OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE - POLICE PATROL

Published 12 Sep 2011

CASE STUDY – Offensive Language

The Facts: A pretty young woman with short skirt was arguing with her boyfriend on the mobile phone and startled when ‘tooted’ by police as she slowly moved across the street. She responded with words like: “Fuck off, I am arguing with my fucking boyfriend”. She was arrested.

The Result: Case dismissed. The fact that this woman was prosecuted should lend support to calls for this offence to be decriminalized. Let’s not forget that the penalties include the potential for a criminal record, a fine and a 100 hour community service order. Offensive conduct carries potential imprisonment.

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