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Posted by: On the edge Oct 14 2013, 12:48 PM

A report on NWN's news page reveals that the local magistrates were powerless to deal with a convict who they believed was in contempt of court simply because the private security firm contracted to take prisoners down were not present. There is a Police station just next door to the Court and any Constable (who have sworn an oath) could have been asked to do the job, notwithstanding any commercial contract. This sets a very dangerous president and undermines the authority of the Court and the justices. I can't help thinking that the decision was politically inspired and an attempt to better make the case for centralising the Courts in Reading.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Oct 14 2013, 04:23 PM

I read that story. It was surreal, though I wasn't as cynical as to think it had been staged. You're right though, it made a monkey out of the court process.

Posted by: Bloggo Oct 14 2013, 04:38 PM

Yes, I agree. A prime example of how lawbreakers treat the justice system with contempt. It is appalling that this situation should arise.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Oct 14 2013, 04:47 PM

I don't think that's the point really. It happens at times that people will be contemptuous of the justice system, but the issue here is that the justice system appears to have been contemptible, being unable to do anything about it.

Posted by: On the edge Oct 21 2013, 07:14 AM

Well, now we know! Newbury Magistrates Court is just a satellite of Reading; whatever that is. In reality it means that in spite of all the protest from our local politicians, Councillors, Police Commissioners to MP, the executive just stick two fingers up and do just what they want. Let's face it, in reality, it's closed as a real and effective court already. There's community based democracy in action for you!

Posted by: motormad Oct 21 2013, 08:08 AM

Kind of makes you wonder why we vote/elect/employ those people to begin with....

If they aren't going to listen to the will of the people honestly what is the point of having a "democracy"...

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 21 2013, 08:13 AM

Thought you said you don't vote mate!

Posted by: motormad Oct 21 2013, 09:03 AM

I said "we", not "I".

I don't for that exact reason.
Plus I have better things to do with my time, like eat skittles or sit on my thumb.

Posted by: On the edge Oct 21 2013, 09:09 AM

He's a quick learner! Judging from the turnout figures, which show a year on year decline, looks as if many others agree.

This is exactly the behaviour that puts people off democracy; it really doesn't matter who you vote for, the result is always the same.

Let's face it, if we can centralise something as fundamental to our constitution as trial by our peers; the Magistrates, then we can centralise everything else. For instance, let's start amalgamating village primary schools, parish councils, district councils, etc. That would save even more 'managing the estate'!

Perhaps it's me, but I would have thought trying to keep a real Magistrates Court in town was rather more important than fretting about flags, or greasing up to European neighbours. If the Court want dignified premises - share the town hall.

Posted by: JeffG Oct 21 2013, 09:16 AM

To use a Bristol idiom, I is one of we.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 21 2013, 09:43 AM

Yes. the same technique was employed with the Park Way area; let it wither on the vine then it is not such a 'shock' when it is overhauled.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 21 2013, 09:45 AM

Yes, did I read somewhere that more vote for things such as X Factor, BGT and Strictly Come Dancing that for local and national government?
Perhaps it's time we brought the voting system into the 21st Century where folks can vote from their armchair!?

Posted by: motormad Oct 21 2013, 09:59 AM

If it makes you feel better Biker1, I don't vote on that nonsense either!!

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 21 2013, 11:35 AM

Judging by the turnouts, that is what people are already doing.

Posted by: NWNREADER Oct 21 2013, 12:55 PM

1. The majority isn't always right
2. The people don't know what is good for them like wot we bureaucrats duz
3. If we had all shut up and done as we were told this would've been over and done with years ago

Posted by: motormad Oct 21 2013, 01:45 PM

1. You are right. But that is democracy for you. I think by and large about most issues, eg war, power, utilities, the British Population, reading mainly what you do on BBC News comments section, are very reasoned minds and a **** sight better than wot dem dere politicians does, innit.

2. Meh

3. Like speak German and slave away, in shorts, eating sausage for breakfast.