Zero Tolerance in the News..
By ShepherdSpy
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
Omagh, Northern Ireland
November 21, 2009 7:32pm CST
Paul Clarke,A 27yo former soldier in the UK claimed he found a sawn off shotgun and ammo abandoned in a bag in his Garden,then brought it in to hand it over to the local Police station.Apparently,He then found (Too Late!)there's a ZT policy on "possession" of a firearm like this..if You have one in your possession FOR ANY REASON without the required owner's permit,you've committed a "No Defence" offence and are liable to trial and a possible stay in Prison! Randy Cassingham's "This Is True" Blog is anti ZT,and picked up on this story..check the link here.. http://www.thisistrue.com/blog-paul_clarke_and_british_zero_tolerance.html
As a former soldier,Should Clarke have been more aware of policy on "possession" of an illegal Weapon? Should he have not disturbed the find in his garden,but instead called the police to come and get it? Would Your curiosity or "do good" instinct have got you into this situation had it been your find? Share!
2 responses
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
23 Nov 09
I think we have become a world of extremes. We make a rule that is absolute. there are no absolutes in life. And we have got to establish guidelines and know when to enforce them.
This man did the right thing.
This stupidity reminds me of the Eagle Scout who got suspended from school for having a survival kit locked up in his car that has a knife in it. Then there was the Kindergarten kid that was supposed to go to a special school for using a cub scout eating utensil that was a knife, fork and spoon.
We have become scared to think!
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
19 Dec 09
It seems He was Lucky this time..He got a 1 Year suspended Sentence in court!
Check out the "This is True" blog for more background on this..it's free to subscribe,and the stories featured are usually thought provoking!
@enola1692 (3323)
• United States
22 Nov 09
Wow I kind of feel bad for Clark but he should of call the police hopefully when he gose to court they are not so tough on him
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
19 Dec 09
An Update on the Story..Clarke was Given a 1 Year suspended Sentence in the past week...Apparently He held on to the weapon for something like *4* DAYS as He knew a senior Cop,and wanted to discuss his options with them,but they weren't available to talk with him that week,so he held on to it..He's Lucky they didn't do him for withholding evidence!
