On The First Day Of Christmas, The Overbearing State Gave To Me…

…justice system intransigence:

Gaal Gaal, 18, was wearing a smile as he made the misjudged attempt at banter on the canal towpath in Camden Town on October 6.

Gaal, of Brecknock Road, Tufnell Park, had first greeted Pc Adam Wellings with the words, “Hello, officer” before asking if he smoked. He then offered to sell some high-strength “skunk” cannabis, despite not possessing any drugs.

The court heard it was intended as a light-hearted remark, but it backfired badly after the teenager was arrested, charged and sent to Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court. Gaal pleaded guilty to offering to supply a class B drug last Thursday.

I know what you’re going to say ‘A likely story!’ but…why address him as ‘officer’ if it wasn't a joke?

Certainly, the police farce accepts it was a joke…

His defence solicitor said: “He says he was joking and that was accepted by the police officer.

“He was smiling at the time and he knows the officer. He had no drugs on him at the time and neither did his friends.

“A caution was envisaged by everyone at the police station.”

And even that would have been too much.

Attempts to give Gaal a caution were scuppered when officers realised he was still 17 at the time of arrest.

He was transferred to the youth offending team, but by the time they processed the matter he had already turned 18 and so he was sent to court.

Whereupon he was fined £200, ordered to pay costs of £85 and – the final insult - a victim surcharge of £20

District Judge Peter Greenfield said: “If it was a joke, then it was a joke, but it’s a dangerous game to play.”

He warned Gaal not to commit further drug-related offences, saying he could “quickly amass” a serious record, which could mean that “life can get difficult”.

A serious record...