Yesterday I took a group of 15 youngsters to Sheffield Magistrates Court - an interesting experience for them all.
I did however recall one of the countless reasons why I stepped down as a Chairman on that Bench three years ago; pure frustration!
We saw a man 'up' for repeated breaches of a curfew order imposed by Hull magistrates after being found 'in possession of a bladed instrument' - which in itself should have warranted custody.
The man lied repeatedly, showed grievous disrespect to the court and had a previous history of harrassment within the last year.
His curfew was simply extended by seven weeks.
Why he was not given a custodial sentence is simply beyond me.
