This Is Why No-One Will Come To Help...

Last week, this reality show clip did the rounds on Twitter, with many of the police bemoaning the fact that the bystanders did nothing to help the officer.

Many people pointed out that, had they attempted to wade in, they'd probably have been nicked themselves.  It was pooh-poohed, of course.

And yet...

District Judge Daniel Curtis said Crompton went beyond his public duty and his sentence sent out the message that a police officer is not "beyond the law".

Crompton was given a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, told to pay costs of £1,500 and £500 in compensation to his victim.

Crompton wasn't on duty at the time.

District Judge Curtis said: "On the Sunday before Christmas, staff at Winteringham Fields were taken out by Colin McGurran for some drinks as a thanks for their hard work.

"They had been in the Bay Horse public house from 4.30pm onwards.

"At around 8.30pm, Colin Crompton and his wife arrived at the Bay Horse as they wanted a quiet drink.

"They decided to move on to the Ferry Boat. The Winteringham Fields group stayed for about an hour longer before moving on to the Ferry Boat as they did not want to disturb the quiz night."

Witnesses had described the atmosphere in the pub as "tense" and a series of minor disagreements took place. It was at this point Mr Oades was asked to leave the pub by the landlady. Moments later, he tried to return through a side entrance that was being blocked by the defendant.

Judge Curtis said: "Colin McGurran told staff to finish their drinks and leave.

"Thomas Oades felt a tug on him by the defendant who told him to get out.

"He was grabbed by Crompton, who had both hands around his neck and the victim found it hard to breathe."

He added: "You slammed the young man down on a wall and repeatedly punched him,"

He suffered swelling and bruising to both eyes, dried blood under the nostrils, swelling to his mouth, and red marking to his arms, neck and shoulders.

Off-duty cop assists landlady in removing drunken troublesome youth. Gets accused of excessive violence. Will now probably lose his job.

Now, still expect members of the public to wade in?

This Is What Happens When The Police Are No Longer Trusted…

Vigilante gangs are starting to emerge on Canvey following a string of violent robberies. Residents are threatening to take matters into their hands - after three robberies were committed in the space of 48 hours.

 What else are they expected to do? Just pay their council tax for a non-service?

One man, who would not be named, said people had enough and had been talking about taking the law into their own hands.

He said: “There has been a spate of muggings, burglaries and robberies on Canvey and now a vigilante group are out after blood. People have been out there in cars trying to search for the robbers, and taking baseball bats trying to hunt them down.

“They are trying to take matters into their own hands because there doesn't seem to have been any response from the police.”

Who can blame them, when even their pets are at risk, not just their possessions? So, are the police cognisant of this danger to their future, and determined to do all they can to put this breach of trust right?

Supt Andy Prophet said: “We’ve heard reports that some people in Canvey have said they will carry out patrols but we can’t condone such activities.

“If people want to help us we would prefer that they dial 999 if they witness a crime in progress or call 101 if the information is less urgent.

“Residents can also help by setting up Neighbourhood Watch groups or by joining the Special Constabulary. ”

That'll be 'no' then. And if you can't see the writing on the wall, Andy, you're no Prophet...