It is of some considerable relief that Grace Millane’s killer was found guilty. In my opinion, with the evidence that was produced, it would have been difficult for the jury to find otherwise. Every time a case like this comes up and a guilty verdict is given there is a certain segment of the population, myself included, who call for the reinstatement of the death penalty. It is a very controversial, if not emotional, subject.
If the death penalty were to be reinstated then it could not be imposed unless there was not a shadow of a doubt that, as in this case, the perpetrator committed the crime . This case, however, could have presented a challenge in that there was a possibility of the person on trial being found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder. Had this happened, due to the heinousness of the crime, I would personally still like to see the death penalty imposed. Having said that, I would reluctantly have to bow to the fact that this could cause problems and may not be feasible in law since manslaughter is regarded as a lesser crime.
One of the reasons I support the death penalty is it really rankles with me that I am having my hard-earned taxpayer dollars going to support a “MAN IN CARE” (how pathetic is that characterisation of a criminal) living at my expense in probably the most palatial conditions he’s ever been in. From memory, it costs about $90,000 a year to keep a person confined. Incidentally, this ‘in care’ nonsense is more evidence that this is a Government that favours the criminal over the victim.
The reluctance of those against imposing the death penalty is largely one, understandably, of the wrong person being convicted of a crime. I feel that the beyond all doubt would be the safeguard. Not just beyond a reasonable doubt, but beyond ALL doubt. It is certainly a debate that I think is worth having.