Child 'racism' case on hold

Neal Keeling

April 20, 2006

CROWN lawyers have postponed a controversial court case against a 10-year-old boy prosecuted for allegedly calling a schoolmate racist names.

The Crown Prosecution Service was criticised by District Judge Jonathan Finestein, who said the decision to prosecute was "crazy" and "political correctness gone mad".

The case was due to be heard today in front of Judge Finestein, who made the outburst at Salford Youth Court earlier this month. He had adjourned the hearing until today so the CPS could decide whether it was in the public interest to proceed.

The case has now been put off until Thursday next week.

The case could go to trial or the CPS could apply to withdraw it.

The 10-year-old at the centre of the case, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been accused of racially abusing a fellow pupil. It was alleged he made racist comments in the school playground.

Appearing with his parents, the boy denied a racially-aggravated public order offence and said he was now friends with the boy. He admitted he called the 11-year-old boy a P***, but said he did not use any other racial terms.

It has emerged the victim of the alleged abuse was given a formal reprimand for saying "white trash" while the other child was prosecuted after he and his parents refused to accept a reprimand.

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steve n, Hollinwood (20/04/2006 at 16:55)

Surely it should be the parents who are taken to task, this is learned behaviour and needs stopping, its racist taunts now what next?? one thing we should all remember Parents are responsible for their children, so start doing your job and if they don't you must be made to pay one way or another.
Why should other children and adults have to put up with abuse, threats and assaults from from your children.

Adz, Old Trafford Manchester (20/04/2006 at 23:47)

the boys are 10 years od for crying out loud!!! i have to agree with the judge it is political correctness gone mad! and it wouldnt be in the interest of the public for this case to persue. i think the CPS should drop the allegation. what we must do from here is look at what children are being taught in their schools, and how parents are enforcing what is taught. this is my sole belief!

pete, adelaide australia (21/04/2006 at 04:15)

I should think so too.
What politically correct halfwit
decided to bring this child to court?
The more I hear of the outlandish & innapropriate use of political correctness, in Australia also, the more I am amazed that people will tolerate such half baked ideas.
George Orwell must have had a crystal ball.
Who started this PC madness, someone with half a brain?

Chris, Manchester (21/04/2006 at 11:24)

Drop the case CPS - you know it makes sense.

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