Nottingham district judge hits out at riot sentences

A district judge dealing with cases relating to disorder in Nottingham has said people should speak to the government if sentences seemed lenient.

Tim Devas, district judge at Nottingham Magistrates Court, also told Craig Cave, 26, of Burrows Avenue, Beeston, to "sort his life out".

Cave was found guilty of obstructing the police and was fined £60.

Mr Devas went on to ask Cave if he now felt ashamed about being one of the "hundreds of yobbos" arrested.

'Scum' tag

Addressing Cave at Nottingham Magistrates' Court, Judge Devas said: "Let me give you a piece of worldly advice. Get a life, sort yourself out.

"Don't you feel ashamed that you are now counted among the hundreds of yobbos arrested and now considered as scum by the public?"

He went on to address the court in general, saying: "If there are any criticisms of sentences handed down by the courts, if you want anyone to blame, then go and speak to the government.

"Do not blame the judges or the magistrates who do their jobs professionally and abide by the guidelines set down."

So far, 105 people have been arrested and 61 have been charged after two nights of disorder in Nottingham.

The arrests include an 11-year-old girl who admitted criminal damage and attempted criminal damage and was given a nine-month referral order.

Three remand courts have been working extra hours to process those in custody.