Arrested by armed police – for writing on a wall (From Gazette)

with all thats going on in the world at the moment.i don't realy know what to say.

i suppose unbelievably thoughtless police response would be polite.

maybe someone else is better at words to describe human liberty and life against a bit of paint on a wall?

All areas of the public sector, including the police, are coming under attack right now. Cuts in policing - remember, unemployment and crime always rise hand in hand - will have a detrimental affect on all. So in these circumstances Colchester Police are hardly doing themselves any favours by sending armed coppers to nick a youngster for writing on a wall. An old fashioned community Bobby could have made him wash the graffiti away - job done.

If only the police were so dilligent in arresting the real criminals - the ones in Canary Wharf who gambled and lost all our money, walked away without punishment and are now awarding themselves 40% pay rises and £100k bonuses. Meanwhile the rest of us have to cope with cutbacks, salary cuts, job insecurity and unemployment. I totally support the ethics of UK Uncut who are determined not to let them get away with it!

He was arrested for the offence of committing Criminal Damage. Whats the problem? Had he not been caught he could have and probably would have gone on to scrawl over a number of buildings making the area look unpleasant. If he was emabarssed then he shouldnt have done it in the first place and its standard police practice to be searched. Get a job you littler weasel.

Why is Asperger’s mentioned in the article? Human rights/compensation claim incoming!

The Enforcer wrote:
He was arrested for the offence of committing Criminal Damage. Whats the problem? Had he not been caught he could have and probably would have gone on to scrawl over a number of buildings making the area look unpleasant. If he was emabarssed then he shouldnt have done it in the first place and its standard police practice to be searched. Get a job you littler weasel.

Think it was the guns, mate.

Citizen 139 wrote:
Why is Asperger’s mentioned in the article? Human rights/compensation claim incoming!

You clearly have the internet - so why not enlighten yourself?

The email I have just opened from Colchester Against The Cuts makes interesting reading. This lad had a surgery appointment with our MP to discuss youth unemployment and the cuts tomorrow morning, but Bob has cancelled it saying his surgery is 'not for politics'. He's a politician! What next, I go to see a Dr and get told I can't discuss health?! Bob's clearly losing it right now. Jed and others will be picketing his surgery tomorrow morning from 10.

6079 Smith W wrote:

Citizen 139 wrote:
Why is Asperger’s mentioned in the article? Human rights/compensation claim incoming!

You clearly have the internet - so why not enlighten yourself?

As I'm sure you'll pick me up on it, it is obvious for all to see I misread your comment. God knows why anybody thinks it OK for the police to turn up with guns to nick a youngster for crayoning on a wall, though.

This just shows what skum bags we have in this country and the lazy sods that support him on this blog. Is this what people want bloody graffiti painted every where. Colchester is a dirty **** hole in any case and that does nothing to improve it. If we never had these big stores like Top Shop then there would be less jobs. These people dont work they spend all day on here moaning whats wrong instead of writing to their MPs. They need to tell them what should be done and what could be done. They are supposed to be bright being students so come up with some ideas. All MPs whether they be Labour ,Tory or Lib Dems are all tared with the same brush, the reason I dont vote. Most MPs are clueless when jobs could be created quite easily. You need people to spend wisely but not going wild with credit cards. Thats not the answer. Think before you buy. You need councils to cut business rates so that companies can afford to employ extra staff. Its not the firms you want to get at its the high paid white collar council staff that need to take a cut in wages. The head woman on Suffolk Council last year took home nearly £275,000 . This is outrages and money that could be spent on helping other people earn a living. Empty shops should be made availble to young people and not charged council tax just like charity shops are excempt and pay no tax. We should be helping younger people into business so enterprise is needed and the Tory government is not doing a lot to help. Im sure many young girls given the chance would love to have a small clothes shop,hairdressing etc but they must have low overheads to survive, given a chance with firm backing. Also stupid silly parking restrictions need to be changed. High prices for parking, traffic wardens that could be cleaning up litter instead of writing tickets for petty things.When will councills or governments ever learn this. You need people in to the towns to make it vibrant and to spend their money. Go to the USA and do they charge for parking the answer is no. I live in a local village and a mother and daughter have recently opened a small shop for sanwiches and home cooked meals next to a Tesco shop.. They offer great value for money and they have now taken on a fresh hand to help out because they are so busy. The trouble is many people do not know what hardship is. I was brought up in the last war so know fully well how we had to cope. When I was young I had to muck out the pigs,feed the chickens, goats and look after the vegetable garden when I got home from school. Im proud to what i achieved but sincerely I would love to see the people of this country bring it back to its former glory.

6079 Smith W wrote:
The email I have just opened from Colchester Against The Cuts makes interesting reading. This lad had a surgery appointment with our MP to discuss youth unemployment and the cuts tomorrow morning, but Bob has cancelled it saying his surgery is 'not for politics'. He's a politician! What next, I go to see a Dr and get told I can't discuss health?! Bob's clearly losing it right now. Jed and others will be picketing his surgery tomorrow morning from 10.

If your picketing you cant be looking for work or studying. You left wing lot would be better scrubbing litter of walls but then that would be to much hard work.

WHOAAAAAAAH here.....
lets get this real eh.....
I`m not picking on anyone, but....
"God knows why anybody thinks it OK for the police to turn up with guns to nick a youngster for crayoning on a wall, though."
*
"He was arrested for the offence of committing Criminal Damage. Whats the problem?"
*
Oh dear, I dont know how to respond here...
Ok,
go to any town centre, start crowning on anything NOT yours, then getting caught is very lightley.
We do have CCTV now!
Guns, well, we had discussed the crims with guns in previous comments.
we cannot discuss the security forces with guns,be they army, police, or the more "secret" of security we currently have..
I could, as i just may know more than you, but I dare not....
Now in Libya, it`s ruling leaders, HAVE ordered his armed forces to open fire on unarmed, unprotected civilians..
When WAS the last time it happened here in Great Britain?? anyone know?
*
"Why is Asperger’s mentioned in the article?"
Ok, If this very young man needed constant supervision, being sent out wearing a sweatshirt emblasoned with Colchester Against Cuts (CAT) and carrying a banner proclaiming this plus other "suggestions"
*
Wikki tells us this on Aspergers:-
Social interaction:-
Further information: Asperger syndrome and interpersonal relationships:-

The lack of demonstrated empathy is possibly the most dysfunctional aspect of Asperger syndrome.
Individuals with AS experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction,
which may include a failure to develop friendships
or to seek shared enjoyments
or achievements with others
(for example, showing others objects of interest),
a lack of social or emotional reciprocity,!
and impaired nonverbal behaviors in areas such as eye contact, facial expression, posture, and gesture.
SO,
wearing group sweatshirts belonging to a disruptive group, holding placards with "messages", & criminal damage in your town centre..
Not the quiet type we are led to believe eh!

Red Tape wrote:
If only the police were so dilligent in arresting the real criminals - the ones in Canary Wharf who gambled and lost all our money, walked away without punishment and are now awarding themselves 40% pay rises and £100k bonuses. Meanwhile the rest of us have to cope with cutbacks, salary cuts, job insecurity and unemployment. I totally support the ethics of UK Uncut who are determined not to let them get away with it!

Excellent comment, in fact one of several excellent comments.
UK Uncut will be picketing Barclays Bank in High Street this Saturday from 11.30 am, and then moving on to other tax-dodging establishments.
Meanwhile I hope the police will not be armed for their task to-morrow morning of protecting Bob Russell from his younger constituents.

Boris wrote:

Red Tape wrote: If only the police were so dilligent in arresting the real criminals - the ones in Canary Wharf who gambled and lost all our money, walked away without punishment and are now awarding themselves 40% pay rises and £100k bonuses. Meanwhile the rest of us have to cope with cutbacks, salary cuts, job insecurity and unemployment. I totally support the ethics of UK Uncut who are determined not to let them get away with it!

Excellent comment, in fact one of several excellent comments. UK Uncut will be picketing Barclays Bank in High Street this Saturday from 11.30 am, and then moving on to other tax-dodging establishments. Meanwhile I hope the police will not be armed for their task to-morrow morning of protecting Bob Russell from his younger constituents.

Why Barclays Boris? Why not Haliax? Anyone who stops me getting me beer money is gonna get a slap lol

The Gazette invites readers to make comments on featured stories, but the comments are getting longer than the stories I think 6 lines per person should be should be plenty!

I shall not do more than 6 lines
I shall not do more than 6 lines
I shall not do more than 6 lines
I shall not do more than 6 lines
I shall not do more than 6 lines
I shall not do more than 6 lines
I shall not do more than 6 lines
I shall not do more than 6 lines

oh ****

Feisty CBC wrote:
I shall not do more than 6 lines I shall not do more than 6 lines I shall not do more than 6 lines I shall not do more than 6 lines I shall not do more than 6 lines I shall not do more than 6 lines I shall not do more than 6 lines I shall not do more than 6 lines oh ****

Oh dear oh dear oh deary me,
over done it too..
(disclaimer- when used in conjuction with other promotions, or other items of interest, to other commentors of said discussion group or groups therein, being published or not published at the discretion of the gazette publishing group)

Mr Anory. Jack wrote:
WHOAAAAAAAH here.....
lets get this real eh.....
I`m not picking on anyone, but....
"God knows why anybody thinks it OK for the police to turn up with guns to nick a youngster for crayoning on a wall, though."
*
"He was arrested for the offence of committing Criminal Damage. Whats the problem?"
*
Oh dear, I dont know how to respond here...
Ok,
go to any town centre, start crowning on anything NOT yours, then getting caught is very lightley.
We do have CCTV now!
Guns, well, we had discussed the crims with guns in previous comments.
we cannot discuss the security forces with guns,be they army, police, or the more "secret" of security we currently have..
I could, as i just may know more than you, but I dare not....
Now in Libya, it`s ruling leaders, HAVE ordered his armed forces to open fire on unarmed, unprotected civilians..
When WAS the last time it happened here in Great Britain?? anyone know?
*
"Why is Asperger’s mentioned in the article?"
Ok, If this very young man needed constant supervision, being sent out wearing a sweatshirt emblasoned with Colchester Against Cuts (CAT) and carrying a banner proclaiming this plus other "suggestions"
*
Wikki tells us this on Aspergers:-
Social interaction:-
Further information: Asperger syndrome and interpersonal relationships:-

The lack of demonstrated empathy is possibly the most dysfunctional aspect of Asperger syndrome.
Individuals with AS experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction,
which may include a failure to develop friendships
or to seek shared enjoyments
or achievements with others
(for example, showing others objects of interest),
a lack of social or emotional reciprocity,!
and impaired nonverbal behaviors in areas such as eye contact, facial expression, posture, and gesture.
SO,
wearing group sweatshirts belonging to a disruptive group, holding placards with "messages", & criminal damage in your town centre..
Not the quiet type we are led to believe eh!

.

ShallowRemarks wrote:

Mr Anory. Jack wrote:
WHOAAAAAAAH here.....
lets get this real eh.....
I`m not picking on anyone, but....
"God knows why anybody thinks it OK for the police to turn up with guns to nick a youngster for crayoning on a wall, though."
*
"He was arrested for the offence of committing Criminal Damage. Whats the problem?"
*
Oh dear, I dont know how to respond here...
Ok,
go to any town centre, start crowning on anything NOT yours, then getting caught is very lightley.
We do have CCTV now!
Guns, well, we had discussed the crims with guns in previous comments.
we cannot discuss the security forces with guns,be they army, police, or the more "secret" of security we currently have..
I could, as i just may know more than you, but I dare not....
Now in Libya, it`s ruling leaders, HAVE ordered his armed forces to open fire on unarmed, unprotected civilians..
When WAS the last time it happened here in Great Britain?? anyone know?
*
"Why is Asperger’s mentioned in the article?"
Ok, If this very young man needed constant supervision, being sent out wearing a sweatshirt emblasoned with Colchester Against Cuts (CAT) and carrying a banner proclaiming this plus other "suggestions"
*
Wikki tells us this on Aspergers:-
Social interaction:-
Further information: Asperger syndrome and interpersonal relationships:-

The lack of demonstrated empathy is possibly the most dysfunctional aspect of Asperger syndrome.
Individuals with AS experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction,
which may include a failure to develop friendships
or to seek shared enjoyments
or achievements with others
(for example, showing others objects of interest),
a lack of social or emotional reciprocity,!
and impaired nonverbal behaviors in areas such as eye contact, facial expression, posture, and gesture.
SO,
wearing group sweatshirts belonging to a disruptive group, holding placards with "messages", & criminal damage in your town centre..
Not the quiet type we are led to believe eh!

.

.

ShallowRemarks wrote:

ShallowRemarks wrote:

Mr Anory. Jack wrote:
WHOAAAAAAAH here.....
lets get this real eh.....
I`m not picking on anyone, but....
"God knows why anybody thinks it OK for the police to turn up with guns to nick a youngster for crayoning on a wall, though."
*
"He was arrested for the offence of committing Criminal Damage. Whats the problem?"
*
Oh dear, I dont know how to respond here...
Ok,
go to any town centre, start crowning on anything NOT yours, then getting caught is very lightley.
We do have CCTV now!
Guns, well, we had discussed the crims with guns in previous comments.
we cannot discuss the security forces with guns,be they army, police, or the more "secret" of security we currently have..
I could, as i just may know more than you, but I dare not....
Now in Libya, it`s ruling leaders, HAVE ordered his armed forces to open fire on unarmed, unprotected civilians..
When WAS the last time it happened here in Great Britain?? anyone know?
*
"Why is Asperger’s mentioned in the article?"
Ok, If this very young man needed constant supervision, being sent out wearing a sweatshirt emblasoned with Colchester Against Cuts (CAT) and carrying a banner proclaiming this plus other "suggestions"
*
Wikki tells us this on Aspergers:-
Social interaction:-
Further information: Asperger syndrome and interpersonal relationships:-

The lack of demonstrated empathy is possibly the most dysfunctional aspect of Asperger syndrome.
Individuals with AS experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction,
which may include a failure to develop friendships
or to seek shared enjoyments
or achievements with others
(for example, showing others objects of interest),
a lack of social or emotional reciprocity,!
and impaired nonverbal behaviors in areas such as eye contact, facial expression, posture, and gesture.
SO,
wearing group sweatshirts belonging to a disruptive group, holding placards with "messages", & criminal damage in your town centre..
Not the quiet type we are led to believe eh!

.

.

.

Jed Miller - what gives you the right to go around writing on walls and then crying embarrassment when caught? I do feel that armed police were OTT for this childish, stupid and petty offence you committed but if, as the poilice say, that was all that was available at the time then so be it. You were caught and that, in my opinion, is what you don't like. I expect it was funny and a good laugh until the boys in blue came along!

Jed Miller is a Yob and got off far too lightly with just a slap on the wrist.

Its about time these so called "peaceful" protesters did just that and they protest in peace (which is their right) whilst at the same time they refrain from criminal activity such as deliberate vandalism and daubing Graffiti.

G.Speel wrote:
Jed Miller - what gives you the right to go around writing on walls and then crying embarrassment when caught? I do feel that armed police were OTT for this childish, stupid and petty offence you committed but if, as the poilice say, that was all that was available at the time then so be it. You were caught and that, in my opinion, is what you don't like. I expect it was funny and a good laugh until the boys in blue came along!

I agree 100% with that.

He was approached by police for committing a CRIMINAL offence. The police dealt with him as they saw fit.

He should count himself lucky that more action wasn't taken by the police.

And the fact it was 'washable' is irrelevant, it was a criminal offence.

Got what he deserved I think, and maybe put the $hits up him, so he won't do it again. Doubt it though.

so this person done graffiti on a wall didnt fined,only locked up,he moaning about paying your taxes is he paying himself no i dont think so being unemployed,costing us tax payers money for someone to go clean the wall..

I have no sympathy at all for this idiot! He was breaking the law and got arrested. Why is he moaning!? It is also somewhat ironic to write "pay your taxes" when he himself is not paying any?!
The Aspergers point is irrelevant to the story; I have taught numerous pupils over the past decade with Aspergers, none of whom were law breaking idiots.

'An Essex Police spokesman confirmed Mr Miller was arrested by armed response officers, because they were the only officers available'
Is this not the really worrying bit? The police are already short staffed? and there are to be more cuts>???? help? and please if you must protest but dont write on the walls...the writing is already on the wall metaphorically speaking of course!

OPEN THE CAGE!

Washable paint? Don;'t make me laugh, I saw what was on that shop on the way to WHSMITH to buy some printer cartridges. It was an anachist symbol and 'PAY YOUR TAXES' and it looked like it had been sprayed on with touch up spray for cars or the other types of aerosol paint that grafitti sprayers use to tag the trains.

Why does the gazette always print people's own accounts as fact rather than actually investigating it and say speaking to the shop and getting an account from them as to the nature of the damage?

This lad has every right to protest, in fact I think him and his mates should be out haranging these tax dodging corporations every day and keeping the protest about tutition fees going, however when they break the law and then lie about what they did for sympathy in the local press, that just diminshes what support the public have for their cause.

At least I now know who did this graffiti as he has given us his name here and can name him to police if I see him spraying anything around the town.

why does it matter that he has a disease? he committed a crime so should be punished for that crime, plain and simple

Wonder if cops would turn up to arrest ECC when they spray road safety messages on pavements?

Jed - if you thought it hard to get a job before this idiocy won't have helped will it?

crazy comments wrote:

6079 Smith W wrote:
The email I have just opened from Colchester Against The Cuts makes interesting reading. This lad had a surgery appointment with our MP to discuss youth unemployment and the cuts tomorrow morning, but Bob has cancelled it saying his surgery is 'not for politics'. He's a politician! What next, I go to see a Dr and get told I can't discuss health?! Bob's clearly losing it right now. Jed and others will be picketing his surgery tomorrow morning from 10.

If your picketing you cant be looking for work or studying. You left wing lot would be better scrubbing litter of walls but then that would be to much hard work.

Absolutely no idea what 'scrubbing litter of walls' means, but at half past eight this morning, until about an hour ago, I was at work. Scrubbing walls and picking up litter are part of my duties. Presumably poor old Crazy has been unable to find another job after being sacked for racism, which is why he can spend all day on here.

“They made me stand up and searched through all my things in front of the whole library. It was embarrassing and I felt completely humiliated."

Yes and that should have taught you a lesson for being a vandal! When I was a kid you got a real rollocking from a policeman, in the hope that it would humiliate you so you wouldnt do it again! Washable paint or not I'm surprised hes got the cheek to go to the Gazette. I'm fed up with hearing about people with such Aspergers justifying their actions because of their condition. Scrawling graffitti is wrong and if someone cant help themselves doing it then they shouldnt be allowed out alone!

jut1972 wrote:
Wonder if cops would turn up to arrest ECC when they spray road safety messages on pavements?

Jed - if you thought it hard to get a job before this idiocy won't have helped will it?

Who do you think has legal ownership of the pavement and Highway in Essex? - The County Council.

Asperger Syndrome seems to be the ailment of choice these days, having replaced ADHD in the public consciousness. Obviously both cause genuine issues for people that have them but so many of todays misbehaving children and their parents are quick to self diagnose rather then address it for what it is in most instances, naughty behaviour or bad parenting.

Just thought i'd lay a few issues to rest. I've been diagnosed with Aspergers since the age of 6, it's not something i've used to cover up "naughty behaviour or bad parenting", in fact I feel I've had a reasonable upbringing considering some of the difficult issues i've been through whilst growing up. The fact that I have Aspergers is completely irrelevant. Some people believe what I have done is wrong and I respect their right to their opinion as much as they respect my right to an opinion, however I do not feel sorry for what I done, just as Sir Phillip Green doesn't feel sorry for avoiding £285 million in income tax by sending billions of pounds to his wife in Monaco. At the end of the day justice has been done. As for the police issues, they cannot say they had no other officers avaliable to arrest me and my friend as when I was taken out of the library there were 2 regular officers there and waiting to escort me to custody. I also feel the police were unjustified in releasing certain details regarding my custody to the media without my prior consent however this is an issue I am taking up with Essex Police seperately.

Jed Miller wrote:
Just thought i'd lay a few issues to rest. I've been diagnosed with Aspergers since the age of 6, it's not something i've used to cover up "naughty behaviour or bad parenting", in fact I feel I've had a reasonable upbringing considering some of the difficult issues i've been through whilst growing up. The fact that I have Aspergers is completely irrelevant. Some people believe what I have done is wrong and I respect their right to their opinion as much as they respect my right to an opinion, however I do not feel sorry for what I done, just as Sir Phillip Green doesn't feel sorry for avoiding £285 million in income tax by sending billions of pounds to his wife in Monaco. At the end of the day justice has been done. As for the police issues, they cannot say they had no other officers avaliable to arrest me and my friend as when I was taken out of the library there were 2 regular officers there and waiting to escort me to custody. I also feel the police were unjustified in releasing certain details regarding my custody to the media without my prior consent however this is an issue I am taking up with Essex Police seperately.

Your actions in daubing paint was a criminal act, so rather than accept you did wrong your response is to come on here and try to justify your criminal actions, which incidentally have little to do with what Philip Green does with his money! And, if Aspergers was the cause for you breaking the law then you should not be out, without a carer, as you are clearly a risk!

Wasn't it you who went to the Gazette to highlight your cause? And now you make a vain and weak attempt to justify your criminal activity!

One things is certain though your ability to get a job will reduce further if you carry on breaking the law.

Get over it Jed and sort your life out.

Say It As It Is OK? wrote:

Jed Miller wrote: Just thought i'd lay a few issues to rest. I've been diagnosed with Aspergers since the age of 6, it's not something i've used to cover up "naughty behaviour or bad parenting", in fact I feel I've had a reasonable upbringing considering some of the difficult issues i've been through whilst growing up. The fact that I have Aspergers is completely irrelevant. Some people believe what I have done is wrong and I respect their right to their opinion as much as they respect my right to an opinion, however I do not feel sorry for what I done, just as Sir Phillip Green doesn't feel sorry for avoiding £285 million in income tax by sending billions of pounds to his wife in Monaco. At the end of the day justice has been done. As for the police issues, they cannot say they had no other officers avaliable to arrest me and my friend as when I was taken out of the library there were 2 regular officers there and waiting to escort me to custody. I also feel the police were unjustified in releasing certain details regarding my custody to the media without my prior consent however this is an issue I am taking up with Essex Police seperately.

Your actions in daubing paint was a criminal act, so rather than accept you did wrong your response is to come on here and try to justify your criminal actions, which incidentally have little to do with what Philip Green does with his money! And, if Aspergers was the cause for you breaking the law then you should not be out, without a carer, as you are clearly a risk! Wasn't it you who went to the Gazette to highlight your cause? And now you make a vain and weak attempt to justify your criminal activity! One things is certain though your ability to get a job will reduce further if you carry on breaking the law. Get over it Jed and sort your life out.

Completely agree with everything you said Say It As It Is Ok? !!! To be honest i dont think Aspergers has anything to do with it! Doesnt matter who you are or what youve got if you break the law then you should be prepared for the concequences! what did you think Jed? that the police were going to say.. "oh dont worry about this paint on the wall, youve got Aspergers so we'll let you off and clean it up ourselves"... Errrrr, no, i dont think so.

I do think one of the problems is that when a young person breaks the law in an effort to highlight the inadequacies of the law and societys inability to deal with people who abuse the tax system and get away with it cos they are RICH then there will always be anger and an unrepentant stance of the said young person for being the one that is punished, whilst seeing the rich person getting away with it.
I can understand why this young man is angry!

brooks wrote:
I do think one of the problems is that when a young person breaks the law in an effort to highlight the inadequacies of the law and societys inability to deal with people who abuse the tax system and get away with it cos they are RICH then there will always be anger and an unrepentant stance of the said young person for being the one that is punished, whilst seeing the rich person getting away with it. I can understand why this young man is angry!

Well said, Brooks. This is the real issue, rather than the utterly trivial issue of a slogan daubed on a wall which will wash off in a couple of minutes.
Jed has every reason to be angry, especially with uptight people who think that graffiti are worse than tax-dodging.
And as Jed has said, his Asperger's syndrome is irrelevant, so let's stop referring to that.

if its 'irrelevant' why does the article even feel the need to mention it??

Boris said....Jed has every reason to be angry, especially with uptight people who think that graffiti is worse than tax-dodging.

Sorry Boris but who is supporting tax dodging? Jed being angry is one thing, breaking the law is another and at Nineteen, with or without Asbegers, he should know better.

If Philip Green doesn't pay his taxes he should be investigated, but no way can that be justification for Jed's own "criminal" act.

Jed, in a sense your actions have paid off - your message has been seen by everybody who reads the Gazette, which will be far more than would have seen it otherwise. But you should leave it at that. Like it or not, it is classed as criminal damage. The fact that companies and individuals are dodging tax (albeit fully legally) is far more criminal and damaging to society, but unfortunately not actually classed as criminal at all. That's wrong, and it's good to highlight that. But, however much of an **** the law may seem to be, there is always the risk that you will get caught if you break it. Accept that fact. Be glad you got arrested now and not 20 or 30 years ago. The way of the world is that you don't get to choose who arrests you

If you have to go to court, be courteous and calm. Magistrates can be surprisingly fair, they're not all part of "the system". Step back for a moment and reflect that you have gained good publicity for a worthy cause. Pay the fine and move on.

Romantic - You make excellent points and give what would normally be good advice. But re-read the article, Jed's already accepted a police caution. There will be no mags court appearance!

Hmmm interesting thought when it comes to breaking the law - isn't that what the people in Tunisia and Libya have been doing in response to corruption and inequality? Don't see much evidence of our government telling them they should back down and obey.

So which is the greater wrong - writing a slogan on a wall or gambling and losing £ multi-billions and avoiding taxes worth several more billions?

Red Tape said....."So which is the greater wrong - writing a slogan on a wall or gambling and losing £ multi-billions and avoiding taxes worth several more billions?"

Obviously both instances are illegal acts and both are wrong if proven! However, one cannot be justified as acceptable any more than the other.

The punishment should fit the crime and in Jed Miller's case he was caught and formally cautioned for criminal damage.

Anyone having evidence that Philip Green is acting illegally and avoiding paying his taxes then they should take the proof to the authorities, rather than make wild accusations that are not substantive!

So does this mean I can go and spray paint a message like "go get a job you lazy good for notheing" on his wall because he so happily takes my money as a tax payer? I don't have anything with a name like Asbergers that I can use, but I do have a headache, will that do?

Ah but's there the dilemma - Philip Green's tax avoidance methods are not actually illegal as the law stands. But maybe they should be. Whereas the actions of the people in Libya are actually illegal according the the laws of that country. But I think we all support the people in their attempts to overthrow a tyrant leader. It just shows that using the law and the argument about legal/illegal isn't quite as black and white as sometimes it appears :-)

As Gandhi once said "There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts."

So we've cleared that up then...It was only Jed who actually broke the law!

Red Tape wrote:
Ah but's there the dilemma - Philip Green's tax avoidance methods are not actually illegal as the law stands. But maybe they should be. Whereas the actions of the people in Libya are actually illegal according the the laws of that country. But I think we all support the people in their attempts to overthrow a tyrant leader. It just shows that using the law and the argument about legal/illegal isn't quite as black and white as sometimes it appears :-) As Gandhi once said "There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts."

Only time will tell if Jed Miller has the effect on a nation that Gandhi had. Gandhi, of course, had to deal with his fair share of bureaucrats and authorities, and with being busted now and then. Policemen and council enforcement officers etc will hopefully have heard the name Gandhi (from the film), but will generally know and care little about any "court of conscience".

You are fully correct: the people in Libya and elsewhere are breaking the laws of their country. Like anybody else doing the same here, they have to weigh up whether they feel strongly enough to risk the implications of being caught. In the case of Jed Miller, the risk was a police caution. In Libya, the risk is arrest, torture, who really knows? Most of our rights and liberties have been won by people being prepared to break the laws of the day and quite often they suffered the consequences of doing so. Laws change (eventually) if enough of the people support those changes - but it can take a long time. It is, of course, obscene that people such as Philip Green can legally dodge paying their proper share of tax. But it's the law that has to change, because at the moment, what he does is legal. Jed Miller made a conscious decision to commit an action which he knew was illegal. Doesn't make it wrong what he did, but he has to accept that sometimes you'll get caught. It's the risk you take if you don't play the game of being a nice orderly citizen. You're 19, you should be out binge-drinking with the herd or sitting in front of a games console, not thinking for yourself!

ahhh the romance of youth...where did our idealism go? and will it ever come back?