Now, hypothetically speaking, the following is what I would consider to be genuine remorse shown by a person convicted of serious offences regardless of their gender.
Imagine a defendant’s lawyer addressing the court and explaining the defendant’s mitigation and genuine remorse whilst on police bail, but immediately before being sentenced, the defendant’s actions were summarised as follows:
“…. and in conclusion, your honour, the defendant having not only donated one eye, a kidney and a lung, all of which have successfully been transplanted into their recipients, all of whom would’ve otherwise perished without them, further intends as another act of contrition, to return to education, qualify as an oncologist and find a cure for cancer.”
“The defendant has been inspired to do this, because during their time on bail and when not in surgery having their organs removed for transplanting, they assisted with meals on wheels deliveries, cleaning litter up in their local community, exercising the animals at the local sanctuary, collecting for charity and helping old ladies cross the road.”
“The defendant has long term plans, because once they have found the cure for cancer, they will leave the oncology profession and serve their community as a volunteer Police Special Constable (PSC) and experience life on the ‘other side of the coin.”
“When not volunteering as a PSC they will be ’ giving up their time to give free ‘Cycling Proficiency’ lessons for what will be by then, twice the population of youths expelled from mainstream education due to their chaotic behaviours and violent behaviour towards teaching staff.”
“However, the defendant also intends to become a qualified youth leader and open their home as a ‘halfway house’ to young offenders who have recently been released from the pleasure of staying at His Majesty’s ‘jolly holiday camp.’
“The defendant will help steer these rudderless tykes and keep them on the straight and narrow, whilst they serve the remaining half of their sentences in the community.”
“In summary, to prevent the United Kingdom spiralling even further down its own wastepipe, no, not just the UK, the World as well, never has the world needed people like the defendant who want to play their part in making the world a better place.”
“The defendant has shown through their actions and their future intent, genuine remorse and has become the embodiment, and an absolute inspiration to all those who have transgressed against their communities.”
“And finally, your honour….”
OK, a bit much even by my cynical standards, but one day I might actually live long enough to see genuine remorse in the first instance and witness the positive effects it has on peoples’ lives.
‘Resident Cynic’ (RC) for the Red Brick International Media News group.
- I had not forgotten about forgiveness and closure, it was just that when I actually thought about it, forgiveness is something you can give once justice (lawful revenge) is administered.
As for closure, well, it’s just like the title of this article states: ‘It’s all bollox, innit?!” Not my words, but his:
PPS. Told you so, RC