HOUSES OF PARLIAMENTA recent parliamentary question re the August mayhem produced the following interesting figures on Appeals made by defendants found guilty at all courts for offences relating to the public disorder from 6 to 9 August, as at 16 November 2011 (latest available figures)

Appeals made by defendants found guilty of offences relating to the public disorder between 6 and 9 August 2011—data as of 16 November 2011
A total of 65 Appeals have been made at the Crown Court and Appeal Court of which 20 were successful or had the sentence reduced, 23 were abansoned, refused or dismissed and 22 are awaiting hearing or judgement.

It seems that there has been a large increase in proceedings under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 over the last five years. Of course there could be many reasons for such an increase……simply more dogs getting out of control, more willingness of witnesses to report such offending, increased readiness of CPS to prosecute and that`s just for starters. Having experienced the antics of a 10 stone St Bernard puppy whilst out jogging the more prosecutions the better as far as I am concerned.

And finally a colleague told me of a recent interview her sister, also a J.P., had for appointment to the local Advisory Committee. When the subject of ethnic and other diversity on the bench came round as of course expected she replied that it would be preferable if benches were definitely not constituted as was the interviewing panel. That panel consisted of three white women aged approximately between 55 and 65. The results of the interviews will not be known for a couple of months. Apparently my colleague`s sister is not holding out much hope for success.
3 OLD WHITE WOMEN