The Mind Boggles

So called minor offenses will no longer go before magistrates and will be dealt with by means of a summary 100 pound fine.

Yes, I know, that means police and prosecutors become judge and jury. More though, this will apply to muggers. Yes, some scabby little scrote who beats up a 13 year old to take their mobile phone will (if caught, of course) simply be given a ticket and told to be on his way. Quite wonderful, don't you think?

SERIOUS crimes such as assaulting a police officer and mugging will be punished by instant fines of up to £100 from next year under plans to keep hundreds of thousands of offenders out of court.

Have these people no clue? Assaulting a police officer? 100 quid? Should be five years minimum! Violence directed at the police should be severely punished simply to discourage anyone else thinking of doing the same thing. That's the only possible method of retaining (as I desperately hope we shall) the tradition of largely unarmed police.

Let's go one better shall we? Let's make assaulting a politician cost 100 pounds.

I've got my money right here and if it's John Reid we catch I'll lend you yours.