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Posted by guest on 3rd January 2012 at 12:37 PM
Video: Law and Order in Salford - Reflections of a District Judge
by Tom Rodgers

A lack of discipline and respect could be the reason for the breakdown of law and order in Salford, says District Judge for Manchester and Salford Magistrates Courts, Jonathan Feinstein.

In an interview taken on the final day of Salford Magistrates Court District Judge Mr Feinstein assesses how we could remedy the current situation, where young people come before the court with a complete lack of respect for the authorities.

"In some cases," he says, "young people think it's perfectly acceptable to swear at police officers, to throw things at police officers.

"We could be doing better if we lived in a society which installed respect at the earliest age."

The international spotlight is focused on Salford at the moment with the recent horrific killing of student Anuj Bidve on Boxing Day in Ordsall.

A 20-year old Salford man - who told Manchester Magsitrates Court his name was 'Psycho' Kiaran Stapleton - has been charged with the murder.

But this District Judge thinks that "we send people to prison too late in the process, and often for too long."

Handing out custodial sentences to 11 or 12 year olds - even if it is only of a day or two - could shock them into turning a corner, says Mr Feinstein.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  12th January 2012
Well said Mr Rogers, you come across as a man who has a firm sensible opinion about the current situation. unfortunately there exists today a decline in self discipline, encouraged by the "Just do it" regardless of consequence attitude, actively promoted and by Media broadcasters, inc: the BBC. Not only do they excessively sponsor the self serving no brain celebrity culture, but they also appear to actively encourage disrespect for all forms of authority which is bound to have a negative effect on attitudes. My generation did have a modicum of respect for our 'betters' and fully understood where the boundary lines were, and consequences of any transgressions Unfortunately that deference seems to be a thing of the past. Today you can 'do as you will' and expect little or no retribution for almost any kind of abusive behavior but God help you if you disrespect a member of an ethnic group .

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