jdening wrote:
This is categorically untrue. Racial Abuse is not restricted to white on black - in the bench's eyes it's the same offence.
Granted from a legal perspective, this is the case, sadly the reality of "political correctness" means that in practice it's not the same at all.
jdening wrote:
You hardly ever see it because black people don't often mouth off along those lines ("Shup you white....er....person"). But it has happened.
While I agree that in this area, and presumably yours, this is the case, try walking around after dark in some area of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, or even Gravesend in Kent. Incidents of coloured against white or indeed colour A against colour B ( or any other combination of race/religeon) abuse are sadly far too common, but are rarely given the same treatment as White/anything else abuse, and certainly don't have the same level of political awareness.
As for the somewhat extreme example of Abu Hamza (public incitement to murder & commit acts of terrorism is a bit extreme) - yes he was arrested, tried and convicted ( quite rightly too), but it still took nearly 2 years. Given that he is a somewhat extreme case with no shortage of evidence, it makes you wonder what took so long.
Guilty of six charges of soliciting to murder under the Offences Against The Person Act 1861; not guilty on three further such charges
Guilty of three charges related to "using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with the intention of stirring up racial hatred" under the Public Order Act 1986, not guilty on one further such charge
Guilty of one further charge of owning recordings related to "stirring up racial hatred"
Guilty of one charge of possessing "terrorist encyclopaedia" under the Terrorism Act, s58
Of the charges against him, only 4 were for "using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with the intention of stirring up racial hatred" ie Racial abuse. The remainder were terrorism or murder related.
Sadly I don't think this was particularly well balance by the Nick Griffin BNP trial as he was aquitted of the same racial charges.
Sorry folks, I'll get of me soap box now
Regards
Dwayne
Of all the things I've lost......
I miss my mind the most.
If at first youu don't succeed .................... Skydiving is NOT for you!