Here we go again with some weird criminal law stories. They are all true. Enjoy.
–Birdsong
Romania: From the “but can they solve crimes” file:
It is reported that in Romania police have been using cardboard cutout cops to slow speeders. The program has been so successful, it is being expanded to include cardboard police cars. Occasionally, real cops take the place of the cutouts to snare speeders who think they’re wise to the tactic.
But can they solve crimes?
Manhattan, NY: Robert Williams, described by prosecutors at his sentencing as a “deranged fiend” who kidnapped, raped, brutally tortured and nearly murdered a Columbia University graduate journalism student in 2007, was sentenced on July 24, 2008 to 422 years in prison. The sentence was the maximum number of years allowed by New York law. His victim was not in court at the sentencing. She wrote to prosecutors stating that she was “afraid to go outside.” The victim narrowly survived her ordeal of being kidnapped, raped, sliced with a butcher knife, scalded with boiling water, drugged to the brink of death , had her lips Krazy glued together and then left for dead tied to her burning living room couch.
Williams attempted to opt out of the sentencing hearing but was carried into the hearing by six helmeted shield carrying state court officers. Williams had already spent most of his adult life in prison.
Birdsong believes prison is where Williams belongs and he made sure he would get back there.
Cookeville, TN: From the “worst get away ever” file:
Three men stole a recliner from a Goodwill store in Cookeville, threw it in the back of their pickup truck and tried to speed off, but the vehicle was out of gas and it stalled in the parking lot. Police found the truck, the recliner and the perps in the middle of their own personal gas crisis.
It’s not the kind of gas crisis most of us have!
New Zealand: A judge in this country made a 9 year old girl a ward of the court so he could legally change her name. Her parents had named her “Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii.” The judge said that the court was profoundly concerned about the very poor judgment which the child’s parents had shown in naming the child.
Yep, someone needed to step in. Good job Judge.
