Words of judge must be heeded (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Words of judge must be heeded

7:40am Monday 15th June 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

Gang culture has a malign influence on the lives of those it snares and society as a whole.

It is underpinned by a twisted logic which requires gang members to avenge any perceived slight – and that could be almost any trivial occurrence – with an often sickening level of violence.

This can quickly lead to an escalation in brutality, with tragic consequences.

And even if members are not directly involved in such thuggery, it is likely that they will be committing crimes – with drugs high on the list.

Such offending can scar young lives before they have really started.

Meanwhile, the communities that are unfortunate enough to have gangs among them are blighted by their activities, with some people victims and others living in fear.

There is much good work being done to try to keep young men out of the grip of such organisations, often involving former members who have seen the light.

But some hard-core offenders have nothing but disdain for the society they prey upon and its efforts to control them or persuade them to mend their ways.

That is why it is important our courts send out a tough message when such individuals are convicted of gang-related crimes, for that is something they will understand.

Judge Roger Scott seems well aware of this but felt the law as it stands meant he had to give seven young Keighley gang members sentences that were too lenient.

And when a respected and experienced judge says such things, the politicians should listen – and do something about it.