Face of a killer is the headline, over a picture of what looks like a pretty, normal girl. The article a few pages latter is about the murder (lets not gloss anything up, happy slapping is an idiotic term to make violence look like a game) of a barman last year.
It now dawns on me the why I saw groups of youths outside the Old Bailey yesterday. All with their hoodies drawn tight loitering, smoking, and joking around as several policeman watched them, and one took pictures of all of them with a rather expensive camera. One had his hoodie so drawn, I was sure he couldn't see anything. They looked intimidating.
This is the bit that frightens me
After sentencing, friends of the defendants, who are all from Kennington, South London, screamed abuse and made throat-slitting gestures to the victim's friends and family, including Mr Moreley's 76-year-old father, Geoffrey.
Now aside from how sick this is, and that the poor man father has to endure abuse from the friends of his son's killers, it disturbs me that these people don't realize that they are in the wrong. It's not like 4 innocent people have been convicted for political reasons. Your friends murdered an innocent man, for fun. This isn't a time to stand up for your friends, but to turn your back on them. You've got this so very wrong.
I cannot understand what the 'friends' can be thinking that justifies abusing the victims family and supporting their friends. I really cannot. It is unfathomable to me.
I don't have much fear of criminals (you know, muggers, robbers etc). I expect criminals to do bad things. I come from a country where people die every weekend in crime related incidents. What I fear is the normal people. People who get into fights. I do worry a bunch of youths might one day pick on me. I may be older, but I doubt I could defend myself from more than one kid.
Sickening.
1. David
I’m gonna sound like someone who reads the Daily Mail when I say this, but 14 years simply isn’t enough.
2. grumpyoldman
I imagine the reason that they don’t turn there backs is that is a gang - culture.
Rather than being vilified for their actions they’ll probably be lauded.
When did Life in prison stop being ‘For Life’.
I remember my amazement on visiting SA that every garden had concrete walls topped by Razor Wire. It’s beginning to seem not such a bad idea.
3. Destructor
One of the really suprising things is that Morley was only the second attack of five! They liked, killed a guy, and then went on to make three more attacks over the following hour. Just awful human beings. I hope they enjoy similar treatment in prison.
Adrian, if you’re ever in a position in which you can’t run, try and kill the first kid quickly- it might give the other kids pause for thought. Thumbs in the eyes should do the trick. Good luck!
4. Ian
Some of the problem is down to group dynamics problem. Once you’re a part of that group it becomes very difficult to voice opposition against the group-think. You’re aware of what they are capable of and realize that by breaking from the group you may bring that same fate onto yourself.
It’s disgusting, but I think once they’ve become part of the group it’s easier to go along with it rather than challenge it.