Judge Blunkett

This is a strong article by Jenkins in the Times. He concerns himself with the case of Garry Mann, the English fireman given a two year (suspended as it turns out) sentence by the Portuguese authorities and the reaction of the Home Secretary to Mr. Mann's current "not behind bars" status.

It looks like a right royal mess with evidence of an unfair trial and a complete misunderstanding as to the legal status of Mr. Mann by the Home Secretary who famously said, though not in a Judge Dredd voice:

we are going to nail this individual

Jenkins is right when he says:

Garry Mann might not invite sympathy, which is why his case is a good test of justice.

If Blunkett had any sense he would drop this ridiculous crusade of his as soon as possible unless, of course, he believes that Mr. Mann's "trial" was a fair one in which case one would have to wonder about his suitability for the position he currently wields.

The judges are insisting that the trial was a fair one that followed all necessary procedures. The plot deepens and only time will reveal the true situation.

I may have jumped in here a little too soon and I put this down to not thinking very much of our Home Secretary, who I was trying to nail (and I don't mean in that US kind of a way). Thankfully, no one reads what I write so no harm done, eh?

Posted by John at June 23, 2004 12:17 PM | TrackBack