Compo for killer is an utter disgrace
My husband was involved in a completely unprovoked attack last year and suffered injuries that caused him to have to stay in hospital overnight.
The attacker also damaged his van to such an extent that it was written off by his insurance company.
He was unable to work for eight weeks and lost contracts. He also had to buy a new van.
The attacker received 12 years in prison, but our initial claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority was turned down.
I simply can’t understand how the CICA has granted compensation to this man. Unbelievable. Leslie Greenaway Farnborough, Hants The compensation that this thug has been awarded is just another injustice by our so-called justice system. Criminals of any kind should automatically lose all their rights. We should bring back the death penalty for murder, and other criminals should face stiffer sentences. Norris must have known that when he was sentenced for Stephen Lawrence’s murder he wouldn’t have an easy time in jail. I hope he suffers – he deserves to. Jim Stockwell, via email I am appalled and disgusted that our weak justice system saw fit to award David Norris any compensation at all. How is it ever fair or justified to protect such a low life and have his rights take precedent over the families of those who have been murdered? Thanks once again to The Mirror for highlighting this travesty. The Ministry of Justice should hang its head in shame.
No one in prison for murder should ever receive special treatment. We taxpayers should not have to foot the bill to make life easier for scum like Norris.
It is time to tighten up the laws that allow this to happen, and our so-called justice system must get its act together and toughen up – and fast. Sue Lear Forest of Dean, Glos
It’s dreadful that David Norris received compensation, but equally disgraceful is that unscrupulous lawyers are lining their pockets through the legal aid system.
This is just another reason why the system of compensation to convicted felons and the legal aid system should be overhauled. Ron Wilson Newcastle upon Tyne
What is happening in this country of ours when a lout like Norris gets compensation?
When are we going to follow the USA, as we do in so many other things, and bring back the death penalty for murder?
Or at least life in prison should mean a full life term with no chance of parole, again like the USA. Roy Williamson Castleford, West Yorks How is it that convicted killers are able to claim compensation for injuries sustained in prison when the victims of crime often don’t get any? This payout to Norris is an insult to the Lawrence family who fought so hard for justice for their son. V Smith, Hull What is the justice system coming to when a convicted criminal serving a life sentence in prison for murdering an innocent young man gets compensation? Barbara Lavelle Wirral, Merseyside