E-MAIL THIS LINK
To: 

Shopkeeper Fined For Interfering With Thieves
A HERO shopkeeper was fined £250 yesterday — because he tackled three hoodie thieves. Brave Jacob Smyth, 33, chased and caught the yobs after they grabbed armfuls of spray paint from his hardware store. Cops gave two of them £80 fixed penalty fines — then HE was charged with assault.

The dad of three pleaded guilty at Truro magistrates court in Cornwall rather than face possible jail. His lawyer told JPs: “He was the one who was trying to do the right thing and get his stolen property back.”
Pled guilty to avoid even more trouble – that really sucks.
A shopworker who helped Jacob catch the thugs in Penzance also faces court.

Magistrate Angy Haslam conceded Jacob acted in self-defence but said his reaction was “aggravated by the fact you kicked the victim on the ground”.

Jacob, who also ordered to pay £43 costs, said later: “It’s outrageous. I did nothing wrong.

“I was getting a good beating from this lad. I had no choice but to defend myself.

“I have a young child and do not want to run the risk of prison.

“But am I not allowed to protect my stock and premises from thieves?”
Come to America, Mr. Smyth, we have a place for good people like you.

Posted by: Anonymoose 2007-06-30
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=192140