Solaris
Party Escort Bot
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2005
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An 18-year-old man has been given a life sentence for setting two bins on fire in north Devon.
Although only causing a few pounds damage, Christopher Brown was given an indeterminate sentence after he threatened to commit more crimes if he was released.
BBC News asks how such a seemingly minor offence can have such a grave consequence.
What does indeterminate sentencing mean?
The new power was instituted as part of so-called public protections measures in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and has been used since April, 2005.
In addition to being able to extend licence time for other crimes, judges were given the power to set indeterminate sentences.
Under this sentence, a minimum tariff for incarceration is handed down but the defendant must satisfy the authorities that he or she is fit for release and does not pose any threat to the community.
Here
I'm just glad he's behind bars, I couldn't sleep at night knowing a monster like that is on the loose.