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Why didn't he walk in?
WAR veterans have attacked 'special treatment' given at court to the student who caused national outrage by urinating on Sheffield's city centre war memorial.
Philip Laing, studying sports science at Sheffield Hallam University, was warned by District Judge Anthony Browne he could face jail after pleading guilty to outraging public decency.
The 19-year-old urinated on the war memorial in Barker's Pool after taking part in a student pub crawl around Sheffield city centre on October 11.
But questions have been asked about why police allowed the teenager in and out of the magistrates' court building via adjoining police headquarters on Snig Hill.
Although on unconditional bail Laing, of Rotherhead Drive, Macclesfield, Cheshire, was allowed to enter and leave the courtroom via an entrance normally reserved for people in custody so he did not have to pass though public areas. He was ushered in and out despite there being no protests against him outside court.
Today Philip Spruce, legal manager at Sheffield Magistrates' Court, told The Star he had questioned the arrangements personally.
"Plenty of high profile defendants walk the gauntlet along the bridge to the main entrance," he said.
"We were approached by the police to put those arrangements in place. I queried that on the basis the court should be seen to be independent.
"I asked the police to review it and was informed intelligence was discussed at Superintendent level and their view was there had been threats resulting in a potential risk to public safety.
"I didn't perceive there was anything approaching any risk and will be asking police to review these arrangements for the further hearing in this case on November 26."
Supt Peter Norman, of South Yorkshire Police, defended his decision to allow Laing special treatment.
"We have a duty to protect anyone whose safety is under threat, including the public," he insisted. "We also have a responsibility to minimise the chances of court proceedings being disturbed and any potential public order.
"Following the risk assessment, I felt it was appropriate to put specific measures in place proportionate to the high level of threats received."
But Vince McDonagh, secretary of the city's joint council of veterans, said: "All the ex-service people are really incensed about what he did and I think the police probably feared there might be a protest.
"But I don't think that should merit special treatment."
In court, District Judge Anthony Browne adjourned the case for three weeks pending a pre-sentence report.
He told Laing: "That you deeply regret what you have done, I'm absolutely sure about that. I've no doubt it was the vast quantity of alcohol you consumed that night that led you to behave in this way."
But he added: "The image of you urinating on the war memorial in this city will make most people turn away in disgust, shock and sadness.
"This case will be adjourned for a report to be prepared by the probation service.
"All options, including prison, are being held open by the court."
Mr Browne continued: "Carnage is the name of the organisation who promote this type of activity. Some might say that somebody should be standing alongside you this morning."
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
