[jambutty]

Just one small point Billcat, in the UK a magistrate (it is usually 3 people where a majority decision rules) can try a case and does have the authority to impose a jail sentence although there is a time limit.

There is also the bit about being an accessory before, during or after the act. What about handling stolen goods?

The police could target parents and spouses as accessories to a crime. Don’t tell me that the wife or girl friend hasn’t a clue about where that £1,000 ring came from or that brand new plasma TV that she watches Corrie on? The same applies to a parent of a kid on the dole. Just where did that iPod come from or that new jazzy mobile phone. If a parent believes the usual, “my mate give it me or I found it” then they must be plain stupid.