'Addict burglars can escape jail'

Burglars and thieves can escape prison if they carry out their crimes to 
feed an addiction, even if they target the vulnerable, guidelines issued to 
courts will say today.

Violent shop thieves who attack retailers could also avoid custody and be 
handed a community order while those who use threats of violence could be 
given just a fine.

When passing sentence, courts will be told to take in to consideration any 
dependency that may have driven the offender to act, such as addiction to 
drugs, alcohol or gambling.

Crimes motivated by "desperation or need" can also be used as mitigation to 
lessen the sentence, according to official advice to be issued by the 
Sentencing Guidelines Council, which is chaired by the Lord Chief Justice, 
Lord Judge.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/3684506/Addict-burglars-can-escape-jail.html

Lee wrote:
> 'Addict burglars can escape jail'
> 
> Burglars and thieves can escape prison if they carry out their crimes to 
> feed an addiction, even if they target the vulnerable, guidelines issued to 
> courts will say today.
> 
> Violent shop thieves who attack retailers could also avoid custody and be 
> handed a community order while those who use threats of violence could be 
> given just a fine.
> 
> When passing sentence, courts will be told to take in to consideration any 
> dependency that may have driven the offender to act, such as addiction to 
> drugs, alcohol or gambling.
> 
> Crimes motivated by "desperation or need" can also be used as mitigation to 
> lessen the sentence, according to official advice to be issued by the 
> Sentencing Guidelines Council, which is chaired by the Lord Chief Justice, 
> Lord Judge.
> 
> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/3684506/Addict-burglars-can-escape-jail.html
> 
Are the prisons full or what?
And what can we use to defend ourselves against these thugs who very 
often use extreme violence to rob and burgle?

(uk.legal added)