Teenager accused of murder as UK courts get tough on rioters
Source: Agencies |
August 17, 2011, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was yesterday ordered to stand trial for the murder of a pensioner attacked when he confronted rioters in London.
The order came as UK judges and prosecutors used tough punishment against hundreds of people alleged to have taken part in the mayhem.
The government said police would get better training and stronger powers to deal with street disturbances.
"We will make sure police have the powers they need," said Home Secretary Theresa May, including, she suggested, the power to impose curfews in troubled areas.
The teenager, who has not been named because of his age, appeared in court accused of killing 68-year-old Richard Bowes, in Ealing, west London, on August 8. CCTV footage captured Bowes being punched and falling to the pavement after he tried to put out a fire started by rioters. He died of head injuries three days later.
The teenager was charged with murder, violent disorder and the burglary of a bookmaker, a supermarket, a video store and a restaurant. He was ordered to be detained as he awaits trial.
The boy's 31-year-old mother has been charged with obstructing the police investigation. She was also denied bail.
Police have arrested more than 3,000 people over riots that erupted on August 6 in north London and continued for four nights across the capital and other English cities. About 1,400 have been charged with riot-related offenses. More than 1,200 have appeared in court - often in chaotic, round-the clock sessions dispensing justice that is swifter and harsher than usual.
Although a public opinion favors stern punishment for rioters, a few cases have made headlines and sparked debate. A London man was jailed for six months for stealing a case of water worth US$5 from a supermarket, and a Manchester mother of two who did not take part in the riots was jailed for five months for wearing a pair of looted shorts her roommate brought home.
Most of those convicted have been sent for sentencing to higher courts which can impose tougher sentences.
The order came as UK judges and prosecutors used tough punishment against hundreds of people alleged to have taken part in the mayhem.
The government said police would get better training and stronger powers to deal with street disturbances.
"We will make sure police have the powers they need," said Home Secretary Theresa May, including, she suggested, the power to impose curfews in troubled areas.
The teenager, who has not been named because of his age, appeared in court accused of killing 68-year-old Richard Bowes, in Ealing, west London, on August 8. CCTV footage captured Bowes being punched and falling to the pavement after he tried to put out a fire started by rioters. He died of head injuries three days later.
The teenager was charged with murder, violent disorder and the burglary of a bookmaker, a supermarket, a video store and a restaurant. He was ordered to be detained as he awaits trial.
The boy's 31-year-old mother has been charged with obstructing the police investigation. She was also denied bail.
Police have arrested more than 3,000 people over riots that erupted on August 6 in north London and continued for four nights across the capital and other English cities. About 1,400 have been charged with riot-related offenses. More than 1,200 have appeared in court - often in chaotic, round-the clock sessions dispensing justice that is swifter and harsher than usual.
Although a public opinion favors stern punishment for rioters, a few cases have made headlines and sparked debate. A London man was jailed for six months for stealing a case of water worth US$5 from a supermarket, and a Manchester mother of two who did not take part in the riots was jailed for five months for wearing a pair of looted shorts her roommate brought home.
Most of those convicted have been sent for sentencing to higher courts which can impose tougher sentences.
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