I have just gotton back from a day trip to London. I was near the underground and there was a crowd gathering watching a street magician so I went to have a look. I saw a man aged about 20 unzip a ladys backpack and take out her purse. I grabbed his other arm and put it behind his back and told him to give here it back, she turned around and took it back and thanked me. The young man then violently struggled and ended up I believe breaking his arm. The police arrived and I was arrested for assault, along with the man for theft. Even though the lady and several people argued my case I was taken to a cop shopa nd held for 7 hours. I am from Hull and now the case had been transferred to Hull and I have to appear before a magistrate next week, I was charged with assault and battery, or something similar. Does anyone think this is right, should I have just turned a blind eye.
2006-06-24 14:05:13 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
Thank you for helping that woman. There should be more people like you. As far as breaking his arm...I'm sure it was due to the struggle....an accident that the thief himself caused. I...personally...wish you would have broken both arms and both legs...a nose and blackened both eyes. That would teach him. I'm sure the charges will be dropped once the judge hears your case. Hopefully....you got the womans name and info...and the info of any other witnesses so that they can come to court and put in a good word for you. Good luck.
2006-06-24 14:17:44 · answer #1 · answered by pet stylist 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A lot of things can happen that you don't expect when lending a helping hand to someone in need. The guy could have had a gun or knife and you could have been seriously injured. Now you know why there are not many people who try to help someone in need in a situation like this. I do believe it was wrong that you were arrested for doing a good deed. But now there is a possibility you may do a little time yourself just for being helpful. You just never know what to do. If it is right or wrong. I really hope something good will come out of this because if not more people will start turning a blind eye. Good luck.
2006-06-24 14:23:34 · answer #2 · answered by lostinlove 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did the right thing. We all have a duty towards each other as human beings. I am actually quite pleasantly surprised at your courage as it is the custom within English society to "mind one's business" and ignore matters until they come knocking at one's front door. Of course not being there I don't know whether you overdid things to the point where this pick pocket's arm got broken. However, if all that you say is indeed true then this person probably won't be pickpocketing again. The truth is police officers don't prevent crime they only respond and react to it. The only people with the power to prevent crimes is the public at large, through awareness and poise. However, crime is on the increase because criminals know that the general public is unwilling and afraid to stand up to them. I really hope the lady who you helped will have the decency to show up in court in your favour.
2006-06-24 14:22:14 · answer #3 · answered by gourou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does not pay to help people these days. Anyway I think that you did the right thing by helping the lady, but it sounded like you were very angry, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, when people are angry they stop thinking straight. In your case, you wanted to hurt the man for what he did, so instead of slackening your grip on his arm, you held it tighter so when he struggled, it broke. The police sees that as an assault, which is very unfair because all you were doing is helping someone out. I hope they change their minds. More people like you are needed in the world. I wish you all the best my friend. Good luck.
2006-06-24 14:23:18 · answer #4 · answered by Christine Lam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the law believes that if you can't restrain the perpertrator without undue harm to him or yourself, then as a citizen, you are to leave this to the trained law enforcement officials. ideally, one of them would have been standing around when the pick pocketing happened, & then, you could have alerted them. (however, they're never around, as the saying goes.)
the pickpocket has the right to be arrested without undue harm. breaking his arm may have been considered a little excessive. you were trying to do a lawman's job that you're not properly trained to do & you ended up hurting someone in the process. police get sued when this happens because they're supposed to be trained better. your intent was good, but because it was out of your league,its led you to hell, as the saying goes.
2006-06-24 14:15:34 · answer #5 · answered by Silvaworks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SURELY TO GOD THE JUDGE WILL THROW IT OUT OF COURT!THOSE WERE SOME SORRY COPS!WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!YOU DID THE RIGHT THING BY HELPING HER,I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE GET STUFF STOLEN THAT THEY WORKED FOR,BY SOMEONE WHO IS SO LAZY THAT THEY WONT WORK FOR THEIR OWN STUFF,INSTEAD THEY STEAL MAKING IT HARDER FOR EVERYONE ELSE!PLEASE CONTACT ME AND LET ME KNOW HOW IT WENT!YOUR LAWYER EVEN IF HES FREE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET ITR THROWN OUT!SURELY THEY WILL CALL THAT LADY AS A WITNESS!I AM SO SORRY THIS HAPPENED TO YOU!DONT LET IT STOP YOU FROM HELPING OTHERS!AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN MANY WAYS FOR BEING SUCH A GOOD PERSON!
2006-06-24 14:16:28 · answer #6 · answered by cyndi b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Helping the lady was right , breaking the guys arm wasn't.
I am sure you didn't do it on purpose but maybe the judge will see it that way.
Good luck.
2006-06-24 14:08:56 · answer #7 · answered by cheeky chic 379 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the help you gave to the lady was right but the cops arresting you for him breaking his arm is bull this is why i don't have much faith in the legal system good luck Hun hope you beat this
2006-06-24 14:12:41 · answer #8 · answered by lkng4lv14892@verizon.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats what happens when you try to do somthing nice, Same thing happend to my friend, judge found him not guilty though so GL. But next time don't help anyone/
2006-06-24 14:26:54 · answer #9 · answered by greek302 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't have to turn a blind eye but maybe you were a little over zealous
2006-06-24 14:14:03 · answer #10 · answered by miss_nursie_nurse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋