Archive for the ‘Crime & Justice’ Category

Labour are at it again. Now they want to put the British people at risk from terrorists and all with the EU’s blessing.

Incredible.

Jim Ferguson

EU rules are fatal for terror watchlist

Thursday, February 25 2010

Shadow Security Minister Baroness Neville-Jones has pointed out that EU rules will make the Government’s proposed terror watchlists ineffective.

In response to the failed attack on an airliner heading for Detroit on Christmas Day 2009, the Government announced that it would use the existing Home Office Watchlist as the basis for two new lists.

There was to be a no-fly list, and a larger list of those who should be subject to special measures prior to boarding flights bound for the UK (including transit/transfer passengers).

However, the European Commission says the UK cannot compulsorily collect Advance Passenger Information (API) for flights from within the EU under the e-Borders scheme, regardless of the nationality of the passenger.

And as the British Government has decided to also not collect and use Passenger Name Record information (PNR) for intra-EU flights, this means that Britain currently has no way of collecting advance information on all travellers arriving from within the EU.

The Detroit bomber flew from Nigeria to Holland and then on to America. If he’d travelled through Britain he might well not have been picked up by the new watchlist.

Speaking about the issue in a speech at the Royal United Services Institute, Neville-Jones said that Labour are “knowingly and inexcusably misleading the public into thinking that they are creating a system which will be an effective barrier to dangerous people being able to get on to a flight to the UK”.

“The flimsy basis of the new watch list will provide no such protection”, she added.

Read the full speech

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I found the following article to be of great interest and one that clearly shows how Labour have failed to achieve the best for the people of this country.

Every person should read this and in particular people who voted Labour the last time around. They need to understand the feckless mismanagement of our economy, health care, policing, military and education by this Labour Government and read the proof for themselves.

The only way forward for Britain is to oust this Labour Government and that can only be done when the majority of people across the UK wake up and realise just how far Britain has fallen and the rate at which it continues to fall.

Jim Ferguson

Labour’s Two Nations

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I was delighted to see David Cameron taking a stand for common sense and ordinary people when he pledged support for householders who take a stand in defending their properties and families.

For far too long we have seen soft touch justice by this Labour Government who seem more interested in trumpeting the human rights of evil criminals along with support from their Liberal partners in crime.

I hear all too often of people exasperated that the law does not seem to be on their side. There are countless examples of people who quite rightly have stood up to people who damage their property within the bounds of common sense and restraint but who have found themselves reported to the Police and then hauled in and questioned and sometimes arrested and charged just because they either tried to apprehend someone or told someone off for damaging their property.

Ofcourse its not the fact that the law is not on peoples side. The Police simply enforce the law. The problem lies with the Government and the legislators who interpret the law and who apply pressure on the respective Police forces. I have a high regard for the Police in particular Northen Constabulary but over zealous Police officers such as Officer Stuart Gray (Shiny Buttons) simply brings the reputation of the Police down.

We need common sense at every level and a serious resistance mounted in not only limiting political correctness but abolishing it altogether.

David is right to speak out for people all across the country and the nonsense of human rights legislation must be done away with to ensure our courts and law enforcement agencies are free to operate and function properly.

Labour has let the people down in so many fundamental ways that we simply cant go on like this. Its time that ordinary people were put first and a Conservative Government will ensure that justice is restored to the people.

Jim Ferguson

Tory leader pledges backing for people who take on intruders they find in their own homes

Raiders have forfeited their human rights, says Cameron

By Gavin Cordon

Published: 01/02/2010

People who break in to people’s homes “leave their human rights outside” the moment they do, Tory leader David Cameron said yesterday.

He said that Conservatives would strengthen the law to protect householders who exercise their “legitimate” right to self-defence when confronted by an intruder.

“It’s to make sure that fewer cases, frankly, are taken to court, that fewer people are arrested for doing what I think is perfectly legitimate, which is to defend yourself in your own home,” he said.

“The moment a burglar steps over your threshold, and invades your property – with all the threat that gives to you, your family and your livelihood – I think they leave their human rights outside.”

Mr Cameron has previously spoken out on the issue after TV presenter Myleene Klass complained that she was cautioned by police for waving a knife at intruders who entered her garden.

He said that under the Conservative proposals, householders would only face prosecution if they used “grossly disproportionate” force against a burglar.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson dismissed the suggestion that burglars should forfeit their human rights as impractical.

“It’s a wonderful soundbite but that’s all it is. You know it’s not a practical policy,” he said.

“It’s not a practical principle of law that you can operate when you say that anyone who is attempting to burgle another house, thereby renounces all their rights under the law. What sort of country is he trying to create?

“Of course it will receive short-term public applause from those who want to get tough on burglars, as we do in our government, but where’s the practical commonsense policy thinking?” added Lord Mandelson.

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Soft touch justice by this Labour Government is getting out of control and putting members of the public at serious risk. Whether its Labour or the inadequate policies of the SNP administration in Scotland all across the UK we see examples of mind boggling stupidity. The fact that highly dangerous criminals are being allowed out to harm innocent members of the public must be stopped.

In Scotland things are no better. With equal stupidity Kenny MacAskill the Justice minister is mired in scandal after scandal yet refuses to listen to people alarmed and disgusted at the SNP policies where the odds always seem to be in favour of the criminal.

I am confident that a Conservative Government will restore the balance and get common sense back into policy that will properly protect members of the public and put a stop to the mockery of the Justice system.

Jim Ferguson

Twenty killers on the run

Friday, January 29 2010

Dominic Grieve, the Shadow Justice Secretary, has responded to news that 754 offenders recalled to prison after breaching the terms of their licence are still at large or unaccounted for.

Amongst the missing offenders are seventeen murderers, and three people convicted of manslaughter.

They also include nine rapists, six paedophiles, ten other sex offenders, seventy burglars, and seventy-five people convicted of robbery.

Grieve said that people “will be understandably concerned to learn that so many murderers, rapists and sex offenders who should be in prison are still at large”.

“Labour’s policy of releasing prisoners early with inadequate supervision is putting the public at risk”, he added.

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The Highland Capital of Inverness is seeing its unfair share of drug activity and as I took part in a multi agency briefing at Police Headquarters I could not help but be moved by the story of Kate Shanks who lost her Daughter Suzanne through addiction to drugs.

Families are being devastated through their children becoming addicted to drugs and the anguish this causes not only for the person who becomes addicted but also the family is truly tragic. For the sake of our communities I would urge that every member of the public be more aware and contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where they can report all drug dealing in total confidence without giving away any personal details.

Our communities must take a stand and support the Police in bringing these evil drug dealers to justice but the Courts and the Criminal Justice System must ensure these people are removed from the streets of Scotland and no longer threaten our families and young people and take a harder stance as far as drug dealing is concerned.

Jim Ferguson

Kate Shanks speaks to BBC

BBC NEWS
Mother’s plea over drug dealers

The mother of a woman who died of a suspected heroin overdose has appealed to the public to help police catch drug dealers.

Kate Shanks, of Elgin, lost her daughter Suzanne earlier this year. The 30-year-old was found dead in her flat in Culloden by her father Gordon.

Mrs Shanks spoke out to add weight to efforts by Northern Constabulary and Crimestoppers Scotland.

She said: “Drugs only lead to misery and heartache.”

Northern Constabulary have previously warned that Inverness’s expansion as a city had made it and the surrounding area a target for drug gangs.
“ I would encourage people to report anyone they suspect someone may be dealing or using drugs ”
Kate Shanks

The force is promoting Crimestopper’s Ditch a Dealer campaign.

Last month, a study by the University of Glasgow suggested the number of injecting drug users in Scotland was continuing to increase.

The researchers estimated that in 2006, 23,933 people in Scotland were injecting drugs representing about a 30% rise on estimates for 2003.

Mrs Shanks said in total there were about 55,000 drug addicts in Scotland.

She said: “I would encourage people to report anyone they suspect may be dealing or using drugs.

“There are a number of reasons why people take drugs, but in the case of youngsters it is usually peer pressure. Suzanne was only 18 or 19 when she became a full blown addict, having experimented with other drugs prior to that.

“I would like to say to all youngsters – drugs only lead to misery and heartache and no one wants to end up like Suzanne or put their family through the torment we have gone through.”

In the summer, drug users, their families and friends were offered training in spotting signs of an overdose in a bid to cut drug-related deaths in the Highlands.

NHS Highland, which was leading the pilot project, said at the time that six people who abused illegal substances had died in the area since January.

Training covered calling the emergency services and basic first aid.

Naloxone, an antidote to drugs including heroin, was also made available.

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I am very pleased to be involved with Blue Light which is a partnership of several organisations working together including, BID (Business Improvement District in Inverness), Northern Constabulary, Safe Inverness, Crimestoppers, Inverness Crime Prevention Panel, Highland Council,  Youth Inclusive, Street Pastors and Brook Advisory.

Jim Ferguson

DJ “Unicorn Kid” and “Look Mum its the Dj’s” were the star performers at the last event when 200 young people were entertained at a Blue Light Disco at the Ironworks. The evening was a huge success for young people from all over the area, some from as far as Wick.

Unicorn Kid had been requested by fans who had been entertained at Belladrum earlier this year and was besieged by autograph seeking attendees at the end of the evening!
Most youngsters attending, left with either an autograph or a photo taken with him.

The evening had been supported by Next, Tesco and Macdonalds with generous Raffle Prizes.

Liz Gilchrist, Vice Chair of Inverness Crime Prevention added:
“I was really pleased at the support received from the four national companies who have businesses based in Inverness, particularly Tesco who have been proactive supporting this type of partnership initiative throughout the country and encouraging safer neighbourhoods”.

Jim Ferguson Chair of Crimestoppers Highlands and Islands also thanked the companies for their generous support and said:
“I hope the Disco’s go from strength to strength as it is the type of event which is to be encouraged, proving that a fun evening could be had without alcohol”.

Steven Kerr of Inverness Business Improvement District and newly appointed Chairman of the Blue Light Steering Group said:
“I was delighted with the success of the evening and we are working to encourage even more young people to attend future Blue Light Discos. Steven went on to say that visits would be made to all the Senior Schools in the area to promote future events to the 13 -16 year age groups, the next being on 27^th November and a Silent Disco on 20^th December.”

Both events are to be held in the Ironworks.

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Sex offenders figures down – or are they?
By Olivia Bell
Published: 29 October, 2009

THE Highlands and Islands has dropped down the rankings in the Scottish sex offenders league in the latest set of figures published by the authority which monitors and manages them.
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Instead of being third in Scotland for the number per 100,000 of the population on the sex offenders’ register, the region has dropped to sixth place out of nine areas during 2008/2009.

But the way the figures are collated has changed from last year’s statistics, which gave the region a high ranking.

This year the Northern Community Justice Authority – which covers Grampian and Highlands and Islands – has reduced the number of sex offenders shown by taking out those in prison awaiting pre-release, only showing those who live in the community.

However, there are now five sex offenders classed as level three – who pose the most risk of serious harm to the community and need high level monitoring – one more than last year.

And the authority’s annual report states: “It is envisaged the total number of registered sex offenders will rise year on year.

“This is not a cause for alarm as the increase is due to the fact that offenders often remain on the register for longer than 12 months, with some being registered for life.”

This year, on March 31, there were 167 living in the community, which equates to 58.5 per 100,000.

In August, the Highland News Group highlighted that in 2007/2008 there were 71 registered sex offenders per 100,000 in the region, with only Fife and Glasgow ahead in the statistics.

At the time, Jim Ferguson, Inverness Crime Prevention Panel and Highland Crimestoppers chairman, questioned whether this meant offenders were being moved to the Highlands and Islands from other areas.

The HNG has now asked Scottish Information Commissioner Kevin Dunion to look into Northern Constabulary’s refusal, through a Freedom of Information request, to give the number moving into the region and also the cost of managing such offenders.

In our original story, the HNG highlighted two high profile cases where offenders broke their release conditions and were sent back to jail.

Dangerous sex offender John Angus (55) was caged for two years at Inverness Sheriff Court for breaching a court order to curtail his movements in Inverness.

And freed rapist David Penman (34), who lived in Nairn, breached a sex offenders prevention order which banned him from approaching women after an early release from prison and was recalled to serve the rest of his sentence in custody until 2010.

This week, Jim Ferguson praised the HNG for continuing to chase the figures and suggested the goalposts could have been moved this year, making the statistics more difficult to understand.

“I think it is in the general population’s interest to know if there are sex offenders moving into the area, while it is also important that no harm comes to the offender from people who may want to take things into their own hands,” he said.

“Nevertheless, the public has the right to more information about this.”

Linda Dorward, vice-chair of the Northern Community Justice Authority’s strategic oversight group, said its report provided clear evidence that it has the appropriate structures and measures in place to identify, assess and manage the risks posed by serious and violent offenders.

She rejected claims that this year’s figures, overseen by the Scottish Government, gave a false picture and were difficult to compare to last year’s due to the change in how they were reported.

“It does not make a difference because all the regions are measuring these in the same way,” she added.

o.bell@highland-news.co.uk

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Its unacceptable to see such distress caused to people who take a pride in their property and who seem to be getting plagued by acts of vandalism. Of course its not the Police who we should be blaming as they are doing a great job overall. Its the courts and the pathetic weak justice system under this present SNP Administration and until stiffer sentances and proper deterents are put in place we will see this kind of problem growing worse.

Jim Ferguson

CALLS for tougher punishments for vandals who cause blight their communities have been made following a spate of attacks on Hallowe’en.
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At least three homes, one car, a garage and garden walls had yellow paint thrown on them in Balnakyle Road, Lochardil, overnight on Saturday.

Jim Ferguson, chairman of Inverness’s crime prevention panel, believes communities must be on their guard.

“We are once again witnessing acts by people who think they can get away with basic lawlessness,” he said. “The vast majority of people are sick to death of this kind of behaviour.

“What we really need is strong measures to thoroughly punish the perpetrators of damage and vandalism and, until we can find the stomach and will to do that, we are going to see more and more incidents happening across the region and it’s unfair on hardworking, decent people who have mindless thugs wrecking their property.”

Hard labour for older culprits and fines for the parents of younger vandals have been suggested by Mr Ferguson, who is also chairman of the Highlands and Islands branch of Crimestoppers – an agency which he believes could be key in catching these criminals.

“Crimestoppers offers anonymity to those with information,” he said. “But people are scared of what is being done and the problem is that there is no deterrent.

“The only way we are really going to stop these people is to make them too frightened to actually commit such crimes and at the moment they are not, which is the whole crux of the matter.

“They are basically giving two-fingers to the entire system and the community because they know they are going to get away with it and until we actually knuckle down and take robust action we are not going to get far.”

One of the victims of Saturday’s night vandalism in Lochardil was retired policeman Colin Sutherland, who was away when the paint was thrown at his window and garden wall.

“This is not an isolated Hallowe’en incident,” he declared.

“There has been other incidents. They covered the bollard in paint two or three weeks ago.”

The street bollard which was smothered in green paint. Bobby Nelson

He explained neighbours on both sides of the street had suffered similar vandalism and complained of underage drinking in the area.

“We are suffering intolerable disturbance here and over the years we have been phoning the police and getting very little or minimal response, so much so I have already written to my councillor and intend to write to my MP because it is not good enough,” continued Mr Sutherland, who praised Highland Council staff for cleaning the paint from his window last Sunday.

“The neighbours are equally incandescent with the police response over the last few years to repeated complaints of disturbance, annoyance and vandalism.”

Other vandalism on Hallowe’en included a car windscreen being broken in Ardconnel Terrace overnight and a wing mirror being ripped off a vehicle in Hill Street.

The attacks add to a series of worrying incidents over the past month including 15 cars being damaged in Hilton, paint stripper being thrown over three vehicles at Highland MOTS in Seafield Road and a £1300 window at the new £10.5 million Highland Archive and Registration Centre near Bught Park being smashed.

Inverness police are appealing for information on any of the incidents, particularly the Balnakyle Road vandalism.

“Those responsible may well have been covered in paint,” said a Northern Constabulary spokeswoman.

Anyone with information about these crimes should contact Inverness police on 01463 715555 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

andrew.dixon@inverness-courier.co.uk

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