I have previously mentioned Lord Justice Bean, whom I respect and admire. In the past I have had the temerity to predict that he would go on to greater things.
He has now been sworn in to the Privy Council.
Good.
Musings and Snippets from a recently retired JP. I served for 31 years, mostly in west London. I was Chairman of my Bench for some years, and a member of the National Bench Chairmen's Forum All cases are based on real ones, but anonymised and composited. All opinions are those of one or more individuals. JPs swear to enforce the law of the land, whether or not they approve of it. Nothing on here constitutes legal advice.
All members of the Court of Appeal are made privy counsellors: comes with the rations.
ReplyDeleteThank you JR. I have always read your stuff, so I am flattered that you read mine! I do remember being interviewed by you on Radio 4 a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteI suspect the lack of severity of the sentence may come down to two things. Firstly, we don't know for sure what the chap with the axe actually did with it, all we have is what was reportedly said, which may or may not be accurate.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, this was an incident which was essentially an argument between two men, both of who may well have used inflammatory language, yet only one of whom has been charged and convicted of an offence. It wouldn't surprise me in the least to find that, in reality, the person who was "cut up" started the argument and inflamed the situation to the point where the convicted chap got the axe out.
Given the possibly aggravating circumstances then perhaps the sentence looks more reasonable.
Like many, I suspect, I've suffered at the hands of bullies driving vehicles. Over the years I've learned to just ignore them in the main, or make a verbal comment that will be recorded by my dashboard camera, primarily so there is some context should there be a further incident with the same vehicle later.
Delighted to see the august Mr R is one of your 'followers' BS!! Now, if only I could get him to follow me on Twitter!! :-) @pensionlawyeruk if you're interested!!
ReplyDeleteand as well as being a good judge, he is a decent bloke too!
ReplyDeleteI recall an interview with a named West London magistrate, but not identified as Bystander. A search of the BBC archive might be revealing.
ReplyDeleteThe Powers-that-be know perfectly well who I am.
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