to get a rounded view perhaps... he also deserves consistency in sentencing, but just another crazy thought of mine!
I wasn't being insulting about the name, hence the exclamation mark. Apologies if it came across that way, genuinely not what I intended. Although I would suggest your post is somewhat patronising and condescending. Nice. I appreciate the differing views and completely respect yours and the majority on here. I'm also not belittling the crime or the effect on the victim or their family. I don't believe the Basingstoke sentence to be at the right level either, but I do believe ten years for AJ to be too high, and that is aligned to what I have just written above.
People are expected to obey the law in civilised countries, and they are expected to know what the laws of their country are. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, as we are often told. The other thing pertinent to this case is that the degree, if any, of sexual provocation by the girl is completely and utterly irrelevant. She could have completely removed all her clothing in Johnson's car and he would still be guilty if he touched her sexually. The law in the UK is that a child, that is someone under 16 years old, is not deemed to be capable of consenting to sex. Johnson took the trouble to find this out before he touched her, so he deserves whatever sentence the judge hands down. I expect the judge to make an example of him.
Why an example, he broke the law and should be dealt with consistently as others would have been in the past. Anyhow, I'm not going to contribute further to this discussion as it seems my opinion is incorrect!
I believe the teacher should have received a far higher sentence and believe Johnson should be severely punished, but feel ten years is too high and that his sentence should be consistent for the crime and that he should not be made an example of, I genuinely don't see the logic of that part. Not saying you have directly said that either, but others have directly said it or at the least intimated it.
None of us are right, you have as much right to your opinion as anyone. The reason Johnson needs to be made an example of is because he is a role model for young people, with thousands of them, until recently, chanting his name every week. He has completely let down his fans, his club who stood by him, and his girlfriend who bore his child while he was carrying on this sad little affair. I agree with you about the lack of consistency in these cases, but the level needs to be rounded up, not down. And please don't stop posting!
Sorry to say this, but I don't agree .. All this role model stuff I don't think is an issue. I have a grandson not far from this bugger's age, and I don't think he's watching this wondering whether he can maul a 15 year old and get away with it. What this guy did was wrong. He should be sentenced like any other poor prat who breaks the same law.
I agree he should get a sentence in line with others who have committed a similar crime. He shouldn't get preferential treatment because he is famous or be treated more harshly, the law should be the same for everyone. Even if you consider him a role model he is going to jail and therefore that should be enough deterrent to anyone who thinks he is worth looking up to.
Billyvegus...........your views are as valid as any other. Do not stop contributing because others disagree. I agree some may seem to be " having a pop at you" but you leave us the mods to deal with that and not get involved. Sometimes things come across in print which seems insulting but generally most don't mean it that way. If you are not sure pm the mods and we can help. BT
No worries my end, I'm just not contributing to this thread, I aired my views as others have aired theirs. I'm not trying to change anyone's views or influence them, just suggesting there are different ways of seeing things. I'm still contributing to other threads, and thanks for the message!
I think Chilco was talking about Johnson being a role model for boys who grow up thinking it's OK to abuse anyone for sex. Not already fully grown adults who should have reasonably well rounded personalities already.
Now, if he wasn't so selfish, I'd say there was a chance he'd top himself. That is one sick hole they are sending him to if true. Grim.
Thanks, TSS, that's exactly what I meant. I assumed the phrase "young people" would be taken to mean impressionable young teenagers as you say.
You're looking at "young people" from the perspective of your experienced years. A trap easily fallen into.
M'lud, I withdraw my earlier comment and crave my honourable friend's forgiveness. Anything that discourages young men from seeing women as fair game, which is the fundamental basis of sexual assault I guess, is to be applauded. Fair points, and well made.
