August 12th, 2011 by Marie-Claire Clinton

Criminal law is not my area, as you may know, so this post is purely social comment not legal but I do feel compelled to post something on the events of earlier this week in the country.

I was in Birmingham on Monday and left about 30 minutes before the rioting and looting kicked off.  I can only imagine the fear and chaos which would have been felt by the bystanders.

I was also on facebook as events were unfolding and the rumours circulating about where things were supposed to be happening were fantastical.  My daughter even texted me to say that she had heard there was looting in our local Asda.  There wasn’t, of course, but you can see how it is quick and easy for those intent on disorder to mobilise themselves.

But for me what I take from this week is the positive message that the majority of people in the country feel abhorrence and disgust at the behaviour of the minority of troublemakers.  People coming together to protest against the lawlessness by participating in community clearing up, by putting names to the faces published by the police, and by being vocal in their views calling for calm to be restored.

What makes this country the place it is are the people and it is very clear that the majority of people are decent, law abiding, community minded individuals despite everything.