is comparable
The only justifiable sentence is death

[Ellipsis]

> not receive a sentence that is comparable

You compare yourself to him?

[Stickybottle]

Comparable to his crime but I am sure you already knew that

[jackthehat]

Police Officers (in general) occupy a particular place in the British psyche. It is because of this that Couzen's managed to stop, handcuff and abduct Sarah Everard.
Abusing his position and the tools, badges, etc. of his office should ensure a particularly lengthy sentence; hopefully one from which he is never released.

[Ellipsis]

> Comparable to his crime but I am sure you already knew that

Well, no. If you're not like him, why would you want to mete out a sentence comparable to his crime?

[Stickybottle]

Ellipsis
> Comparable to his crime but I am sure you already knew that

Well, no. If you're not like him, why would you want to mete out a sentence comparable to his crime?

No I am not like him
I have not abused any power of office
Did not and have not abducted nor raped and murdered a young woman
For such unimaginable horror that he has inflicted he deserves to die
Shame that you made me spell it out for the hard of understanding

[Ellipsis]

Hard of understanding? Very good. Maybe you're too smart to have this debate with me.

[sp1814]

Actually, what I meant at the start of this is whether serving police / prison officers should receive harsher sentences if found guilty of murder in the same way that killers of police officers would face.

This case isn’t really a good example because it’s so extreme (kidnap, rape AND murder).

[pixie374]

It's hard to see why any murder, would be better or worse, depending on "who" or their job. A human life is just that, in the end.

I would agree, there is maybe a tiny minority of criminals, where actually, a "real" civilisation would have them euthanised. When you are sure, who, what, and that they would never be safe to be released. Whichever way you see it- keeping a human in a cage for life, with possible abuse. Or, a serious criminal, being looked after by taxpayers for life... neither, actually, is "civilised", from any point of view.

[gness]

I struggle with the death penalty only because of the risk of a mistake.
I see no reason why a murderer shouldn’t remain in prison for as long as the victim is dead.

[grumpy01]

With DNA samples and greater access to scientific evidence should mean mistakes don’t happen.My greater concern how these people are fooling their superiors and get into the Police Force.

[pixie374]

It would need to be certain, gness. But that does sound more like a general mistrust in the justice system, rather than a problem with the actual sentence. Hopefully, nowadays, we could be sure.
But, even letting an innocent person out of prison after 25 years, from a mistake, is not acceptable in my view. Yes, they are alive, but losing decades of your life, could never be brought back.
Maybe we need more certainty, in who is guilty in the first place.

[pixie374]

Grumpy, I think that happens in all industries, really. If someone is evil... it doesn't necessarily show early. It isn't their fault, and shouldn't reflect on the Police.

[grumpy01]

That’s true Pixie but is surely a more acute problem in the Police Service.

[pixie374]

Possibly... but I would think anyone wanting to cause harm, would aim for particular places where they are trusted. I'm thinking of doctors, nurses, carers, priests, teachers.j.. etc who choose places where the have some "control".
I'm not sure which professions have the highest prevalence of abusers though.

[chrissa1]

I don’t agree with the death sentence but he should NEVER be allowed out of jail.

[naomi24]

I don’t see the ‘civilised society’ argument against the death penalty. In any civilised society the safety of the public is paramount. That’s why we put dangerous dogs down.

[Canary42]

/// That’s why we put dangerous dogs down. ///

And look at the enormous outcry that gets from the Doggie Lobby.