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Madness of the double standards in our courts  The
inconsistencies of courts remain one of the most baffling aspects of the
justice system.
Footballer Joey Barton (pictured) was remanded in custody in relation
to an assault allegation and I am sure that even his harshest critics
accept he is most unlikely to abscond to a foreign country never to be
seen again.
The two people charged with him were released on bail while Barton spent
the New Year in custody.
We are constantly being told that the jails are full so what on earth
was the point of this? I am no fan of Joey Barton so please do not think
for one split second that I am defending him.
His record speaks for itself and I don’t understand why any football
club would want to pay him a fortune every week.
However, when you contrast the attitude of the court towards him and the
case early in December involving a man named Michael Dugdale you really
do begin to question the sanity of some judges.
Michael Dugdale was extradited from Spain in connection with child sex
offences.
He was tracked by a specialist unit paid for by the taxpayers and arrested
under a European warrant.
He is accused of a whole string of offences including rape, unlawful sex
with a child and indecent assaults.
If convicted he could face a life sentence.
You would have thought that would be enough to keep him in custody. You
would have thought wrong.
He was given bail at a hearing from which the public was barred and allowed
to return to Spain.
He can travel wherever he likes. He is obviously not considered as serious
a risk to the public as Joey Barton.
If this is not complete and utter madness then I honestly don’t
know what is.
I rest my case Your Honour.
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