Homeless fined £150.

Yes

Have you read the link, Anya?

What exactly is the point of this thread?

Is it saying that these people are innocent of these petty crimes but pleading guilty for one reason or another?

Or is the point that because they are homeless they cannot afford £150 so will inevitably have to serve a prison term?

"The criminal court charge ranges from £150 for anyone who pleads guilty to a summary offence at magistrates’ court up to £1,000 for those convicted after a trial of a more serious offence at magistrates’ court. In the crown court, the charge ranges from £900 for a guilty plea up to £1,200 for conviction after trial.

Because it costs far less to plead guilty rather than be convicted after a contested trial, some allege it creates a perverse incentive for the innocent to plead guilty rather than run the risk of failing to convince the court. "

From the article, FarNorth.

Doesn't look like anyone supports the policy, Penstemmon.

Did you want to make a point connected with this topic, phoenix? If so, what is it?

Graces I did not expect someone else to put my point of view forward!

Maybe it is intended to encourage guilty persons to fess up right away and not to waste court time & money by pleading innocent.

Homeless, penniless people surely wouldn't plead guilty, when innocent, as they would be unable to pay whatever charge was levied.
It will be people who are very poorly off who might be tempted to do that.

I cannot follow the logic of this policy! Can anyone who supports it explain why it is a good idea please?

durhamj the classroom in which my daughter teaches is the former town workhouse! Truly fit for a 21st C school!!

All governments of various persuasions have made cock ups when in office. It is well to remember the New Testament advice about casting the first stone!

The workhouse in this village was turned into nice flats in the 70s. Could turn them back, I suppose.
The one in York is student accommodation, so that's easy to turn back into a workhouse. The mortuary is still there, too.

I think that is the intention Whitewave.

Getting more like the Victorians every day

Anya, they'll also have a record. That will be no help when they come out of prison and try to get work or a home to live in.

Phoenix surely if you believe there were problems under the last but one government you should be bringing them to the debate not asking someone else to do so. This is what is happening now and seems rather more relevant and timely.

I have never heard of debating or even discussing where you expect someone else to put your point of view forward.

Yes, you're right, whitewave. I missed that as I was away.

www.theguardian.com/law/2015/jul/31/magistrates-resign-court-charges-encourage-innocent-plead-guilty

In fact some have already resigned.

There were a lot of problems caused by the last Labour government, phoenix. That's why I stopped being a member.
But what the hell has that got to do with what the government is doing to the homeless now? Absolutely nothing, so why make the comment?

At least they'll have a roof over their head and three square meals LG

dj whilst I applaud your support for humanitarian issues, are there perhaps any such issues that were brought about by a Labour Government, or was all sweetness and light under their rule?

Apart from the minor issue of a war, of course...........

And if they don't pay it they go to gaol? - brilliant! - that'll save money.

Isn't the legal profession threatening industrial action because of what the government is doing?