[Lotus]

I am beside myself with rage. The low life from Morwell charged today over the Gippsland fires that caused 21 known deaths (charged with Arson causing Death and Intentionally starting a Bushfire as well as Possession of Child Pornography) has been moved to custody in Melbourne for his own safety, had had his name suppressed (probably for his family's sake which is understandable) and he is apparently "in a fragile mental state". No doubt we will soon hear about his difficult childhood and all the rest of the pathetic excuses.

I couldn't give a rat's about HIS mental state!! And that is putting it extremely politely. This makes me so angry.

This post has been edited by Lotus: 13 February 2009 - 11:19 PM

[aquarian]

Hi Lotus
We were talking about this today here
http://www.cat-world...p...ic=92260&hl=

[Lotus]

I was at the expo all day so havn't seen that. Only just online now.

[Dale]

Let's wait and see who's mental state is more important to the judiciary, that of all the innocent law abiding people that have been affected or this scum bag.

Let him walk down the main St of Gippsland with a sign strapped to him, I don't think he would need to be worried about what will happen when he gets to the end of the St because he would never make it.

[Lotus]

An arsonist who set fire to a house, school and 2 other buildings got (a minimum of) 2 years jail today..

I am waiting for the inevitable sob story about the hard childhood and disturbed upbringing of the Gippsland arsonist, which is no excuse for sociopathic behaviour such as this IMO.
Sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere, I havn't had time to go through all today's posts and that news report tonight on the way home made me furious.

[Rob]

It's natural to be angry.
Arson with detremental affect is just soooooo beyond comprehension for us all.
It is incredible that this person was arrested and charged so quickly. I thought it would take many months and throwing a lot of resourses into it. I would like to thank those involved in this very difficult task of bringing this matter before the courts.

I pray for Justice.
No matter what you did to punish this person, it could never compensate a fraction of the damage and pain caused.

I think most agree that this case might be a watershed, that will send a very strong message to the people that light these fires.

[Heather Sharada]

The mind boggles......at least they got him so no further repeat offences likely for a while....and they do re-offend.

[rocanrole]

The really scary thought is that there have been more than this one person out there lighting fires. To think that people have set fires AFTER the tragedy of the weekend, that is what I find very frightening. The Courts don't treat these crimes harshly enough as it is usually only property that is destroyed, lets see what happens this time. Carole

[Lotus]

The reoffence rate is high. There is a definite need for a national database of arsonists, similar to the sex offender register. And much harsher penalties...as I said elsewhere, my idea of the appropriate penalty does not include a bed, 3 meals per day and a TV etc supplied courtesy of taxpayers. Some of what I think is appropriate is not printable here.

[Lotus]

Some of the media reporting is also problematic in that it can encourage copy cats.

[sealhope]

The police comissioner made an excellent point yesterday and that is to not dissolve into rage or negative feelings about the arsonists - there is so much hatred and ill feeling that why add to it? . Better to focus on the positives and generate more positive energy rather than keep adding to the negative. Negativity is too easy and too destructive (and too seductive).

[Lisa J]

Lotus, hugs.

This post has been edited by Lisa J: 15 February 2009 - 06:15 AM

[kata]

I have to agree with what the police commissioner said about due process and some -one being proven guilty. i'm not at all in favour of vigilante justice- but oh, it is so tempting to give way to hatred and disgust at this man for what he has done, or is thought to have done, especially seeing the footage of what has happenend and is still happening. But I restrain myslef and think of all that is positive that has come out of this- the way Australia, and even others in the world, have reached out to help those in distress.

[KRYSSYKAT]

assuming the he is the guilty instigator of the fires then let the punishment fit the crime and let him start by cleaning up the mess he instigated. He can pull the dead kiddies out of cars and tag and bag them, followed by their parents. He can go dig individual graves for the animals lying about waiting to be buried, he can start clearing away the rubble of the homes and lives that have been destroyed, he perhaps learn a trade or two as he helps rebuild the homes of those who have suffered, he can care for the sick and injured and became carer to those who will need mental and physical support .... Hmmm can I be any more positive? Why should he get to sit in a cushy cell while the community mops up his mess ... he may as well help clear it away.

K

[Dale]

My comments were based on the guy being found guilty.