...And For The Defense...
 

In this weeks Accy Observer there is a story regarding a drunken mother arrested following an argument on her own doorstep. The defence solicitor said, and I quote " I cannot add much to this case but my client has not been before the court before and is in receipt of benefits"

Now I can understand the not being before the court bit, as it shows the defendant is not an habitual criminal, but being in receipt of benefits?. Does this mean that people on benefits are regarded as criminals or are they frequently drunk which mitigates there anti social behaviour?

Maybe any Accy Web members who are in receipt of benefits would like to comment... providing they are not plastered or causing a breach of the peace.

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That is just the sort of statement that is absolutely uncalled for and has absolutely no bearing on the case. If someone who is in employment comes before the courts is their wage disclosed as part of the evidence? It is totally out of order being arrested for being drunk whether you are on benefits or not IMHO.

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I don't see why they had to bring the fact that she's on benefits into it.:confused:

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I think it means - she's never done anything like this before, she's a bit poor so could you go easy on her when you're fining her.

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Maybe, Gayle. I never thought of that.

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True enough statement Gayle. Never entered my head.

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But could this bit of information not be given in private?....and I certainly don't think it needed to be disclosed in the newspaper.

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Also true Margaret, personal circumstances should be kept private.

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How did you manage to extrude it then?

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The reason they tell the court she is on benefits is so she wont get a big fine and if she does get a large fine she will then get time to pay and not have to pay in one lump
if you see what i mean

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I see that and it makes good sense, but could this information not be kept confidential....surely the courts get some kind of social report or background on the defendant.

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It also highlights what a stupid legal system we have. Why is a crime any different for people depending on their income ? Is it not the same crime. Would you get 10 years for murder if you are on benefits and life if you are fully employed. Maybe it might be the other way round, you get life if you are on benefits and less if you are employed because the government needs you back paying tax as soon as possible. A crime is a crime and the punishment should be the same regardless of who it is.

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I read this and had the same thoughts as Uncle Mick ... was well out of order. Did make it look like people on benefits were more likely to behave in this way rather than the rest of us that aren't.

Would we forgive Jambutty more if he had assaulted someone with a walking stick for parking in the wrong spot, and it was mentioned that he was a Blue Badge holder ... :D:D >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> better run quick before he sees it.

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Looking at cases over the years the more dosh you have the less chance of jail. Money buys you better lawyers and a better chance of getting of lightly. If the opposite is true then I might need a bit of persuading.

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is there an alcohol allowance included in a benefits package ? , time was benefits were paid as a safety net between jobs ,not to support an idle lifestyle, and if the woman is on the sick list she shoudn't be drinking . ;) ;) :confused:

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So if your sick and on benefits you shouldn't be allowed a social life? Not everyone on benefits is a scrounger!:confused:

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It is a case that alcoholism is a disease and they are given extra cash for it. Last I heard it was about £25 A WEEK!!!!

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not if you are using Govt. money for it , theres a difference between the 'genuine' sick/ disabled and the moochers and work shy :confused: :confused:

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Contentious statement in my opinion.
There are many reasons why people are on benefits. The vast majority of people have paid into the "state system" for most of their lives and through one circumstance or another have found themselves on "benefits".
I'm also struggling to see the line of thought that if someone is deemed sick then they should be procluded from having alcohol.
Those in receipt of benefits are entitled a Social Life too

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Why did some of the people now on benefits pay into the National insurance sceme if when they become ill they have to forfiet their social life? A lot of people are on benefits through no fault of their own and should not be penalised twice for their mis-fortunes, perhaps you would have a more tolerant view point if it was you that had to be treated in a similar manner?

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Perhaps another reason the fact that the lady in question was on benefits should not have been disclosed. We are back to dictating to people what they can and cannot do with THEIR MONEY!!!!!

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Is the consumption of alcohol a requirement of having a social life ?, many if not the majority of people manage to have decent social lives without getting drunk and hauled into court for having a barney at the front door at the cost to the taxpayer

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Sadly it is a system that can make it more financially comfortable for some not to work than to work. The system can be exploited by some to the detriment of others.

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You are correct that alcohol is not a requirement of having a social life. But having alcohol is neither a precursor to getting drunk. I would say most people thesedays partake in the consumption of alcohol just that they do so with sense and decorum.
Bottom line is it's got ****** all to do with anyone that this woman is on benefits and even less to do with anything is what she spends her money on.

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thats the whole point .....its not 'THEIR MONEY' , it's YOUR MONEY, it's money paid in by you the taxpayers and handed out by the Govt. as support/insurance whilst people are going thru a bad patch , not to support a lifestyle at the expense of others :confused: :confused:

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Once they are in receipt of said money it is theirs to spend as they wish. The fact that this lady was on benefits had nothing to do with any of us. Who are we to dictate to people?

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Im on benefits and i dont drink, :D:D:D

(Alcohol overdose at the age of 17 from dads home brew put me off for life :( ). Think it was Barley wine. :(

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from what i can gather she was Drunk n Disorderly, so fair enough do her. the fact that she was on benifits is irrelevant and should not be an issue,people have always taken a drink there were gin houses for the poor way back, think people who pick up on a persons "status" i.e. the press n others are very blinkered and narrow minded.:p