NASTY BRITISH JUSTICE

A sub-postmaster who was beaten unconscious during an armed robbery has been ordered to repay 3,000 pounds to the Post Office. Dilip Karadava lost a pint of blood and was taken into intensive care after being attacked with a crowbar. He needed physiotherapy to help him walk again, but once Mr Karadava, 42, had recovered from his injuries his employers told him to repay 3,000 of the 6,695 stolen. They argued that he had broken company rules by moving away from an open hatch during working hours. Mr Karadava had been helping an elderly customer when the raiders burst into his shop in Upper Caldecote, Bedfordshire, in December.

Mr Karadava said: “It’s just callous. There was another 14,000 that wasn’t taken because I fought back and they fled. Next time I shall just open the door and say, ‘come in’. It’s not worth risking your life for. I’ve been treated appallingly.”

Report here





Evil legislation defeated at last in Australia's High Court

The West Australian Government could be held liable for millions of dollars in damages after its proceeds-of-crime legislation was labelled "draconian" by High Court judges who said it failed to provide fair access to the justice system. While many defendants across the country had been forced to scrimp on legal representation in the past because their assets had been frozen, the High Court ruled that property could be exempted to pay legal costs.

The decision could open the way for defendants to appeal against their convictions after they had been forced to represent themselves or hire cheaper solicitors, said celebrity lawyer Martin Bennett. Under the 6-1 judgment, Western Australia may also be liable to pay damages for changes in market value to property held under its control. Proceeds-of-crime legislation in other states could also be affected.

Mr Bennett led the landmark case, representing Nigel Mansfield in a battle against the state to access Mr Mansfield's funds to pay for his defence to insider-trading charges. Mr Mansfield's assets have been frozen for the past four years. "The act ... is draconian in its operation and complex in various of its provisions," the judgment said. Judge John Heyson was the only one who voted to dismiss the action. For Mr Mansfield, 65, a former financial adviser, who fought the case with the financial aid of friends and family, yesterday's decision was gratifying but came too late. "For four years this has drained me, utterly and completely," he said.

Report here



(And don't forget your ration of Wicked Thoughts for today)