My Jury Service story

[Kapitan_Phillips]

So guys, I served on a jury recently in Swansea Crown Court. I thought you might have been interested in what it was about, and how things went.

I'll start by giving you a brief overview of the case I got. Arthur Pitt-Pladdy, stabbed a woman 177 times in her flat in the early morning; then eventually rang the police from a telephone box to admit to what he had done.

His 999 call contained such things as "I've killed my missus" and "I've left the knife sticking out of her neck" and when he was asked why he did it, he said "I'll talk to the judge about that".

Pitt-Pladdy pleaded guilty to manslaughter with diminished responsibility; which basically means he wasnt in control of his actions when the incident went down, and he didnt mean to kill the woman.

The defense continuously made reference to Arthur having Alcohol Dependency Syndrome, and a long history of drug and alcohol abuse, and as such, that would constitute an abnormality of mind sufficient enough to prove that he was not in control of himself during the crime.

However, the jury and I found him unanimously guilty of murder. Alcohol Dependency Syndrome, as I suggested, and was confirmed by two consultant psychologists, does constitute an abnormality of mind, but Pitt-Pladdy attacked the victim with a knife over a period of nearly 45 minutes. Alcohol Dependency Syndrome may account for a brief loss of self control, but 45 minutes obviously didnt fit into that.

Pitt-Pladdy committed the offense in August of 2008, and was able to recall vast amounts of the act when he was arrrested, and on the 999 call. Yet after spending time with his solicitor, began the classic "No Comment" act, and could suddenly not remember saying things or doing things on that night. Furthermore, after spending a few months in prison, I speculated that Pladdy had been talking to other inmates about how he might reduce his sentence, by pleading manslaughter (which carries an average sentence of 10 years) and diminished responsibility (by playing on his alcohol problem).

Nevertheless, I feel very proud of myself, that I helped in sending a scumbag down for a long long long time. I hope he rots.

Here are some news links:

http://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/ne..._plea_hearing/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/7928568.stm
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wa...1466-23086416/

[Onkel Neal]

Mr Justice Lloyd-Jones told Pitt-Pladdy to expect a life term when he is sentenced at a date yet to be fixed.

He got off easy, here he would have gotten the needle.

No, not if he pleased guilty, I suppose.

Why is it that people who chronically drink to excess in defiance of all common sense don't hesitate to throw up their "suffering from a disease" as a crutch for their failings?

[surf_ten]

What was the motive that the prosecution suggest was the reason for the act? 177 times is alot of rage.

[UnderseaLcpl]

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

Why is it that people who chronically drink to excess in defiance of all common sense don't hesitate to throw up their "suffering from a disease" as a crutch for their failings?

Because we let them

[nikimcbee]

So, does he get banished to Australia? I haven't kept up on my English law.

[nikimcbee]

If he had murdered her in Minnesota, all he would have recieved would have been 10 years of hug therapy and anger managment parole. I think MN has some of the cushiest laws (prison system), but I may be mistaken.

[FIREWALL]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

If he had murdered her in Minnesota, all he would have recieved would have been 10 years of hug therapy and anger managment parole. I think MN has some of the cushiest laws (prison system), but I may be mistaken.

Not when Jesse Ventura was Govenor.

[bookworm_020]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

So, does he get banished to Australia? I haven't kept up on my English law.

No, it works the other way now. We threaten crims that we will send them to England.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

So, does he get banished to Australia? I haven't kept up on my English law.

LOL :rotfl:

[A Very Super Market]

Whoa, pretty bloody case you got.

Wait a minute, you live is Wales?

I doubt he would get the death penalty, since he brought himself in and pleaded guilty to something. What exactly is the criteria for the ch-err, needle anyways?

[CaptainHaplo]

KP - well done. While we might disagree on some issues, I am happy to see you pursue your civic duty with the seriousness and sense of responsibility it should have. Great job!

[Kapitan_Phillips]

Originally Posted by A Very Super Market

Whoa, pretty bloody case you got.

Wait a minute, you live is Wales?

I doubt he would get the death penalty, since he brought himself in and pleaded guilty to something. What exactly is the criteria for the ch-err, needle anyways?

We dont have the death penalty here

Our prisons are also way too cushy. Prisoners are referred to as "Mr <whatever>", they get three meals a day, Sky TV (Cable for you Yanks), Playstations..

No-one seems to be scared of doing time anymore.

[Kapitan]

Corse they aint scared of doing time, fed watered clothed and a roof over your head and no worries about paying the rent council tax or bills, its just the neighbours that give the hassel sometimes.