A judge has branded Government policy to give thieves on-the-spot fixed penalties as "stupidity in practice".
Nice to see we're cracking down.
I wonder what the criminal fraternity think of this policy?
His comments were made as he sentenced pickpocket Ann Gilheaney, 46, to 14 months for stealing a frail 82-year-old woman's purse, containing £10 cash as she shopped in a supermarket in Dover.
The court had heard she committed a theft two years ago and got away with an £80 fine despite a string of more than 30 previous thefts.
Figures released earlier this year showed 2,072 PNDs ('penalty notices for disorder') were issued in 2004, but that had risen to 21,997 in 2005 and an estimated 30,000 are believed to have been issued last year.
The court had heard she committed a theft two years ago and got away with an £80 fine despite a string of more than 30 previous thefts.
Figures released earlier this year showed 2,072 PNDs ('penalty notices for disorder') were issued in 2004, but that had risen to 21,997 in 2005 and an estimated 30,000 are believed to have been issued last year.
I wonder what the criminal fraternity think of this policy?
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