Don’t send rioters to jail, pleads City councillor

A leading Conservative councillor in Birmingham has controversially said that youngsters involved in the recent riots should be spared jail.

Northfield Ward Cllr Les Lawrence, who has been on the City Council almost continuously since 1982 and is currently Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, made the statement after Birmingham’s first night of rioting.

Speaking to Children & Young People Now, he claimed that imprisoning those involved in the violence would lead to an adverse affect in behaviour amongst young people.

“We have never really tackled parental responsibility in relation to the criminal activity of those under the age of 16,” he said. “In my view, action should be taken against the parents as being complicit.

“We also need to use strong restorative justice community penalties. They should be made to work to repair the damage they have caused and understand the responsibility they have for the actions they have taken.

“Thirdly, the police have the power to seize assets for major crime. If you take their TVs or Xbox they may understand the consequences and responsibilities associated with their actions. These things don?t need the secure estate.”

Cllr Lawrence’s comments came after widespread condemnation of the violence. The Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Mike Whitby, said that Monday night was “a sad night for Birmingham”.

“After a joyous day in which the City Centre was shown at its best with everyone celebrating the upcoming Test Match, it is terribly sad that a group of mindless individuals, hell-bent on destruction, have damaged our reputation.

“I am delighted that already we have seen community groups coming together to help support the clean-up operation, and last night I ensured we doubled our cleaning resource into the affected areas – particularly the City Centre and Handsworth.

“This morning we are clearly open for business with transport links and public services operating as normal. We are determined not to let a tiny minority of people disrupt the regular life of the city.”

Meanwhile, West Midlands Police were attempting to control violence for a second night, which spread from Birmingham City Centre to West Bromwich and Wolverhampton.

Some rioters made their way through Kings Heath to the police station this afternoon, but were quickly dispersed after only minor damage to one police vehicle.