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It is inevitable that, having been a magistrate for so many years, this blog will contain a fair bit of comment on legal matters, including those cases which came before me in court. However, it is not restricted to such and may at times stray ‘off-topic’ and into whatever area interests me at the time.

All comments are moderated but sensible and relevant ones, even critical ones, are welcome; trolling and abuse is not and will be blocked.

Any actual case that was once involved in, and upon which I may comment, will be altered in such a way as to make it completely unidentifiable.





Monday, 11 April 2011

Pirates Again

An article in the Sunday Express (10th April 2011) caught my eye regarding the freeing of Somali pirates by the Royal Navy.
According to the author, Jane Clinton, 700 pirates were caught and released in the first half of last year and that in February HMS Cornwall seized seventeen pirates armed with AK47 assault rifles and grenade launchers.
After freeing their five hostages the pirates were given a free meal, halal of course, a health check and then released to continue their barbaric pursuits.
The Navy is not to blame for this farcical situation; they are acting under Rules of Engagement set down by HM Government.

The incident is to be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 8pm on Tuesday.

It’s little wonder that Jan Kopernicki, the former head of shipping at Shell, says that “It is essential that governments authorise the military to take determined action.”

While almost 800 people are being held hostage by the Somali bandits all the UK Foreign Office can say is that it is “appalling” and “unacceptable” – so do something about it!
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