So They Can Ignore The Guidelines When They Want To...

A judge has admitted taking “an exceptional course” in not sending three vigilante attackers to jail.

Now that does make a change!

Judge Christopher Compston said the trio lured Thomas West to a Wallingford car park before attacking him with a metal ratchet after their victim had robbed an autistic man in the town.

Ah, maybe they get a pass for taking revenge for a 'hate crime'? Is that maybe how this is going to work?

Last September, the judge deferred sentencing of the three defendants for six months and said he would not jail them if they raised £500 each in compensation.

Huh? Now, we're paying blood money?

Judge Compston said: “There is no question at all as far the guidelines are concerned you should be going to prison, and for quite a long time, I’m absolutely aware of that.

“But equally I make it quite clear I’m going to take an exceptional course. The main reason is the background.”

He said Mr West had committed “a most horrific attack” but told the trio: “You were utterly and completely wrong for taking the law into your own hands.

“To send you to prison you will only come out worse, not better.”

But isn't modern prison supposed to be a place of rehabilitation, judge?