[jambutty]

It was attempted rape derekgas, which is almost as bad as actual rape.

But the whole point here is should a victim be able to claim compensation from the criminal after s/he has served the time if the criminal happens to come into some money after being convicted?

Mrs A received compensation from the Criminal Injuries Board. I think that $5,000 is not enough for such a heinous crime. Whether that was enough is a different argument.

More than 20 years ago I was attacked at my front door. I suffered a shattered nose and severe bruising around the eyes and face. The thug was caught, tried and convicted. I got £500 compensation. That was the end of the matter legally. I bemoaned the fact that £500 was nowhere near enough but it was better than nothing.

But the effect of the incident on me was that I had to have two operations to repair the damage and I lost a lot of time and money by being off work, not to mention the pain. The psychological affect is still with me today although not to the same degree. Time heals I guess – almost.

I do not know what has happened to the thug since then. He may have continued his criminal ways and be languishing in jail or he may have come good and built a decent life for himself. Until this Law Lords ruling the thought of chasing him for more compensation never entered my head. The case was done and dusted 20 years ago.

Mrs A is just money grabbing or trying to. I wonder who put the idea into her head? I don’t suppose that the media had anything to do with it. Would she have gone after him if, after being released from prison, Hoare had rebuilt his life as a successful businessman and was now worth £7m? Do people want a criminal to pay for the crime for the rest of his life? What if you were the criminal? Would you be prepared to pay for the rest of your life.

People should try to look at this issue from both sides.

Suggesting that it would be the ‘decent thing’ to offer additional restitution is nothing more than people foisting their own moral values on another person. I agree that it would have been a decent gesture but that has nothing to do with the law.

It will be interesting to see what the outcome will be when she sues the guy. I think that common sense will prevail and her claim will not be successful.