Pubdate: Tue, 27 Mar 2001
Source: Oldham Evening Chronicle (UK)
Copyright: Oldham Evening Chronicle 2001
Contact:  P. O. Box 47, Oldham, Lancashire, England  OL1 1EQ
Fax: 0161-652 2111
Website: http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/
Author: Don't Give Me The Needle

DRUG SENTENCES

In a recent court case it was reported that a family of drug dealers were 
sent to prison for a total of 16 years.

At first glance once would think that the sentence was well deserved and 
that it would make future felons think twice before continuing their evil 
trade.

Before we congratulate our legal system let us examine the facts a little 
more closely.

The 16 years will be divided among the six being sentenced as follows: 
three receiving four years each, one receiving two years, one receiving 
nine months and one receiving 15 months.

There was also a sentence of 15 months to run concurrent but, of course, 
this will not be added to the total.

I am under the impression that all sentences are halved which would make it 
that not one of the six would serve longer than two years.

Going a little further, if these prisoners are lucky enough to serve their 
sentences at a well known northern prison they will have en-suite cells, 
TV's, kettles, pictures on the walls etc and the use of first names among 
the prisoners and staff.

Also they may qualify, after a month or two, for guided trips to a local 
shopping centre in order to rehabilitate them to outside world on their 
release.

Curing the drugs problem?  One has to be joking.

Don't Give Me The Needle, Saddleworth
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