While agree that it was an offensive and crass thing to say,
I dont think it should be the state's role to arrest citizens for saying anything - unless they're inciting violence.
(, Wed 2 Mar 2011, 14:13, Reply)
Well it's down to interpretation of Section 5 Public Order Act
Use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.
So swearing is a public order offence for which you can be arrested. Though more often than not can be dealt with using a fixed penalty.
However, they should be arrested and escorted off the premises to prevent further breach of the peace.
(, Wed 2 Mar 2011, 14:20, Reply)
This is similar to section 4a
4a is where you intend to cause alarm or distress through use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.
5 is where you cause it without intention (I think).
(, Wed 2 Mar 2011, 14:22, Reply)
and the fact the victim was a copper
makes her doubly stupid and therefore more worthy of arrest
(
Joe Scaramanga with a G-double-O-D vibration, Wed 2 Mar 2011, 14:32,
Reply)
there's not going to be many people left on the streets if they arrest all the stupid ones
(, Wed 2 Mar 2011, 14:39, Reply)
But she was arrested for a Public Order offence, not for 'being stupid'
She'll probably get a £60 fine and told to fuck off and not do it again, but the point is, she still committed an offence.
(, Wed 2 Mar 2011, 14:41, Reply)
Well I think it should
Using words than can be harassing and/or threatening is one of the key reasons why ASBOs were introduced. It's not just about how you perceive it, it's about how others do.
It's been illegal since before 1984, when the revised Public Order Act was introduced.
There's always your MP to talk to about it, if you aren't happy with it.
(, Wed 2 Mar 2011, 15:03, Reply)
I agree
they should have just tasered her there on the spot and be done with it
(, Wed 2 Mar 2011, 14:21, Reply)