Philip Lawrence was the headteacher of a school in west London in 1995. When he saw one of his pupils being attacked by an older youngster, he intervened in the fight. Philip was stabbed in the chest and died.
A 15-year old boy, Learco Chindamo, was found guilty of Mr Lawrence's murder and sentenced to life, with the recommendation that he serve at least 12 years in prison before being considered for parole. This means that he could be released as early as next year. As is practice these days, any foreigner convicted of a crime in the UK can be expected to be deported to their country of origin. For Mr Chindamo is of Italian origin, and has lived in the UK since he was aged 6.
A tribunal has now ruled that Chindamo can remain in the UK after his release, giving as reasons that he has no family in Italy, speaks no Italian and has no connections in the country.
Frances Lawrence, Philip's widow, has said she is unutterably devastated by this news. The Home Office is appealing against the decision, and the opposition Conservative Party has described it as ludicrous for a convicted killer not to be expelled after serving his sentence, to a friendly nation.
Mr Chindamo is serving a life sentence for murder, but may be released soon. Mrs Lawrence is also serving a life sentence, from which there is no parole. It brings up the old balancing act between protecting the interest of the victims of crime and protecting the rights of offenders.
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I can understand why you mention the old balancing act between protecting the interest of the victims of crime and protecting the interest of offenders Guido....but there should be no contest in this offenders interests. Life should mean life. You take a life you should receive life; Without parole. There would be no balancing act to juggle with then.
ReplyDeleteIn this case he is due for parole next year...yes? Unbelievable!
I can reason too that this young man only knows England as his homeland and why some question the reason of sending him to a foreign country just because he was born there.
I'm sure if he was given a choice of jail for life or Italy, then he would be scoot home to his homeland in a hurry! Unlike the day when he hung around the school gates and stabbed this wonderful headmaster and father.
The only choice I see is Jail or Italy.
He has probably availed himself of learning the Italian language whilst he has served time at Her Majesty's Pleasure and can speak the language fluently now.
I hope so for if it were up to me he would get the order of the boot if they insist on giving him parole!
Jeanie
::sigh::
ReplyDeleteWe're going through something similar here in the case of the Illegal Immigrant who killed those 4 college kids, execution style, in New Jersey. Similar in that all of the hype is about the fact that he's an illegal, not so much that he killed four innocent kids who weren't doing drugs or anything else that usually get's one into hot water. I find it odd that the judge is focusing on the fact that he doesn't speak italian and has no ties as a point of consideration?
WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING??? And WHY are they letting him out at all?
I PRAY for the day that all states in the USA do like California does: Three strikes, you're OUT!
Ok, now I've gotta go compose myself...
;)
sounds like something are just not fair that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteOffenders don't have rights do they?Or should I say shouldn't
ReplyDeleteI think they should ship him out! Why take anything into consideration regarding his family or status in Italy? He didn't take anything into consideration when he killed that teacher and changed his family forever.
ReplyDeletePoor Mrs Lawrence.
Pam
If they don't protect the rights of the victims, then more than likely offenders will strike more often in my opinion. If there is no consequences for ones actions why have the law to begin with? Philip Lawrence didn't have a choice did he? So why the hell give his murderer one? (Hugs) Indigo
ReplyDeleteYes, most countries hold to insisting the punishment be meted out and served in the country of the crime's origin. Why I've no idea. CATHY
ReplyDeletehttp://journals.aol.com/luddie343/DARETOTHINK/
I'm glad that he had to serve out his time in the country of the crime's origin, but I have no sympathy, he should still be deported to his own country.... let him worry about how he'll live there. I wish WE'D do that, here!!
ReplyDeleteJoann