if found guilty the terrible two won't go down will they (as pointed out by Gav) so what will happen? community service? i vote for 2 years road sweeping in Bradford

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2001

Answers

There's no reason they shouldn't go down if found guilty and I'm not sure that thet aren't in greater danger because they are famous football stars.

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2001

'If' being the operative word. Latest installment from the proceedings has the victims saying they couldn't remember/weren't sure who hit them. One of them says he's not even a football fan so had no idea who the guys were until someone pointed them out while in the club. Not sure if the courts there have 'reasonable doubt' like in the US. If so, there's already quite a bit unless they come up with better witnesses

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2001

There is reasonable doubt but I think there is forensic evidence plus some video footage..

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2001

AFAIK, the video evidence doesn't actually show the beating - merely the chase and some "celebratory activities". I'm sure a good brief (or even a pair of them) could make a lot of that and the fact that the victim doesn't recognise the person who hit him. As Dougal says, maybe the forensics will prove/disprove the case. I'm no expert, but from what's been reported, the video stuff migh prove to be simply circumstantial evidence. I don't think that counts.

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2001

I think Bowyer had some of the lads blood on his shirt sleeve, thereby almost proving he made some sort of contact with him. As for the video evidence well if it has them on tape chasing the lad and then this lad shows up in two pieces...nuff said. Personally I think they will be found guilty and consequently locked up and released by Leeds, that is what I would expect the toon to do in they were in the same situation. Assault is bad enough, assault when race is involved is deplorable. Not to be condoned by anyone.

If they get found guilty and are given a slap on the wrist, what does that say about our already fragile society? May as well go back to times of the Gladiators.

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2001

Syme - what does it say about our society? I think today`s headlines in the Telegraph say it all - `Internet child porn gang will go free in 15 months`. It just makes you sick to your stomach. (:o(

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2001

A lad I know got sent down for just fighting the old fashioned 'one on one,' down south shields, in front of the cameras and an oncoming police van(this is not me condoning violence by the way... Just before the peace troopers, feel the need to use their built up energy!!!). He didn't feel the need to hunt in packs on a vunerable smaller victim. I think what they have done (if they done it) is cowardly, and it would be interesting to see what time they will do.

This lad by the way got three months and a further 3 month suspended for an out of character push on a police officer. To me, what they have done is much, much worse.

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2001

This is a brilliant debate but please take a wee peak at my point on commenting on subjudice criminal trials in another thread...

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2001

Dougal, am I missing something here, not interested in the trial at all but re yor warnings, bet my bottom dollar that 8 out of ten football forums are debating the case apart from non footy ones ,are we not getting carried away?,

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2001