[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by Zippy

this

I know from personal experience how you can become a totally different person as an adult from when you were a child. It's called growing up and seeing things on a deeper level...with consequences.

I was a criminal not much older than this kid. Spent time in homes and detention centres. Missed years of school.

But now I look back and can't even remember what the hell I was thinking..how I even had the balls to do the stuff I did. Could never do it now and it wouldn't even enter my head to do so. Because Ive grown and Ive learned from my mistakes. My mindset has vastly changed and I care more about how my actions affects others. Young children are often not capable of that...especially if theyre damaged and unloved.

So I say BS to anybody who thinks this boys behaviour is somehow set in stone. NO IT IS NOT. He can still go on to be a good productive member of society. Indeed, many people working in victim support and rehabilitation were once criminals who served time. Now they are giving back in a way thats truly beneficial to society.

Not saying this kid will become an angel. But I think a civilised society should keep all options open and at least give him a chance to redeem himself at some point. His victim aint coming back whatever happens so unless youre all about revenge there's no need to destroy another life here.

But as Ive said, he should still serve a lengthy sentence. I think the killers of Jamie Bulger should have served a much longer sentence too. At that age they can afford to lose at least 15 years of freedom and still have a chance to build a life.

I actuallly agree with this, I think some members are grasping at straws and taking things too literally. The whole point of that sentence was to say that he COULD change with time. Picking at Zippy's grammar won't discredit his argument.

I agree with the red point fully, it's hardly civilised to damn the kid forever. IF he shows the potential to do good after a few years inside then why let your bloodlust take over and waste that? Better to have him serve his time and then become a contributing member of society then a wasted drain of funds in Prison. That's only IF he eventually shows the capacity for change though, otherwise he should serve a full sentence although I don't agree with a life sentence at his age. Perhaps a long sentence followed by limited freedom? Like House Arrest or something. I'm not sure but a Life sentence just doesn't feel right.