01/23/2006
UK: Morley's Murderers Headed to Prison
A judge has sentenced Reece Sargeant (left), Darren Case (right), and David Blenman each to 12 years in prison for the "happy slapping" death of gay barman David Morley. "Happy Slapping" is a relatively recent phenomenon in which random acts of violence on unsuspecting victims are filmed and then placed on the internet. David Morley was on London's South Bank when the attack happened in October 2004. Morley was a survivor of a nail bomb attack at the Admiral Duncan Pub in London's Soho district in 1999. Unfortunately, he didn't survive the brutal beating from these four youths.
The judge in the case issued the four killers a stern reprimand: "No-one listening to this case could fail to have been affected by your selfishness and blindness to the suffering of others. You sought enjoyment from humiliation and pleasure from the infliction of pain, and you were clearly determined to continue and take advantage of any opportunity that presented itself. Each of your victims was totally innocent and taken totally by surprise. You behaved with total indifference to those who crossed your path in the heart of London. No citizen of this country should be in fear of or subjected to this sort of behaviour...You called this ‘happy slapping’ - no victim on the receiving end would dignify it with such a deceptive description."
Gang Jailed for Kicking Gay Barman to Death [times online]
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 11:37 AM EST by Andy in Current Affairs | Permalink
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Is 12 years long enough?
Posted by: John | Jan 23, 2006 11:42:01 AM
12 years? WTF!!!!
Posted by: busytimmy | Jan 23, 2006 12:09:08 PM
12 years isn't long enough considering they had done this to other people without killing them, unless they are going to be tried for their other assaults - which is unlikely.
Posted by: Ryan | Jan 23, 2006 12:27:46 PM
12 years? This is London? Wow. Just...wow.
Posted by: Michael W. | Jan 23, 2006 12:32:04 PM
only 12 years, unbelievable. hopefully someone will "Happy Slap" them... I know I know 2 wrongs dont make a right, but it sounds so good.
Posted by: karen | Jan 23, 2006 1:02:34 PM
I can't help hoping that these revolting pieces of human garbage will be beaten severely and repeatedly in prison. 18-21 year olds usually end up being someone's bitch in prison, and not in a good way. It's certainly better than what they deserve.
Posted by: Brian | Jan 23, 2006 1:42:30 PM