http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/8342191.stm

Jail threat for urinating student
A student who was pictured urinating over a war memorial has been warned that he could face jail after pleading guilty to outraging public decency.

Sheffield Hallam University student Philip Laing, 19, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, was photographed following a drinking session in Sheffield.

He was charged after the picture appeared on the Daily Mail website.

A judge, adjourning the case until 26 November, said his actions would have caused "distress, shock and sadness".

District Judge Anthony Browne told Laing, who appeared in court wearing a poppy on his dark suit, that all options were open, including custody.


It's difficult to articulate just how embarrassed and ashamed this young man is

Mitigating, Tim Hughes
He said: "The image of you urinating over the poppy wreath on the war memorial in this city will make most people turn away in disgust, shock and sadness.

"It has undoubtedly distressed and upset many. The war memorial is a sacred and special place."

The court heard that Laing, a sports technology student, had drunk a bottle of whisky before attending an organised student drinking session.

District Judge Browne criticised Carnage UK, the private company that organised the event.

Drinking culture

"Carnage is the name of the organisation who promote this type of activity and some might say that somebody should be standing alongside you this morning," he said.

The court heard Laing had no recollection of the events of the night of 11 October until he was contacted by the university press office and shown the photograph, which later appeared on the newspaper's website.

Ian Conway, prosecuting, said Laing had immediately admitted the offence when arrested and told police he was "very, very drunk, the drunkest I've ever been since I've been at university".

Mr Conway said: "The disgusting and reprehensible act the defendant carried out was in no way premeditated, targeted or politically motivated.

"His actions were sadly the result of having consumed large amounts of alcohol."

In mitigation, Tim Hughes said his client was "a young man caught up in a culture of drinking far too much and as a result of that this is what has occurred".

He added that Laing's grandparents had fought in the war and said the defendant had learned his lesson.

"It's difficult to articulate just how embarrassed and ashamed this young man is."

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports and Laing was released on bail.

I do think this is going too far now

I do think this is going too far now

No it isn't

Great stuff perhaps there is justice after all?

District Judge Anthony Browne told Laing, who appeared in court wearing a poppy on his dark suit, that all options were open, including custody.

Standard proceedure, nothing sinister, nothing unusual. The judge is duty bound to advise the defendant what the options are so he can be prepared.

So it's not going too far.....it may do later, but not now. This is just paper sensasionalism

Yeah, let's send someone to prison for urinating on a war memorial, then give the next rapist to come along a suspended sentence.

It's a shambles. I think the embarrasment he's already suffered should suffice, although a few hours of community service wouldn't hurt either.

Great stuff perhaps there is justice after all?


I take it you missed something called the New Testament?

it would be a moronic decision if he was jailed. You don't get jail for much more serious crimes.

he should be forced to go round schools talking about the Wars as community service. Or selling poppies

He wont be going to prison, as already said the Judge was just going through the motions.

A nice bit of Community Service would be the best sentance all round i think.

No it isn't

Oh. OK then. If you say so, Judge Dredd.

It has undoubtedly distressed and upset many. The war memorial is a sacred and special place."

Whether it is or isn't appropriate, jail time that is, I agree with this, more people should take cognisance of it: like the mothers of the kids who let their children jump off it during Frightnight. There are plenty of memorial gardens etc where to see children play would make the 'lost generations' smile and be pleased that future generations can enjoy life, but the W/M is not for play, it is and should be a 'sacred' place.

The guy went out , got very drunk and did something very very stupid. I am sure that he is very ashamed of what he did. He did not intentionally attempt to pour scorn on the memory of people who died for our country. He did not assault anyone, he did not burgle a house, he did not sexually assault anyone, he did not mug an old lady. Community hours would be appropriate, a jail sentence would NOT be justified.

Yeah, let's send someone to prison for urinating on a war memorial, then give the next rapist to come along a suspended sentence.

It's a shambles. I think the embarrasment he's already suffered should suffice, although a few hours of community service wouldn't hurt either. Exactly, what the **** is wrong with the courts these days ''MR X you have been caught in a stolen car, and proved guilty of a hit and run, the court fines you 5 pounds and a 20 minutes jail sentance to be carried out immediatly, and as for you Mr Laing, you have been pictured urinating on the war memorial, something which you was so drunk you can not remember, I sentance you to an eternal life in prison, GUARDS!''

I do think this is going too far now

yeah i agree, they're now just taking the pee

The guy went out , got very drunk and did something very very stupid. I am sure that he is very ashamed of what he did. He did not intentionally attempt to pour scorn on the memory of people who died for our country. Community hours would be appropriate, a jail sentence would NOT be justified.

How do you know this? were you with him ? have you spoken to this lowlife scum ?

Also how do you know whats is appropriate? are you a judge ?

I just hope he gets a judge ex forces old skool type

anyone who seriously thinks that a jail sentence is justice is seriously mentally retarded.

Just another article to fuel the nethanderal hate mobs.

The punishment should fit the crime, make him clean the whole monument (with a toothbrush) while wearing a COMMUNITY PAYBACK vest, I'm sure he would think twice next time drunk or not.

I do think this is going too far now

Yes, absolutely ridiculous.

If half the people whining about this held themselves to the same standard they'd be in prison or hanged by now.

A massive overreaction if ever I saw one.

Students need to be taught a lesson in respect. This incident as well as numerous reports of damage to cars during other **** ups.

Also I know many people who have kids at university but who very rarely go to lectures - they should be made to attend and kicked out if not.

Perhaps prison is a bit harsh but will certainly send out a strong message to those who think Uni is an excuse to drink away tax payer's money!

Great stuff perhaps there is justice after all?


After reading your comments about the Goth bride, I can only think that you really are a nasty piece of work....

Oh. OK then. If you say so, Judge Dredd.

See, if you'd read a bit further and not jumped in so quickly, you'd have seen why it's not going too far!:D

This is just getting stupid now.There are people who have committed much worse offence's than he has and they don't go to prison and he has no previous criminal record so why should he be sent to prison.There are many more suitable punishment for him than prison.

It is not like he has beat up some old dear for drug money.

This is just getting stupid now.There are people who have committed much worse offence's than he has and they don't go to prison and he has no previous criminal record so why should he be sent to prison.There are many more suitable punishment for him than prison.

THE JUDGE HAS NOT SAID HE'S GOING TO PRISON, IT'S JUST AN OPTION THAT A CRIME OF THIS NATURE HAS.
Sorry for shouting but there seems to be a lack of understanding in this thread :D

The Star haven't made that much of effort this time to disguise his c*ck on their photo today.

I'm disgusted by the way in which this whole thing has been dealt with. (Not by what the judge said, I understand that!)

I have seen groups on FB saying 'Hang Philip Laing' and 'Jail Philip Laing' I saw one comment which read: 'I hope he gets cancer on Christmas Day and dies in front of his parents' WTF?!

He got drunk, he did something incredibly stupid and disrespectful but seriously, there are worse crimes and I expect he's learned his lesson not only from the humiliation but also from the threat of losing his place at uni, changing his whole life. I know someone close to him and he's actually a pretty good lad who was doing well at uni.

Don't get me wrong I don't mean to trivialise what he did, but he didn't actually harm anyone directly, not like so many rapists and abusive parents/husbands/wives, murderers etc. that nobody ever even hears about.

Whilst he does need to take responsibility for his own actions, I think more of the blame for this needs to be laid at the door of the so called establishments who allow students to drink themselves stupid into the early hours of the morning. They're not supposed to serve people if it's clear they've had enough but all they see is money.

Why not blame Carnage UK which is the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard of - offering discount prices on club entry and drinks at various places for the price of their ticket and then sends thousands of students out into the town to drink themselves stupid on an all night bender. It's a money making gimic that is making its founders rich and literally leaving 'carnage' everywhere else.

I have huge respect for anyone who has fought for us in the past and who is now, my parents were both in the army and I owe my life to those brave soldiers who died for us, but this really does seem like a huge error of judgement made in a drunken state and I'm absolutely disgusted by some people's attitudes to it.

I strongly doubt that many of our much respected soldiers would've strung up a young lad with a promising future for getting drunk and doing something really stupid.

I doubt he'll go to prison. The judge is just telling him the maximum potential sentence for the crime he has been charged with. However the press, in their usual sensationalist way, are making it sound like he is going to be jailed.

I do think this is going too far now

I think it is too.

The news papers promoting witch hunts have successfully ruined another persons life.

This is off subject but remember how everyone loved Jade Goodey then they HATED Jade Goodey and then when she died, THEY LOVED Jade Goodey again. News papers control us.

Imagine if a mistake youve made or something youve been ashamed of was in the paper and everyone turned against you even though you deeply regretted it. It could happen to anyone, lets hope its not you next eh.

I think it is too.

Do people actually read all the thread before making their contribution?

How do you know this? were you with him ? have you spoken to this lowlife scum ?

Also how do you know whats is appropriate? are you a judge ?

I just hope he gets a judge ex forces old skool type

No, I do not know him. But a prison sentence is totally unjustifiable. He offended lots of people, of that there is no doubt, but he harmed nobody.
Some people commit assault and do not get a prison term, was his offence worse than that? Some people burgle houses and do not get a jail term. Is his offence worse than that? Many people shoplift and hardly ever get prison terms, is his offence worse than that. He behaved very stupidly, he regrets it, that is all.
If behaving very stupidly was a criminal offence most of the population would have had a custodial sentence at some stage. You certainly would have for the idiotic stance that you are taking here!

The news papers promoting witch hunts have successfully ruined another persons life.

This is off subject but remember how everyone loved Jade Goodey then they HATED Jade Goodey and then when she died, THEY LOVED Jade Goodey again. News papers control us.

Imagine if a mistake youve made or something youve been ashamed of was in the paper and everyone turned against you even though you deeply regretted it. It could happen to anyone, lets hope its not you next eh.

To be fair my view of Jade stayed the same all along - I couldn't stand her. I'd like to think I'm not controlled by the media.

Lets not turn this into a Jade Goodey thread now.

I can't believe he had the cheek to turn up wearing a poppy - is he taking the <removed>?

Regards some of the sentencing in this country, I don't think he should go to jail, but he certainly need to be made an example of - what he did is extremely disrespectful to the thousands (millions?) who have died on his behalf so he can literally <removed> his education up against a wall!

If Sheffield Hallam allow him to continue to study there, then shame on them!

Sheffield's own mannekin pis surely does not deserve jail. I think that a caution, accompanied by a severe warning as to his future conduct, should be sufficient.

so just a hint of bull**** then,he didn't realide what he was doing,so of all the places in town to take a **** he decided to take one on a war memorial covered in poppy wreaths,no that is a lie the little **** was trying to be clever in front of his little student friends who by the way didn't sem to keen on stopping him,give him to the army and let them punish him how they see fit instead of feeling sorry for the litle ****.

so just a hint of bull**** then,he didn't realide what he was doing,so of all the places in town to take a **** he decided to take one on a war memorial covered in poppy wreaths,no that is a lie the little **** was trying to be clever in front of his little student friends who by the way didn't sem to keen on stopping him,give him to the army and let them punish him how they see fit instead of feeling sorry for the litle ****.

So you didn't read the bit about how he was woken from his drunken slumber and lead to the memorial, by the photographer who just happened to work in the media?

How do you know this? were you with him ? have you spoken to this lowlife scum ?



Fantastic that you question someone else's judgement of the situation then immediately follow it up with your own :loopy:

Students need to be taught a lesson in respect. This incident as well as numerous reports of damage to cars during other **** ups.

Also I know many people who have kids at university but who very rarely go to lectures - they should be made to attend and kicked out if not.

Perhaps prison is a bit harsh but will certainly send out a strong message to those who think Uni is an excuse to drink away tax payer's money!

How on Earth are students 'drinking away tax payers money'

So you didn't read the bit about how he was woken from his drunken slumber and lead to the memorial, by the photographer who just happened to work in the media?

I read that. If that is true then the photographer should be in the dock too!

The judge said all sentencing options are open for the purposes of the probation reports etc, no way is this lad going to jail unless he has previous convictions for public disorder offences.

So you didn't read the bit about how he was woken from his drunken slumber and lead to the memorial, by the photographer who just happened to work in the media?

Post the link to the article that states this please.

Post the link to the article that states this please.

Yes please do! I haven't seen this (although sadly I can believe it).

I thought it was terrible to have released the photo in the first place - that was what upset people! A lot of people wouldn't have even known, whoever released the photo was inciting hatred.
I have also questioned the actions of onlookers - people saying how abhorrent it is and how disgusted they were but nobody stepped in and said 'whoa, that's too far, go away now'.

Again, what he did was very wrong - but it was actually the photographer who released the photo that caused pain.

Yes please do! I haven't seen this (although sadly I can believe it).

I thought it was terrible to have released the photo in the first place - that was what upset people! A lot of people wouldn't have even known, whoever released the photo was inciting hatred.
I have also questioned the actions of onlookers - people saying how abhorrent it is and how disgusted they were but nobody stepped in and said 'whoa, that's too far, go away now'.

Again, what he did was very wrong - but it was actually the photographer who released the photo that caused pain.

Regardless of whether the photographer encouraged the act (which wouldn't surprise me) I did wonder why the readers of that last beacon of hope for decency and values didn't question en masse why the photographer didn't at least intervene.

I mean, all he had to do was turn him around so he was facing away from the memorial.

I'm sure in the state he was in, it took plenty of time for him to get his old chap out, so the vulture can hardly argue that 'it all happened too fast'

Sheffield's own mannekin pis surely does not deserve jail. I think that a caution, accompanied by a severe warning as to his future conduct, should be sufficient.

Actually it might be worth suggesting to the council that they commission someone to make a statue of "the peeing student" and use it as the centrepiece of a new fountain at the top of fargate where the goodwin fountain used to be. They could make it seasonal and have it peeing on different sacred things as different times of the year - eg a cross at easter, santa claus at christmas and so on.

Regardless of whether the photographer encouraged the act (which wouldn't surprise me) I did wonder why the readers of that last beacon of hope for decency and values didn't question en masse why the photographer didn't at least intervene

I mean, all he had to do was turn him around so he was facing away from it.

I'm sure in the state he was in, it took plenty of time for him to get his old chap out, so the vulture can hardly argue that 'it all happened too fast'

Precisely. It's because it's all been pointed at Philip Laing and directed away from the people like the photographer, Carnage UK, the license holders who shouldn't be selling people alcohol when they are that drunk - so nobody thinks to question them!

Students need to be taught a lesson in respect. This incident as well as numerous reports of damage to cars during other **** ups.

Also I know many people who have kids at university but who very rarely go to lectures - they should be made to attend and kicked out if not.

Perhaps prison is a bit harsh but will certainly send out a strong message to those who think Uni is an excuse to drink away tax payer's money!

I sense you have a strong sense of envy...how do students drink away tax payers' money? Why should they be kicked out for not attending lectures..if they fail their degree they will have £20k debts and nothing to show for it...

Actually it might be worth suggesting to the council that they commission someone to make a statue of "the peeing student" and use it as the centrepiece of a new fountain at the top of fargate where the goodwin fountain used to be. They could make it seasonal and have it peeing on different sacred things as different times of the year - eg a cross at easter, santa claus at christmas and so on.

Assuming you are sober - I take this as more disrespectful (whether you're joking or not) coming from someone who hasn't been drinking but can suggest a premeditated desecration of a religious symbol (which is sacred to some people) than a drunk student peeing on a war memorial.

How on Earth are students 'drinking away tax payers money'

Some students are on grants - i.e tax payers money!

I sense you have a strong sense of envy...how do students drink away tax payers' money? Why should they be kicked out for not attending lectures..if they fail their degree they will have £20k debts and nothing to show for it...

But someone else with the respect to attend lectures could have taken their place and got something out of it.

Some students are on grants - i.e tax payers money!


I thin k you'll find that it's very few who get a grant....do think the same of people on benefits?

But someone else with the respect to attend lectures could have taken their place and got something out of it.

Now that students pay course fees how many do you think get turned away if they have the required qualifications? Genuine question..

Yes please do! I haven't seen this (although sadly I can believe it).

I thought it was terrible to have released the photo in the first place - that was what upset people! A lot of people wouldn't have even known, whoever released the photo was inciting hatred.
I have also questioned the actions of onlookers - people saying how abhorrent it is and how disgusted they were but nobody stepped in and said 'whoa, that's too far, go away now'.

Again, what he did was very wrong - but it was actually the photographer who released the photo that caused pain.

I believe it, When I was at the world cup reporters from a well know daily paper set up beer tent for the England supporters, gave them free booze and then paid them to shout and bawl at police in the steet and throw beer cans at them.
A reporter approached us on a bridge and offered us £100 each to throw cans at the police while he took photos, we launched him and his camera equipment over the bridge into the river.
All this can be varified by eastbank, a member on here.

I believe it, When I was at the world cup reporters from a well know daily paper set up beer tent for the England supporters, gave them free booze and then paid them to shout and bawl at police in the steet and throw beer cans at them.
A reporter approached us on a bridge and offered us £100 each to throw cans at the police while he took photos, we launched him and his camera equipment over the bridge into the river.
All this can be varified by eastbank, a member on here.

Wow, shocking reading but i'm not entirely surprised.

Newspapers are businesses. They have a target audience. Their remit is to satisfy the audience's need.

This is why they write what they do in the way that they do.

I believe it, When I was at the world cup reporters from a well know daily paper set up beer tent for the England supporters, gave them free booze and then paid them to shout and bawl at police in the steet and throw beer cans at them.
A reporter approached us on a bridge and offered us £100 each to throw cans at the police while he took photos, we launched him and his camera equipment over the bridge into the river.
All this can be varified by eastbank, a member on here.

They just want to sell more of tomorrow's fish and chip paper..I think the truth gets trampled on in the media..

More public toilets required?

More public toilets required?

No, more knee braces required. To stop them jerking

If Sheffield Hallam allow him to continue to study there, then shame on them!

Couldn't disagree more, to prevent his education for what is a minor mistake is just spiteful, mean and totally disproportionate to the harm he did.

He made a mistake, he said he's sorry. I believe his remorse is genuine.

Again, I'm pretty sure that should you hold yourself to such high standards you would come out wanting... as would all of us.

Frankly if Sheffield Hallam don't allow him to continue then it will be shame on them, for acting totally disproportionally and being cowed by the tabloid media.

I believe it, When I was at the world cup reporters from a well know daily paper set up beer tent for the England supporters, gave them free booze and then paid them to shout and bawl at police in the steet and throw beer cans at them.
A reporter approached us on a bridge and offered us £100 each to throw cans at the police while he took photos, we launched him and his camera equipment over the bridge into the river.
All this can be varified by eastbank, a member on here.

I'm not usually one to say this about any act of violence/damage but I'm rather impressed with your reaction!

I must be so naive as I was surprised to read that he had offered you money to do it, but it very quickly becomes unsurprising, sadly. Just a way of getting easy stories.

If Sheffield Hallam allow him to continue to study there, then shame on them!

Can't agree there,sorry.Why should he be punished twice?

The punishment should fit the crime, make him clean the whole monument (with a toothbrush) while wearing a COMMUNITY PAYBACK vest, I'm sure he would think twice next time drunk or not.

Yeah, with a pair of Marigolds on too..pink ones with fluffy wristbands..:hihi::hihi:

Regardless of what Hallam say, if anything, I doubt he will study here.

Firstly, he wouldn't feel safe, and let's face it, he wouldn't be safe. Also, he will be way behind in his course.

Can't agree there,sorry.Why should he be punished twice?

Agree. One act of drunken stupidity for one night in a lifetime where he's worked hard to get where he's got to shouldn't ruin his future prospects. That's just way OTT.

Ok, I'm 21 and have never drunk alcohol due to health reasons but the majority of people I know have got drunk and done something stupid... it's just that this one hit the headlines and I don't believe he should suffer so much more than any other drunken idiot just because he was caught out.

How do you know this? were you with him ? have you spoken to this lowlife scum ?

Also how do you know whats is appropriate? are you a judge ?

I just hope he gets a judge ex forces old skool typeAren't you being a judge too, calling this guy 'low life scum". I hope you have never been so drunk you don't know what century it is. I could call you a self important prig, but I won't, cos I don't know you.

Wow, this thread is in chronic danger of getting sensible.

We need someone to get it back on the right track with a hate-filled rant about how he should be pecked to death by ravens because of course he knew exactly what he was doing. If he didn't, i've got nothing to foam about

They just want to sell more of tomorrow's fish and chip paper..I think the truth gets trampled on in the media..

Its also rather sad that they can write such ignorance (im talking about in general not necessarily this case) when it actually isnt just 'tomorrows fish and chip paper' anymore, unlike it used to be. It isnt forgotten, it is stored on the internet for the rest of peoples lives for everyone and anyone to read.

OK. I will say more about what I really think. There are people in Sheffield, who for whatever reason dislike students. It may be that they have had a bad experience with them, it maybe that they are jealous of them because some regard them as being spoiled middle class types, it may be that they feel that they never had the chances that the students have had.
We all know that this lad behaved very stupidly, but I feel that now he is getting all the pent up venim and anger from the people of Sheffield who are studentophobics ( is that a real word ?). I am more disgusted by some of the posts that I have read here than I am of....well.....you can add your own words!

OK. I will say more about what I really think. There are people in Sheffield, who for whatever reason dislike students. It may be that they have had a bad experience with them, it maybe that they are jealous of them because some regard them as being spoiled middle class types, it may be that they feel that they never had the chances that the students have had.
We all know that this lad behaved very stupidly, but I feel that now he is getting all the pent up venim and anger from the people of Sheffield who are studentophobics ( is that a real word). I am more disgusted by some of the posts that I have read here than I am of....well.....you can add your own words!

Slightly off topic but it may be something for the people of Sheffield to think about...on the radio this morning there was an article about students in Southampton,there are 50,000 and it said that they bring in £350 million pounds into the city,a not inconsiderable sum .It also said that lots of towns are pushingh for unis to be built there.

Maybe Sheffield would like to give it's two up?

Its also rather sad that they can write such ignorance (im talking about in general not necessarily this case) when it actually isnt just 'tomorrows fish and chip paper' anymore, unlike it used to be. It isnt forgotten, it is stored on the internet for the rest of peoples lives for everyone and anyone to read.

Yep that's true..I wasn't condoning or making light of what journalists do,quite the opposite..

Slightly off topic but it may be something for the people of Sheffield to think about...on the radio this morning there was an article about students in Southampton,there are 50,000 and it said that they bring in £350 million pounds into the city,a not inconsiderable sum .It also said that lots of towns are pushingh for unis to be built there.

Maybe Sheffield would like to give it's two up?

Thats £14 per week per student, hardly seems worth it.

Thats £14 per week per student, hardly seems worth it.

There are 50,000 students.

50,000 x 14 = £900,000 per week!


OK, my maths was never very good!:hihi::hihi::hihi:


£700,000 per week really!

Aren't you being a judge too, calling this guy 'low life scum". I hope you have never been so drunk you don't know what century it is. I could call you a self important prig, but I won't, cos I don't know you.

wind ya neck in yank

There are 50,000 students.

50,000 x 14 = £900,000 per week!


OK, my maths was never very good!:hihi::hihi::hihi:


£700,000 per week really!

It must cost a lot to clean up the mess they make and police events like carnage.

Thats £14 per week per student, hardly seems worth it.

Is your maths wrong or mine? 350 million/50000 = 7000 ? £140 per week per student?

It must cost a lot to clean up the mess they make and police events like carnage.

Ah yes, because it's just students who make a mess on a night out.

The non student population of Sheffield have a couple of beers, behave very well and make no mess.

Students are just a snapshot of society at large. Some bad, some good and the vast majority just average. Same as any other group.

Is your maths wrong or mine? 350 million/50000 = 7000 ? £140 per week per student?

I stand corrected, I did 35m.

I stand corrected, I did 35m.
You made me think twice when you said £14 a week....where could I rent for that? :)

Is your maths wrong or mine? 350 million/50000 = 7000 ? £140 per week per student?

I think that he miscalculated that too. The average student drinks 12 bottles of vodka every week so it cannot possibly be £14 per week!:hihi::hihi::hihi:

It must cost a lot to clean up the mess they make and police events like carnage.

Keeps you in a job, stop complaining:hihi:

Keeps you in a job, stop complaining:hihi:

It is amazing how many street cleaners walk up Fargate complaining about the mess!.....But you never summon up the courage to say that it if it was not for the mess you would not have work!
It's rather like Labour MP's complaining about ....whoops.....EDIT!:hihi::hihi:

Aren't you being a judge too, calling this guy 'low life scum". I hope you have never been so drunk you don't know what century it is. I could call you a self important prig, but I won't, cos I don't know you.

Don't let that stop you, it's not like you would be wrong on the point ;)

Ah yes, because it's just students who make a mess on a night out.

The non student population of Sheffield have a couple of beers, behave very well and make no mess.

Students are just a snapshot of society at large. Some bad, some good and the vast majority just average. Same as any other group.

True, and it does keep half of Sheffield in employement.

I stand corrected, I did 35m.
And it doesn't include the jobs generated at the University etc...so the overall figure is likely to be way over that..

I don’t comprehend at all what Phil Laing did. In fact it was highly disrespectful to all those past and present that have fought wars and paid the ultimate price in losing their lives. However I think that a custodial sentence is somewhat disproportionate to the offence committed albeit a very offensive one to both the public of Sheffield and for all past and present service men and women. However I do not believe that Phil Laing carried out his action with intent and it would seem that it was more or less a case of indulging in far too much alcohol and getting carried away. I think his punishment should be given a hefty fine as well as Carnage UK paying a chunk of profits to the Royal British Legion as I think they held some responsibility in encouraging students to drink excessively, I mean the name carnage sums it up really!!!! I also think that Phil Laing should offer one year’s voluntary work to any organisation that helps injured soldiers so that he can see firsthand what the ultimate sacrifice is when you are brave enough to stand on the front line and the consequences and affects this has on both a soldiers’ physical and mental wellbeing. I think this will make him realise how stupid he was, will put into perspective his actions and may, help him mature into becoming a more civilised citizen in the future. That is my opinion anyway.

No it isn't

How isn't it enough?

He did something really stupid, and wrong, and ended up in court.

He stopped quite a long way shy of actually assaulting or killing another human.

He peed on the war memorial.

He was caught.

He has appeared in court.

It's likely he could face a custodial sentence.

He hasn't "got away with it"...

Let the lynch mob put their pitchforks down, and go back to the village.
Case dealt with, case closed, basically.

I think that's at least fair enough, don't you?

Yeah, let's send someone to prison for urinating on a war memorial, then give the next rapist to come along a suspended sentence.

It's a shambles. I think the embarrasment he's already suffered should suffice, although a few hours of community service wouldn't hurt either.

I'm with you all the way on this.

I'm disgusted by the way in which this whole thing has been dealt with. (Not by what the judge said, I understand that!)

I have seen groups on FB saying 'Hang Philip Laing' and 'Jail Philip Laing' I saw one comment which read: 'I hope he gets cancer on Christmas Day and dies in front of his parents' WTF?!

He got drunk, he did something incredibly stupid and disrespectful but seriously, there are worse crimes and I expect he's learned his lesson not only from the humiliation but also from the threat of losing his place at uni, changing his whole life. I know someone close to him and he's actually a pretty good lad who was doing well at uni.

Don't get me wrong I don't mean to trivialise what he did, but he didn't actually harm anyone directly, not like so many rapists and abusive parents/husbands/wives, murderers etc. that nobody ever even hears about.

Whilst he does need to take responsibility for his own actions, I think more of the blame for this needs to be laid at the door of the so called establishments who allow students to drink themselves stupid into the early hours of the morning. They're not supposed to serve people if it's clear they've had enough but all they see is money.

Why not blame Carnage UK which is the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard of - offering discount prices on club entry and drinks at various places for the price of their ticket and then sends thousands of students out into the town to drink themselves stupid on an all night bender. It's a money making gimic that is making its founders rich and literally leaving 'carnage' everywhere else.

I have huge respect for anyone who has fought for us in the past and who is now, my parents were both in the army and I owe my life to those brave soldiers who died for us, but this really does seem like a huge error of judgement made in a drunken state and I'm absolutely disgusted by some people's attitudes to it.

I strongly doubt that many of our much respected soldiers would've strung up a young lad with a promising future for getting drunk and doing something really stupid.

Lotti - this is, by far, the most reasoned, articulate and sensible post of the entire thread. For someone so young, you have a very mature and level headed outlook. Well done :clap:

It was disrespectful - fine, but does he have to lose everything because of it. Many people have done far worse. A slap on the wrist is all thats required.

Lotti - this is, by far, the most reasoned, articulate and sensible post of the entire thread. For someone so young, you have a very mature and level headed outlook. Well done :clap:

And you have to love her avatar :)

The judge said all sentencing options are open for the purposes of the probation reports etc, no way is this lad going to jail unless he has previous convictions for public disorder offences.


neither do i think they'll jail him but sometimes the judge makes an example of people like jailing the old war hero who didn't pay his poll tax.....he could do a bit of porridge alex.....don't put it past our judges

Let the lynch mob put their pitchforks down, and go back to the village.
Case dealt with, case closed, basically.

I think that's at least fair enough, don't you?

No, in cases like this it's essential to stay very angry indeed right until the next one comes along, then forget this one completely and dedicate all your energy to it's successor.

I thought the NOTW's piece on an apparent lesbian affair in prison between Baybee Pee's mum and Rose West might have captured the attention of Facebooking illiterates across the land but alas they seem to have missed that one....

And you have to love her avatar :)

It's adorable:)

..........I thought the NOTW's piece on an apparent lesbian affair in prison between Baybee Pee's mum and Rose West might have captured the attention of Facebooking illiterates across the land but alas they seem to have missed that one....
No, they've just got their heads buried under the patio.

To be fair, the guy is going to get enough grief already from people who previously didn't know this memorial existed but are now "furious" that he could do such a thing.

Surely some community service is all that's needed.

Put it this way, if you are now sent to jail for urinating in public I take it that the peado's, rapists and murderers are now being sent to jail for life automatically?

the lad did not no what he was doing just send him away with a warning
and forget it people have done far worse things and not gone to jail
what i want to no who was SICK enough to take the photo in the first place :gag:

what i want to no who was SICK enough to take the photo in the first place :gag:

That would be a servant of that bastion of decency and morals, the Daily Mail, no less.

A colleague of a woman who, so incensed that Steven Gately's coroner's report ruled that he didn't die a traditional gay death with a gallon of poppers up his nose, she simply filed her column based on his having done so anyway :rant:

a strong message to those who think Uni is an excuse to drink away tax payer's money!
Wrong Millenium!

Let him clean the cenotaph on remembrance sunday,then grovel an apology out to all and sundry who are in attendance.

Let him clean the cenotaph on remembrance sunday,then grovel an apology out to all and sundry who are in attendance.

Just noticed your location. Very appropriate!

I sincerely hope he gets a good bollocking and sent on his way.I cant believe the amount of bile aimed at this kid.

I think the case rightly stirs a lot of emotion as it was such a sickening thing to do,however the media ouctcry should not in itself ifluence the punishment.

Doing some kind of comunity work prehaps linked to the people he has disrespected would be far more appropriate.

How isn't it enough?

He did something really stupid, and wrong, and ended up in court.

He stopped quite a long way shy of actually assaulting or killing another human.

He peed on the war memorial.

He was caught.

He has appeared in court.

It's likely he could face a custodial sentence.

He hasn't "got away with it"...

Let the lynch mob put their pitchforks down, and go back to the village.
Case dealt with, case closed, basically.

I think that's at least fair enough, don't you?

If you'd bothered to read what I said afterwards, there'd have been no need for your wasted post.

I repeat, again..."District Judge Anthony Browne told Laing, who appeared in court wearing a poppy on his dark suit, that all options were open, including custody.

Standard proceedure, nothing sinister, nothing unusual. The judge is duty bound to advise the defendant what the options are so he can be prepared.

So it's not going too far.....it may do later, but not now. This is just paper sensasionalism"

How silly. I had a friend who got caught weeing in someones garden, and she`s a girl ha ha.

Let him clean the cenotaph on remembrance sunday,then grovel an apology out to all and sundry who are in attendance.

Armistice Day is FAR too important an occasion than to taint it with all this palarver.

That said, I tried to think of what I'd do if I had landed myself in his situation (I've done daft things whilst drunk, many of us have, and not had a bloody clue what we were doing). I like to think that I would have, given the time of year all this occurred, given up a few weekends to collect for the Poppy Appeal. On the basis that it would serve to illustrate remorse, requiring commitment to do so, and on the plus side I would hope that it would be looked upon favourably in court.

It would have been a worthwhile gesture if he was REALLY sorry IMO

I like to think that I would have, given the time of year all this occurred, given up a few weekends to collect for the Poppy Appeal. On the basis that it would serve to illustrate remorse, requiring commitment to do so, and on the plus side I would hope that it would be looked upon favourably in court.

It would have been a worthwhile gesture if he was REALLY sorry IMO

Where? Sheffield?

Even anywhere else he'd get torn to pieces in about 2 minutes by foamers. It would be civil disorder on an unprecedented scale

No it isn't

Of course it's going too far! Am i waking up in China or something? It's not a serious crime. People are getting killed and we're getting extremely upset over a guy who wees on a memorial.

He was DRUNK. He can't even remember what happened. I think a bit of community service or being forced to clean up the memorial would be a better punishment.

I think he's had enough punishment for his crime. He's been chucked out of uni for gods sake!

Anyone who thinks he deserves jail is an idiot and i don't care who disagrees.


I just don't get these brainless idiots who are screaming "hang him!"

Hang him!!

He was a drunken idiot (this coming from someone who went on the same pub crawl). But drunken or not he committed a crime and should be punished accordingly.

so just a hint of bull**** then,he didn't realide what he was doing,so of all the places in town to take a **** he decided to take one on a war memorial covered in poppy wreaths,no that is a lie the little **** was trying to be clever in front of his little student friends who by the way didn't sem to keen on stopping him,give him to the army and let them punish him how they see fit instead of feeling sorry for the litle ****.

Yeah, like squaddies have such a good reputation of not getting ratted, not assaulting strangers and not attacking women on a regular basis.

Trial by (trash) media and so many suckers fall for it. Sad.

Yeah, like squaddies have such a good reputation of not getting ratted, not assaulting strangers and not attacking women on a regular basis.

Trial by (trash) media and so many suckers fall for it. Sad.


DITTO.


If people have experienced a load of squaddies on the razz then they'll know what you're talking about! Ask some landlords who have pubs near army barracks and they'll tell you how it is.

I cannot stand all this media crap that squaddies have hearts of gold, and they're angels. It's a load of BULL.

DITTO.


If people have experienced a load of squaddies on the razz then they'll know what you're talking about!
Some of the members here are ex squaddies :hihi:

DITTO.


If people have experienced a load of squaddies on the razz then they'll know what you're talking about!

Many a time.

Saying that I wouldn't want the army to be full of pacifists :hihi:

DITTO.


If people have experienced a load of squaddies on the razz then they'll know what you're talking about!

I cannot stand all this media crap that squaddies have hearts of gold, and they're angels. It's a load of BULL.

In my experience, squaddies are much like other large, diverse groups.

Some are diamond geezers, some i'm indifferent to and some are horrible. Rather like students. Common sense, innit?

Many a time.

Saying that I wouldn't want the army to be full of pacifists :hihi:

But still it's all about respect and not acting like an bloody idiot whether you're a squaddie or not. No excuse for not being able to control yourself.

The problem with this country is that most people put the priority in going out to drink. It's all about the drink and getting drunk. Not to meet with friends, chat have a good time and have a few drinks. The British way of drinking makes me feel ashamed and embarassed to be honest.

But still it's all about respect and not acting like an idiot whether you're a squaddie or not. No excuse for not being able to control yourself.

Yes. But previous posts have suggested that army personnel have some kind of inherent superiority in this department. They don't

Too far... he has said he is sorry, jail is for criminals... not some poor kid who made a terrible mistake!

Jail is way OTT.

Thousands of students in Sheffield are now going to blame him if the carnage bar crawls do get banned :hihi:

Thousands of students in Sheffield are now going to blame him if the carnage bar crawls do get banned :hihi:

This guy is probably the most hated man in Sheffield now :hihi:

I'm waiting for the news that he was killed by a big lynch mob

Actually by talking about prison it could even end up with some of the media feeling sorry for him which is another reason not to do it

I do think this is going too far now

what waist of public money. teh CPS is so stupied:loopy::loopy:

must agree got wrecked had a slash so what

This has just gotten ridiculous.
How many people who have commented on this post have ever got so drunk that they don't remember what they did? Honestly?
He was just very p****d and obviously didn't have any awareness of what he was doing and the offence it could cause. Anyone caught urinating in public anywhere else would at the worst get an £80 fine for a public order offence. Anything more than that is unfair.
He's said sorry and realises the error of his ways. To send him to prison would ruin his life. Forever. A term in prison doesn't just go away. It effects you for the rest of your life. All for just getting a bit too drunk one evening? Its way over the top.
And really, in the cold, hard truth of it, he was peeing on nothing more than a huge lump of stone. If he had been caught peeing on actual war veterans, then I could understand the outrage.
Leave the kid alone. He's done his time purely through the amount of embarrassment he has caused himself and his family.

This has just gotten ridiculous.
How many people who have commented on this post have ever got so drunk that they don't remember what they did? Honestly?
He was just very p****d and obviously didn't have any awareness of what he was doing and the offence it could cause. Anyone caught urinating in public anywhere else would at the worst get an £80 fine for a public order offence. Anything more than that is unfair.
He's said sorry and realises the error of his ways. To send him to prison would ruin his life. Forever. A term in prison doesn't just go away. It effects you for the rest of your life. All for just getting a bit too drunk one evening? Its way over the top.
And really, in the cold, hard truth of it, he was peeing on nothing more than a huge lump of stone. If he had been caught peeing on actual war veterans, then I could understand the outrage.
Leave the kid alone. He's done his time purely through the amount of embarrassment he has caused himself and his family.

Well said that man!

This has just gotten ridiculous.
How many people who have commented on this post have ever got so drunk that they don't remember what they did? Honestly?
He was just very p****d and obviously didn't have any awareness of what he was doing and the offence it could cause. Anyone caught urinating in public anywhere else would at the worst get an £80 fine for a public order offence. Anything more than that is unfair.
He's said sorry and realises the error of his ways. To send him to prison would ruin his life. Forever. A term in prison doesn't just go away. It effects you for the rest of your life. All for just getting a bit too drunk one evening? Its way over the top.
And really, in the cold, hard truth of it, he was peeing on nothing more than a huge lump of stone. If he had been caught peeing on actual war veterans, then I could understand the outrage.
Leave the kid alone. He's done his time purely through the amount of embarrassment he has caused himself and his family.

Sorry, I disagree. How would you feel if you lost a family member and then saw a picture of someone urinating on their headstone? I also don't accept the defence of 'I was so drunk, etc'. It wouldn't excuse you from punishment if you hit someone and it shouldn't here. I am sure he is embarrassed and sorry but remorse doesn't excuse you from punishment. Also, don't be so sure that he is feeling the same level of shame you or I would. Without punishment this may well be something he may well have a good joke about with his mates once all the fuss died down.

Sorry, I disagree. How would you feel if you lost a family member and then saw a picture of someone urinating on their headstone? I also don't accept the defence of 'I was so drunk, etc'. It wouldn't excuse you from punishment if you hit someone and it shouldn't here. I am sure he is embarrassed and sorry but remorse doesn't excuse you from punishment. Also, don't be so sure that he is feeling the same level of shame you or I would. Without punishment this may well be something he may well have a good joke about with his mates once all the fuss died down.

Why not? He's on record as saying he was as drunk as he's ever been in his life and remembered nothing of the incident. Seems entirely plausible to me.

Do people actually read all the thread before making their contribution?

No they do'nt, they jump in feet first with a stupid reply.

Why not? He's on record as saying he was as drunk as he's ever been in his life and remembered nothing of the incident. Seems entirely plausible to me.

So if he struck a member of your family and gave that as his excuse you would be entirely happy would you?

Why not? He's on record as saying he was as drunk as he's ever been in his life and remembered nothing of the incident. Seems entirely plausible to me.so if he urinated over a monument dedicated to your father who lost his life fighting for your country would you still let him get away with it cos he was drunk?

So if he struck a member of your family and gave that as his excuse you would be entirely happy would you?

so if he urinated over a monument dedicated to your father who lost his life fighting for your country would you still let him get away with it cos he was drunk?

No, of course I wouldn't be happy - but I wouldn't be calling for him to be hung or jailed or any of the other completely over the top responses that we've seen so many of on here.

I don't think he should be hung or jailed either, but he should be punished.

No, of course I wouldn't be happy - but I wouldn't be calling for him to be hung or jailed or any of the other completely over the top responses that we've seen so many of on here.im not calling for him to be hung but i think a short prison term would send out a very strong message that this kind of behaviour wont be tolerated & that alcohol is no excuse, so if he is jailed he'll deserve evry day of any term.

I think prison is a step too far. It was a truly disgusting thing to do, but a sign of the times unfortunately, a lot of the younger generation aren't too fussy about morals.

Now if a regiment of returning troops from Afghanistan were to publicly urinate on him after they've had a night out on the lash - then I don't have a problem with that... That would reset the balance for me...

Yeah he did something really wrong, he did something most of the country are appalled at, but jailing him for it and justifying the public expense - way over the top.

An eye for an eye in this case.

I think prison is a step too far. It was a truly disgusting thing to do, but a sign of the times unfortunately, the younger generation aren't too fussy about morals.

Now if a regiment of returning troops from Afghanistan were to publicly urinate on him after they've had a night out on the lash - then I don't have a problem with that... That would reset the balance for me...

Yeah he did something really wrong, he did something most of the country are appalled at, but jailing him for it and justifying the public expense - way over the top.

An eye for an eye in this case.id much rather him recieve a humungus kicking from those returning from afghanistan than him get a prison sentence but like you said "the younger generation arent too fussy about morals" so a short prison term should act as a deterrant to others

Just to stick my two penneth in without getting too involved - i've seen many a lad wee on that memorial on a drunk night out, but they just haven't been spotted. Does that make this lad worse than the rest? What about the teenagers who use it to skateboard on, should they be put in prison too?

id much rather him recieve a humungus kicking from those returning from afghanistan than him get a prison sentence but like you said "the younger generation arent too fussy about morals" so a short prison term should act as a deterrant to others

So get a few squaddies to give the kid a good kicking eh? how's about sharing a Jamaican woodbine with him under that gum tree in Chap and teaching him some of the morals that you hold so dear.One love eye an eye:thumbsup:

So get a few squaddies to give the kid a good kicking eh? how's about sharing a Jamaican woodbine with him under that gum tree in Chap and teaching him some of the morals that you hold so dear.One love eye an eye:thumbsup:good morning bennys stalker:)i see on other threads your still in love him:)

id much rather him recieve a humungus kicking from those returning from afghanistan

Me too. Unfortunately, we couldn't morally justify the kicking...

I think that public expense for jailing someone for this would be ludicrous. I suppose a shorter term sentence may pass muster with me, (perhaps some National Service?!) on the provision that he gets the returning troops' public urination treatment first...

[QUOTE=drumstuck;5606565]Sorry, I disagree. How would you feel if you lost a family member and then saw a picture of someone urinating on their headstone? .............................................QUOTE]


The person who planted the actual wreath which was desecrated was on TV last night actually asking for leniency and saying that he had suffered enough (CALANDER AT 6PM)

Me too. Unfortunately, we couldn't morally justify the kicking...

I think that public expense for jailing someone for this would be ludicrous. I suppose a shorter term sentence may pass muster with me, (perhaps some National Service?!) on the provision that he gets the returning troops' public urination treatment first...a lot of todays youths who have no morals should be made to do national service, it might teach them to have respect

[QUOTE=drumstuck;5606565]Sorry, I disagree. How would you feel if you lost a family member and then saw a picture of someone urinating on their headstone? .............................................QUOTE]


The person who planted the actual wreath which was desecrated was on TV last night actually asking for leniency and saying that he had suffered enough (CALANDER AT 6PM)i saw it but after hearing what the magistrate said, i think he'll get a suspended sentence

good morning bennys stalker:)i see on other threads your still in love him:)

Just over 1 post a day compered to bennys 79 doesn't make me a very good stalker does it, anyway back to the thread; so you'd bring back national service to teach the youth of this country some morals?.

Just over 1 post a day compered to bennys 79 doesn't make me a very good stalker does it, anyway back to the thread; so you'd bring back national service to teach the youth of this country some morals?.yes...........................

yes...........................

So you'd act in a discriminatory fashion against the youth of this country in order to raise morals.

So you'd act in a discriminatory fashion agaisnt the youth of this country in order to raise morals.if it was to teach them some respect why not. anyway back on topic before i have to nip out, how would you like to see the lad punished if it was your parents/grandparents memorial he'd urinated over?

So you'd act in a discriminatory fashion against the youth of this country in order to raise morals.

I'd be more than happy for the youth of this country, charged with a civil offence and found guilty of that offence, to be given National Service. It would reach far further than prison time.

I'd like everyone to refrain from advocating street "justice" before the thread is closed.

so if he urinated over a monument dedicated to your father who lost his life fighting for your country would you still let him get away with it cos he was drunk?

No one, I repeat, NO ONE has said he should "get away with it". What we are saying is that jail is going too far, as is him having his head kicked in.

The funny thing is, some of the people going OTT with this won't even pay any attention to the memorial when they're walking past it, and some won't know where it is. It's only because of what's happened that people have taken an interest - so maybe he should be thanked as well for bringing the memorial to people's minds.

if it was to teach them some respect why not. anyway back on topic before i have to nip out, how would you like to see the lad punished if it was your parents/grandparents memorial he'd urinated over?

Well I'd determine whether he was intending to cause outrage and insult, or whether he was so far gone that he didn't know what planet he was on, let alone what he was peeing on.

Perspective people, perspective!!

if it was to teach them some respect why not. anyway back on topic before i have to nip out, how would you like to see the lad punished if it was your parents/grandparents memorial he'd urinated over?

Made to make a public apology, clean the mess he'd made and a few hours of community service.

No one, I repeat, NO ONE has said he should "get away with it". What we are saying is that jail is going too far, as is him having his head kicked in.

The funny thing is, some of the people going OTT with this won't even pay any attention to the memorial when they're walking past it, and some won't know where it is. It's only because of what's happened that people have taken an interest - so maybe he should be thanked as well for bringing the memorial to people's minds.i didnt say he should get away with it, i asked:)

Made to make a public apology, clean the mess he'd made and a few hours of community service.hardly a deterrant for if he gets out of his skull on alcohol & does it again & says oops it was the alcohol is it:rolleyes: