Former police officer jailed for attack on pregnant ex-girlfriend (From Daily Echo)
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Former police officer Matthew Cherry jailed for 10 years for attack on pregnant ex-girlfriend
8:20am Saturday 8th September 2012 in News By Paula Roberts
Matthew Cherry
EVIL Dorset Police officer Matthew Cherry has been found guilty of attacking his pregnant ex–girlfriend in an attempt to destroy their unborn child.
The 35-year-old broke down crying in the dock as the jury delivered the guilty verdict at Winchester Crown Court yesterday.
Describing the attack as “appalling” Judge Keith Cutler jailed Cherry for 10 years for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and told him: “Every day she looks at her healthy, lovely young son she will no doubt be reminded of his father.”
Cherry wore a balaclava, hoodie and gloves when he attacked six-months-pregnant Caroline Craft in her flat in Norwich Avenue, Bournemouth, on March 24 last year.
He punched her in the face, stomach and back between 20 and 30 times in an attempt to bring on the miscarriage of the baby he did not want.
The court had heard that Cherry had tried to persuade Miss Craft to have an abortion, claiming he could not afford the baby. He even said he’d thought about punching her in the stomach to cause a miscarriage.
Miss Craft suffered extensive bruising following the attack but thankfully her unborn child was unharmed.
She went on to have a healthy baby boy called Archie who is now 15 months old.
Prosecutor Matthew Jewell read part of Miss Craft’s victim impact statement in which she said Cherry’s actions were “unspeakable” and she was still trying to come to terms with the “terrifying” events of that day.
Sentencing Cherry, Judge Cutler said: “It was a pernicious and evil act on your part. There was a high degree of planning.
“It was clear you used your skills and training as a police officer to ensure your mobile phone was left to give yourself an alibi and to mask your appearance.”
He said Cherry even took a vacuum cleaner to the scene pretending to be a cleaner, and destroyed his clothes.
Judge Cutler told Cherry he was only found out when he made the mistake of not destroying a Nike shoe box matching the trainers worn by the attacker.
The judge added: “It is only through good fortune and not anything that you did that Caroline Craft was able to only suffer the physical injuries she has recovered from.
“The emotional scarring will no doubt be with her for life.”
An officer for nine years
MATTHEW Cherry had been working as a patrol officer for Dorset Police for nine years when he carried out the terrifying attack on Caroline Craft and his unborn son.
He was brought up in Lytchett Matravers and attended local schools before going to university and completing a degree.
Once his studies were over, Cherry tried his hand at personal training before making the decision to join the police.
He worked on uniform patrol in Poole and met Caroline Craft through mutual friends. In his spare time, Cherry turned to property developing. He resigned from the police in November last year and was living in Wimpson Lane, Southampton.
Comments(82)
OddlyPat
says...
1:16pm Fri 7 Sep 12
daddyrichie869
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1:21pm Fri 7 Sep 12
static kill
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1:25pm Fri 7 Sep 12
spooki
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1:31pm Fri 7 Sep 12
static kill wrote:Hmm not a good comment!
That'll teach him not to take his work home with him.
All I can say is "good"! To do that to someone (two people?) and then deny it, what a coward. There are stronger words for this 'person' - I won't say 'man' - but they'll get blocked. Enjoy your time in jail Mr Policeman. Maybe you'll do some growing up in there.
media8ter
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1:34pm Fri 7 Sep 12
To try and kill your own unborn child, how sick is that, i hope some one does to him what he done to her and her unborn child.
High Treason
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1:36pm Fri 7 Sep 12
steelpaul wrote:"thats two strong sentences handed out today"
Christ, thats two strong sentences handed out today, wonder if the judge got out of the wrong side of the bed, about time these people were given proper sentences instead of the usual community service rubbish, Serves the scumbag right
Afraid not. Out after serving less than half the sentence. Much better to make the criminals serve the full term and add to it if they misbehave.
BournemouthMum
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1:37pm Fri 7 Sep 12
I can't believe someone could be so heartless and cruel as to do what he did. And the poor child will one day know that his own father tried to terminate his life before he was born. Unbelievable. Thank goodness the judge saw sense and sentenced him appropriately.
bigfella777
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1:56pm Fri 7 Sep 12
KA
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2:08pm Fri 7 Sep 12
muscliffman
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2:09pm Fri 7 Sep 12
If a violent liar like this can remain in the Police with these aspects of his mentality apparently going undetected it should be a cause for concern.
Ozmosis
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2:20pm Fri 7 Sep 12
Georgem
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2:22pm Fri 7 Sep 12
muscliffman wrote:Well, he was a former officer at the time of sentencing, as the headline states.
The headline use of 'former' misleads, he WAS a Police Officer at the time of this dreadful offence.
If a violent liar like this can remain in the Police with these aspects of his mentality apparently going undetected it should be a cause for concern.
So tell me, how do you propose we detect that someone is a violent liar? I expect we could put a checkbox on the police application form marked "I am a violent liar who will punch his own girlfriend in the stomach to abort a child", but I don't think that's going to fool anyone.
bmthbouncer
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2:38pm Fri 7 Sep 12
muscliffman
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4:10pm Fri 7 Sep 12
Georgem wrote:I would have thought most people capable of this type of serious crime would display other personality/behaviou
muscliffman wrote:Well, he was a former officer at the time of sentencing, as the headline states.
The headline use of 'former' misleads, he WAS a Police Officer at the time of this dreadful offence.
If a violent liar like this can remain in the Police with these aspects of his mentality apparently going undetected it should be a cause for concern.
So tell me, how do you propose we detect that someone is a violent liar? I expect we could put a checkbox on the police application form marked "I am a violent liar who will punch his own girlfriend in the stomach to abort a child", but I don't think that's going to fool anyone.
r issues - at least immediately prior to the event.
I am not knocking the Police themselves, to their credit normally they do spot bad apples.
But this guy regardless of the date of sentencing was in a very responsible work place at the time of the offence - and colleagues apparently did not notice he was loosing it.
A subsequent post including 'this thug is getting served with what he deserves. as a teenager he caused my life hell because he had a huge ego' is quite interesting.
Laura85
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4:29pm Fri 7 Sep 12
bazzeroz
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4:30pm Fri 7 Sep 12
bmthbouncer wrote:Do tell.
thank god i am happy that this thug is getting served with what he deserves. as a teenager he caused my life hell because he had a huge ego, well i doubt that ego is going to do much now.
Linesman
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4:31pm Fri 7 Sep 12
That will be a case of the punishment fitting the crime.
street warrior
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5:05pm Fri 7 Sep 12
street warrior
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5:08pm Fri 7 Sep 12
Georgem
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5:34pm Fri 7 Sep 12
street warrior wrote:Why shouldn't it be?
Of course as he resigned from the force his pension will be protected for when he retires....Very nice
KA
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6:09pm Fri 7 Sep 12
Vars1234
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6:22pm Fri 7 Sep 12
High Treason wrote:High treason, people get released on licence for some of their sentence so that they can be monitored in the community, which for him will be at a multi agency level. That way if he misbehaves or if his risk increases he can be sent straight back into custody without first going to court, only to be released again if the parole board feels he is safe to be released. If they just got released at the end of their sentence straight back to fully fledged freedom there is nothing to say his risk to others would be any less and society would not be protected. Licences exist for good reason.
steelpaul wrote:"thats two strong sentences handed out today"
Christ, thats two strong sentences handed out today, wonder if the judge got out of the wrong side of the bed, about time these people were given proper sentences instead of the usual community service rubbish, Serves the scumbag right
Afraid not. Out after serving less than half the sentence. Much better to make the criminals serve the full term and add to it if they misbehave.
willygetaway
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7:13pm Fri 7 Sep 12
PaddyDucks
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7:31pm Fri 7 Sep 12
Constable if you direct conversation with them.
The term 'Officer' has no meaning, nor does it qualify.
cherries189
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7:58pm Fri 7 Sep 12
WellI'llBeDamned
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8:41pm Fri 7 Sep 12
Sickofidiotsonhere
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8:41pm Fri 7 Sep 12
cherries189 wrote:Seriously mate, are you for real? This is one horrible bloke out of thousands yet all you can do is have a go at the Police. How about a little praise for the officers who actually caught him and managed to get him convicted through the courts (which I'm sure is not an easy thing to do these days) despite the offender sadly once being one of their own and going out of his way to actively cover his tracks. This bloke got what he deserved. Job well done.
typical facist bully boy, probably didnt think he would get in trouble and could get away with anything and to be honest normaly they do.
brooking1974
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8:49pm Fri 7 Sep 12
Benny Dorm
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8:50pm Fri 7 Sep 12
In general, about this story I would say there was clearly a bad apple in the barrel but I can't see what the police could have done to stop him being hired. As someone said earlier, the police could hardly have put an 'I am a violent wife/girlfriend/unbo
rn baby beater - tick Y/N on the police application form. He clearly passed all the checks and had no previous - but this does not mean he was not capable of doing something awful in the future.
It's a bit like CRB checks for a teacher or child care person. Just because they have passed a CRB check it does not mean that they are not potentially a peadophile as all it means is that they have not been done for breaking any laws.
I would say hats off to Dorset Police, clearly they did not shirk from relentlessly pursuing one of their own and making sure he was put before the courts. One bad apple does not a bad barrel make.
brooking1974
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8:57pm Fri 7 Sep 12
Sickofidiotsonhere
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9:09pm Fri 7 Sep 12
brooking1974 wrote:How do you know?
This guy did not commit this crime! It is a stitch up!!
brooking1974
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9:29pm Fri 7 Sep 12
cantthinkofone
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10:05pm Fri 7 Sep 12
spooki wrote:Quite the opposite, it's a very astute comment.
static kill wrote:Hmm not a good comment!
That'll teach him not to take his work home with him.
All I can say is "good"! To do that to someone (two people?) and then deny it, what a coward. There are stronger words for this 'person' - I won't say 'man' - but they'll get blocked. Enjoy your time in jail Mr Policeman. Maybe you'll do some growing up in there.
In the last 22 years there have been 1,433 deaths of people whilst either in police custody or immediately after police contact. There have been zero convictions.
I'm sure *most* of them are innocent tragedies. But all 1,433? It stretches credibility, especially when the conduct of some officers is brought to light. Enfield is a good illustration of that.
And if someone is working in a culture that makes them believe they're untouchable, it's hardly surprising that one or two will believe that extends to their personal life.
Most police officers are well-intentioned I'm sure. But even the *good* ones are often guilty of failing to speak out against their rogue colleagues - even when questioned. This has been illustrated repeatedly, from Blair Peach to Ian Tomlinson. The code of 'omerta' is not unique to the Mafia.
cantthinkofone
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10:07pm Fri 7 Sep 12
Benny Dorm wrote:I'll add that I agree with your last paragraph. Dorset Police certainly deserve credit for that, and perhaps it's a sign that the culture is slowly changing. One can only hope so.
PaddyDucks: almost correct. It's Police Officer. Officially, there is no such term as policeman or policewoman anymore. Both male & female officers are called police officers.
In general, about this story I would say there was clearly a bad apple in the barrel but I can't see what the police could have done to stop him being hired. As someone said earlier, the police could hardly have put an 'I am a violent wife/girlfriend/unbo
rn baby beater - tick Y/N on the police application form. He clearly passed all the checks and had no previous - but this does not mean he was not capable of doing something awful in the future.
It's a bit like CRB checks for a teacher or child care person. Just because they have passed a CRB check it does not mean that they are not potentially a peadophile as all it means is that they have not been done for breaking any laws.
I would say hats off to Dorset Police, clearly they did not shirk from relentlessly pursuing one of their own and making sure he was put before the courts. One bad apple does not a bad barrel make.
cantthinkofone
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10:17pm Fri 7 Sep 12
Vars1234 wrote:Well said. I agree. Rehabilitation has to be more important than punishment, for the safety of everyone else. It's unfortunate that society hasn't evolved beyond an overwhelming blood-**** for vengeance though.
High Treason wrote:High treason, people get released on licence for some of their sentence so that they can be monitored in the community, which for him will be at a multi agency level. That way if he misbehaves or if his risk increases he can be sent straight back into custody without first going to court, only to be released again if the parole board feels he is safe to be released. If they just got released at the end of their sentence straight back to fully fledged freedom there is nothing to say his risk to others would be any less and society would not be protected. Licences exist for good reason.
steelpaul wrote:"thats two strong sentences handed out today"
Christ, thats two strong sentences handed out today, wonder if the judge got out of the wrong side of the bed, about time these people were given proper sentences instead of the usual community service rubbish, Serves the scumbag right
Afraid not. Out after serving less than half the sentence. Much better to make the criminals serve the full term and add to it if they misbehave.
cantthinkofone
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11:00pm Fri 7 Sep 12
But I've seen others post in uncensored. Weird.
Facewagon
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11:08pm Fri 7 Sep 12
brooking1974 wrote:There was obviously enough evidence to convince the jury that he was guilty.
I have followed the case closely. No DNA whatsoever. I have even heard that the victim originally said it was not him and then later changed her story! Also, the victim was supposedly punched 30 times (and he is supposed to be big) yet was in hospital for 1 hour and given paracetamol (considering she was pregnant cannot have been too much).
BIGTONE
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4:22am Sat 8 Sep 12
Old Boscombe Lad
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5:12am Sat 8 Sep 12
EGHH
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6:38am Sat 8 Sep 12
Boscomite
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9:32am Sat 8 Sep 12
street warrior
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9:33am Sat 8 Sep 12
downmoor-ch63
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9:38am Sat 8 Sep 12
brooking1974 wrote:This report got me thinking, if the above is correct, and I dont doubt that it is as it says, and the man does get a makeover in jail, then the woman would be liable surely for compensation, again, lets hope that this case gets finally resolved one way or another.
I have followed the case closely. No DNA whatsoever. I have even heard that the victim originally said it was not him and then later changed her story! Also, the victim was supposedly punched 30 times (and he is supposed to be big) yet was in hospital for 1 hour and given paracetamol (considering she was pregnant cannot have been too much).
Of the Ilk
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10:08am Sat 8 Sep 12
brooking1974 wrote:The evidence presented in court meant the jury were able to find him guilty 'beyond reasonable doubt'. You do not always get the full picture from press reports and unless you were in court for the whole trial or able to read the full court transcript, it is very difficult to put yourself in the place of the jury. If he feels he has been wrongly convicted, then he will be able to appeal.
I have followed the case closely. No DNA whatsoever. I have even heard that the victim originally said it was not him and then later changed her story! Also, the victim was supposedly punched 30 times (and he is supposed to be big) yet was in hospital for 1 hour and given paracetamol (considering she was pregnant cannot have been too much).
Iamthewalrus
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11:18am Sat 8 Sep 12
Well I'm not sure you will have lots of money in prison !!! Lets hope you have some emotional trauma that lasts for far longer than the bruising take to heal. Lets also hope you have some of your own medicine inside and roll on the fraud court case in a few weeks.
Hopefully they will add another few years on to your sentence and also take away some of your precious money using the proceeds of crime Act.
Regarding DNA .. he was forensically aware! One word sums that up MOTIVE! who else would do what they did?
You weren't as clever as you thought you were!
Laura85
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11:41am Sat 8 Sep 12
EGHH
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12:51pm Sat 8 Sep 12
brooking1974 wrote:DNA evidence can be removed by using household bleach. A quick Google search will bring up more detailed methods. I'm sure being a serving Police Officer at the time he was aware of this.
I have followed the case closely. No DNA whatsoever. I have even heard that the victim originally said it was not him and then later changed her story! Also, the victim was supposedly punched 30 times (and he is supposed to be big) yet was in hospital for 1 hour and given paracetamol (considering she was pregnant cannot have been too much).
He had a clear motive for causing a miscarriage. Caroline Craft would have known it was him even in disguise. Not sure if you have a partner but I would know mine even in disguise by her walk and body language.
As Miss Croft was also a Police Officer she would have been trained in body language etc. and would have been able to identify him without seeing his face.
For some reason you seem to be defending this scum-bag. Why?
BenjiWinsor
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5:29pm Sat 8 Sep 12
Huffter
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5:32pm Sat 8 Sep 12
Laura85 wrote:Why do you think the judge will be well looked after by the inmates?
That judge is good at handing out the longer sentences. I'm sure he will be well looked after by the inmates.
IronLady2010
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6:42pm Sat 8 Sep 12
BenjiWinsor wrote:You raise a good point. When the child gets to a certain age of asking questions etc.
Been following this case throughout. Justice has been served. Wishing all the best to the woman and child. What an awful thing to grow up to find out, that your father tried to kill you. Hope he never finds out.
The trauma the mother has been through isn't over yet!
How she deals with it will be painful no matter her choice.
bigal007
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7:59pm Sat 8 Sep 12
bigfella777 wrote:now the inmates know he was a copper rule 45 me thinks i bet he be looking over his back all the time
I bet he will be popular in the nick.
IronLady2010
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8:40pm Sat 8 Sep 12
bigal007 wrote:One would hope that the system would protect him, despite his crime. If not, the system needs changing. He has been given a punishment according to the Law, if others seek further punishment, this is then illegal and they in turn should be punished.
bigfella777 wrote:now the inmates know he was a copper rule 45 me thinks i bet he be looking over his back all the time
I bet he will be popular in the nick.
Reality-man
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8:58pm Sat 8 Sep 12
opera phantom
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9:04pm Sat 8 Sep 12
I hope he has to do that again in prison
when a big jessie makes him bend down and pick up the soap in the showers.
Evil thuggish ****.
opera phantom
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9:07pm Sat 8 Sep 12
IronLady2010 wrote:You may hope IronLady, but I think that is cuckoo land.
bigal007 wrote:One would hope that the system would protect him, despite his crime. If not, the system needs changing. He has been given a punishment according to the Law, if others seek further punishment, this is then illegal and they in turn should be punished.
bigfella777 wrote:now the inmates know he was a copper rule 45 me thinks i bet he be looking over his back all the time
I bet he will be popular in the nick.
SotonLad
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9:37pm Sat 8 Sep 12
Vars1234
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10:18pm Sat 8 Sep 12
Iamthewalrus
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11:28pm Sat 8 Sep 12
Iamthewalrus
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11:34pm Sat 8 Sep 12
Shame
YouKnowWhatYouDid
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11:35pm Sat 8 Sep 12
Iamthewalrus wrote:What fraud case??? Please shed light...or post a link to the case.
So glad this aggressive control freak got ten years. Just because she wouldn't do what you wanted! And you were frightened it would cost you money! So you felt that gave you the right to kick and punch the hell out of your baby and ex partner.
Well I'm not sure you will have lots of money in prison !!! Lets hope you have some emotional trauma that lasts for far longer than the bruising take to heal. Lets also hope you have some of your own medicine inside and roll on the fraud court case in a few weeks.
Hopefully they will add another few years on to your sentence and also take away some of your precious money using the proceeds of crime Act.
Regarding DNA .. he was forensically aware! One word sums that up MOTIVE! who else would do what they did?
You weren't as clever as you thought you were!
Cherry was a really good friend of my ex-husband. I am a little shocked to hear of it so 'close to home' and saddened that another "lad" has shown the inability to be responsible and grow up... he fancied himself safe in a "high-position" job did he? Well, no amount of look-at-me facade will keep you from justice. And now someone (Iamthewalrus) says there is (potential) fraudulent action too? The similarities are frightening. At least one of them has proven not to be made of Teflon! They say a man is judged by the company he keeps... I wonder who gave him a character witness because the jury found him "guilty beyond reasonable doubt". That is the Law = so be it.
Handy hint: Don't want to be a father?? ... well how about WEARING A CONDOM and taking control of your own destiny?! That way you can't be "tricked" into it as claimed. Does a girl get "herself pregnant" ?? - I've heard that one before and it is a pathetic attempt to throw all responsibility onto the woman. Until such little boys are MADE to grow up (by the law or their over-protective mothers) the girls will have to continue picking up the pieces for them. My heart goes out to Miss Craft and her beautiful son, and I wish them the chance to move on and have a lifetime of happiness together while Cherry sits in jail, thinking of what he has lost. It may be terrible to have to answer questions about his father one day, but at least she will have the chance. Well done the Police / CPS for getting this uncovered. Now let's catch up with the others and restore our society standards...
jimmy.little
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12:57am Sun 9 Sep 12
manyogie
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9:14am Sun 9 Sep 12
It is time to repeal this stupid law that 'minors' cannot have their face shown
userds5050
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10:00am Sun 9 Sep 12
SotonLad wrote:Or it could be because Winchester is a first tier court and is much larger than Southampton.
I have heard numerous times the reason why murders and serious cases are heard at Winchester Crown court instead of Southampton - its the quality of the jury. The people who live in Winchester and are called are decent people who support the police. People called from Southampton are mainly lazy unemployed wasters who hate the police and find everyone not guilty! The decent Southampton people that are called often decline and work instead. Have you seen some of the track suits in the Southampton jury box?!!!
pete woodley
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10:12am Sun 9 Sep 12
YouKnowWhatYouDid
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10:59am Sun 9 Sep 12
jimmy.little wrote:Attempted Murder. Yes I quite agree.
x copper inside who tried to kill a unborn baby... not gonna be nice for him. TBH he should have been charged with attempted murder, as surely that was what he was trying to do... ?
YouKnowWhatYouDid
says...
11:02am Sun 9 Sep 12
manyogie wrote:I agree that minors faces should be shown. "If you're old enough to do the crime, you're old enough to do the time".
If he were under eighteen there would be no pics etc, but still did the crime.
It is time to repeal this stupid law that 'minors' cannot have their face shown
As for Inmate Cherry, at least women will know to avoid him from his mug shot - with or without the shades!
cantthinkofone
says...
1:28pm Sun 9 Sep 12
YouKnowWhatYouDid wrote:On a related note, I find it utterly abhorrent that the names of people accused can be published before their trial.
manyogie wrote:I agree that minors faces should be shown. "If you're old enough to do the crime, you're old enough to do the time".
If he were under eighteen there would be no pics etc, but still did the crime.
It is time to repeal this stupid law that 'minors' cannot have their face shown
As for Inmate Cherry, at least women will know to avoid him from his mug shot - with or without the shades!
People are supposed to be 'innocent until proven guilty', yet even if they are found to be innocent without doubt, someone's name may have already been dragged through the mud by the media and their life ruined.
Once proven, publish their names, photos, shoe-size, whatever. But whilst someone is innocent they shouldn't be subject to that publicity.
Trials could still easily be covered, using the "Mr x" type naming conventions that are used for rape victims and child welfare cases.
YouKnowWhatYouDid
says...
2:00pm Sun 9 Sep 12
cantthinkofone wrote:That's not a bad point, and it is sad that some of the general public (used to be referred to as the 'great unwashed') can not hold an innocent verdict as far forward in their minds as the suspicion during the trial... some people can't even accept the judge / jury verdict and continue peddling bad rumours, speaking as if someone has escaped justice. I'm sure this might happen too, though.
YouKnowWhatYouDid wrote:On a related note, I find it utterly abhorrent that the names of people accused can be published before their trial.
manyogie wrote:I agree that minors faces should be shown. "If you're old enough to do the crime, you're old enough to do the time".
If he were under eighteen there would be no pics etc, but still did the crime.
It is time to repeal this stupid law that 'minors' cannot have their face shown
As for Inmate Cherry, at least women will know to avoid him from his mug shot - with or without the shades!
People are supposed to be 'innocent until proven guilty', yet even if they are found to be innocent without doubt, someone's name may have already been dragged through the mud by the media and their life ruined.
Once proven, publish their names, photos, shoe-size, whatever. But whilst someone is innocent they shouldn't be subject to that publicity.
Trials could still easily be covered, using the "Mr x" type naming conventions that are used for rape victims and child welfare cases.
True, names are remembered and mud can stick to the innocent.
Perhaps, names of accused are published because the CPS may need information from the public that can not be traced by any other means? - a bit like a marriage ceremony being a public event despite being seen as invitation only... banns are read or notice is given so people have the opportunity to object (on good grounds of course).
Certainly here, judging by Cherry's bail conditions, there was more than mere suspicion.
cantthinkofone
says...
4:15pm Sun 9 Sep 12
YouKnowWhatYouDid wrote:Yes, I believe that the justification is exactly what you've suggested.
cantthinkofone wrote:That's not a bad point, and it is sad that some of the general public (used to be referred to as the 'great unwashed') can not hold an innocent verdict as far forward in their minds as the suspicion during the trial... some people can't even accept the judge / jury verdict and continue peddling bad rumours, speaking as if someone has escaped justice. I'm sure this might happen too, though.
YouKnowWhatYouDid wrote:On a related note, I find it utterly abhorrent that the names of people accused can be published before their trial.
manyogie wrote:I agree that minors faces should be shown. "If you're old enough to do the crime, you're old enough to do the time".
If he were under eighteen there would be no pics etc, but still did the crime.
It is time to repeal this stupid law that 'minors' cannot have their face shown
As for Inmate Cherry, at least women will know to avoid him from his mug shot - with or without the shades!
People are supposed to be 'innocent until proven guilty', yet even if they are found to be innocent without doubt, someone's name may have already been dragged through the mud by the media and their life ruined.
Once proven, publish their names, photos, shoe-size, whatever. But whilst someone is innocent they shouldn't be subject to that publicity.
Trials could still easily be covered, using the "Mr x" type naming conventions that are used for rape victims and child welfare cases.
True, names are remembered and mud can stick to the innocent.
Perhaps, names of accused are published because the CPS may need information from the public that can not be traced by any other means? - a bit like a marriage ceremony being a public event despite being seen as invitation only... banns are read or notice is given so people have the opportunity to object (on good grounds of course).
Certainly here, judging by Cherry's bail conditions, there was more than mere suspicion.
However, the devastating effect it can have on the lives of innocent people is intolerable IMO. And in these days of constant communication, information, social media etc I doubt that the police often learn anything they couldn't have found out for themselves due to a newspaper story.
It's a subjective judgement call I know, but IMO the balance of harm/benefit comes down strongly against the publication of the accuseds' names before guilt is proven.
bigal007
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7:27pm Sun 9 Sep 12
IronLady2010 wrote:what world do u live in in prison they hate coppers as it was acopper who put him in there !!
bigal007 wrote:One would hope that the system would protect him, despite his crime. If not, the system needs changing. He has been given a punishment according to the Law, if others seek further punishment, this is then illegal and they in turn should be punished.
bigfella777 wrote:now the inmates know he was a copper rule 45 me thinks i bet he be looking over his back all the time
I bet he will be popular in the nick.
IronLady2010
says...
7:58pm Sun 9 Sep 12
bigal007 wrote:I live in a world where decent people rely on a system to protect us all. What this man has done is one of the most vile acts you could do to a lady. He has been punished according to UK Law.
IronLady2010 wrote:what world do u live in in prison they hate coppers as it was acopper who put him in there !!
bigal007 wrote:One would hope that the system would protect him, despite his crime. If not, the system needs changing. He has been given a punishment according to the Law, if others seek further punishment, this is then illegal and they in turn should be punished.
bigfella777 wrote:now the inmates know he was a copper rule 45 me thinks i bet he be looking over his back all the time
I bet he will be popular in the nick.
If others seek further revenge they too should be punished accordingly as it is illegal. I'm not defending the man in any way whatsoever, but to state he'll get done inside, signals potentially something is wrong with the prison system.
Iamthewalrus
says...
9:27pm Sun 9 Sep 12
convicted copper
says...
10:20pm Sun 9 Sep 12
IronLady2010
says...
11:13pm Sun 9 Sep 12
convicted copper wrote:Not only are you 'shouting' you are morally wrong. He has been given a sentence according to UK Law. He has the right to appeal if he chooses.
SEVEN YEARS AGO I HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF MEETING THIS BENT NASTY EX-COPPER, I HAVE TO SAY WHEN THE VERDICT WAS READ OUT I WAS THERE WITH MANY OTHERS, NOW LAG CHERRY WILL BE SITTING THERE BACK AGAINST A COLD WALL THINKING NOT OF HIS CHILD BUT OF HOW HE IS NOW GOING TO TRY IN VEIN TO HAVE HIS LEGAL TEAM MOUNT AN APPEAL AGAINST IN HIS MIND A CRAZY CONVICTION, I WOULD LOVE TO BE A FLY ON HIS CELL WALL WATCHING HIM PACE AND PACE IM SURE MANY OTHERS HEARING OF THIS CHEERY FALLING FROM THE TREE WERE IN CELEBRATION AND STILL ARE LIKE ME IT WILL BE VERY INTERESTING TO READ AND HEAR OF THE NEXT STAGE NOW FOR CHERRY I REALLY DO HOPE HE MEETS UP WITH LAGS THAT HE GOT PUT AWAY AND IF HE DOES MAKE IT TO RELEASE IM VERY VERY SURE PEOPLE WILL BE WAITING FOR HIM
I don't know this man, but the Jury has decided he is guilty, he is now entitled to appeal.
Your capitals alone make your statement pointless and stupid.
All this bashing on the inside is quite frankly pathetic and a true insight into the comfy prison system these guys have.
Old Boscombe Lad
says...
4:28am Mon 10 Sep 12
street warrior wrote:street warrior,
"What a Policeman gets sentenced?" Clearly not in with the masonic group, I'm supprised the federation didn't make up some covering story for him?
You obviously don't know what you're talking about do you.
YouKnowWhatYouDid
says...
7:06am Mon 10 Sep 12
IronLady2010 wrote:I must admit I would have been interested to see how many of his friends turned up as well. I read somewhere that he nearly fainted on receiving his sentence... he may well appeal and potentially waste even more of the taxpayers money, the money that trained him to uphold he Law... but at this present time he stands a convicted criminal, so GOOD - I should think Miss Craft **** well nearly fainted when she was attacked. It is hard to tell if his response was genuine or an attempt to show innocence perhaps he just realised what he faced inside. In my experience of one of his friends, this hints at showmanship or at least (hopefully) the realisation that he had been caught. Some are only sorry that they are caught. As for the prisoners taking his punishment into their own hands, yes it is wrong and yes his sentence is the loss of his freedom and a record but everyone knows that 99% of criminals have standards when it comes to wife beating / child abuse. I still think this should be attempted murder of at least one person. I do not agree with lynch mob mentality - we are lucky enough to have a justice system in this country so we should let it do it's thing, sure some wrongly walk free but in this case he was sent down - in reality his being scared of reprisal from his new peers won't lose me any sleep. He will at least know what people think of him and how Miss Craft felt and there are ways to stay out of prison afterall!
convicted copper wrote:Not only are you 'shouting' you are morally wrong. He has been given a sentence according to UK Law. He has the right to appeal if he chooses.
SEVEN YEARS AGO I HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF MEETING THIS BENT NASTY EX-COPPER, I HAVE TO SAY WHEN THE VERDICT WAS READ OUT I WAS THERE WITH MANY OTHERS, NOW LAG CHERRY WILL BE SITTING THERE BACK AGAINST A COLD WALL THINKING NOT OF HIS CHILD BUT OF HOW HE IS NOW GOING TO TRY IN VEIN TO HAVE HIS LEGAL TEAM MOUNT AN APPEAL AGAINST IN HIS MIND A CRAZY CONVICTION, I WOULD LOVE TO BE A FLY ON HIS CELL WALL WATCHING HIM PACE AND PACE IM SURE MANY OTHERS HEARING OF THIS CHEERY FALLING FROM THE TREE WERE IN CELEBRATION AND STILL ARE LIKE ME IT WILL BE VERY INTERESTING TO READ AND HEAR OF THE NEXT STAGE NOW FOR CHERRY I REALLY DO HOPE HE MEETS UP WITH LAGS THAT HE GOT PUT AWAY AND IF HE DOES MAKE IT TO RELEASE IM VERY VERY SURE PEOPLE WILL BE WAITING FOR HIM
I don't know this man, but the Jury has decided he is guilty, he is now entitled to appeal.
Your capitals alone make your statement pointless and stupid.
All this bashing on the inside is quite frankly pathetic and a true insight into the comfy prison system these guys have.
YouKnowWhatYouDid
says...
7:25am Mon 10 Sep 12
Iamthewalrus wrote:Iamthewalrus: you make me laugh! :D
Not so cocky now in your mafia suit, smirk and dark glasses who was always on the phone outside the court are you?
Shame
It's amazing how they choose to dress isn't it? Appearance is everything - hiding nothing of value underneath. Ok a suit for court I get, but just like medallion man is a stereotype, so is the black shirt / black tie / black shades look... and believe me, he knows that. And as for the phone - maybe we are meant to believe he still has friends to talk to... probably chatting with my ex... when I knew them both, they had a similar attitude and the ex does the same thing if I have the misfortune to see him in the street - it's hilarious how fast the phone rings (silently) mmm coincidence!! :D
Going into court accused of this and trying to look intimidating is just ridiculous. Though it did give me a chuckle: "Ah bless, look he's playing gangstaaaaaaaaaaah".
Want to look like a real man ? - show courtesy and respect in the first place!
In the mean time, Cherry, how about adding a different colour to your wardrobe??!
Iamthewalrus
says...
8:12am Mon 10 Sep 12
YouKnowWhatYouDid wrote:I agree with the play acting comments. Thing is with him he never quite gets it 100% right. I still can't believe he had more time off sick from the job after the attack than his victim due to the stress it caused him. Still he's got a lot of time off now.
Iamthewalrus wrote:Iamthewalrus: you make me laugh! :D
Not so cocky now in your mafia suit, smirk and dark glasses who was always on the phone outside the court are you?
Shame
It's amazing how they choose to dress isn't it? Appearance is everything - hiding nothing of value underneath. Ok a suit for court I get, but just like medallion man is a stereotype, so is the black shirt / black tie / black shades look... and believe me, he knows that. And as for the phone - maybe we are meant to believe he still has friends to talk to... probably chatting with my ex... when I knew them both, they had a similar attitude and the ex does the same thing if I have the misfortune to see him in the street - it's hilarious how fast the phone rings (silently) mmm coincidence!! :D
Going into court accused of this and trying to look intimidating is just ridiculous. Though it did give me a chuckle: "Ah bless, look he's playing gangstaaaaaaaaaaah".
Want to look like a real man ? - show courtesy and respect in the first place!
In the mean time, Cherry, how about adding a different colour to your wardrobe??!
apop3d
says...
8:41am Mon 10 Sep 12
Boscomite wrote:I agree with the above statement 100%.
I do wish the Echo would employ a few journalists instead of a bunch of "creative" writers. Your job is to report the facts, not to express your own feelings on the stories you cover. To start a story with the words "EVIL Dorset Police officer" is not reporting. I may well agree with your sentiments, but it's not your job to tell me he's evil. It's up to me to make an informed decision based on the facts.
In the real world, the first word of this article would relegate it to the editorial opinions page and disqualify it from inclusion as news. Reporting like this makes every story your newspaper publishes suspect and unworthy of trust.
YouKnowWhatYouDid
says...
9:21am Mon 10 Sep 12
Iamthewalrus wrote:One person on here saying he's been stitched up. I doubt it very much. And more time off than his victim??... That's appalling. These "men" seem to be such cry babies, they hit out when it suits them and run to Mummy if it comes back to haunt them. When Cherry's friend, my ex, attacked me he refused to let me phone an ambulance in case the Police arrested him - yeah, sure that's the real worry... nevermind me bleeding all over the bathroom floor pal! Despite me telling the hospital how I got my injuries, he got away with it, I now I wonder if he had any help from his chum in the force? Never got a reason from the CPS as to why they weren't going to pursue it, despite asking! Miss Craft is a brave and strong woman to survive the physical ordeal and follow it to court. She has had a lucky escape and will be able to move on while he stays in limbo... sitting and pondering what his son will think of him. How sad for that little boy.
YouKnowWhatYouDid wrote:I agree with the play acting comments. Thing is with him he never quite gets it 100% right. I still can't believe he had more time off sick from the job after the attack than his victim due to the stress it caused him. Still he's got a lot of time off now.
Iamthewalrus wrote:Iamthewalrus: you make me laugh! :D
Not so cocky now in your mafia suit, smirk and dark glasses who was always on the phone outside the court are you?
Shame
It's amazing how they choose to dress isn't it? Appearance is everything - hiding nothing of value underneath. Ok a suit for court I get, but just like medallion man is a stereotype, so is the black shirt / black tie / black shades look... and believe me, he knows that. And as for the phone - maybe we are meant to believe he still has friends to talk to... probably chatting with my ex... when I knew them both, they had a similar attitude and the ex does the same thing if I have the misfortune to see him in the street - it's hilarious how fast the phone rings (silently) mmm coincidence!! :D
Going into court accused of this and trying to look intimidating is just ridiculous. Though it did give me a chuckle: "Ah bless, look he's playing gangstaaaaaaaaaaah".
Want to look like a real man ? - show courtesy and respect in the first place!
In the mean time, Cherry, how about adding a different colour to your wardrobe??!
willis12
says...
10:00am Mon 10 Sep 12
steelpaul says...
12:46pm Fri 7 Sep 12