I saw that episode of Buffy. It introduced Amy.

she could always organise a cheer squad at the psychiatry unit...

At least she didn't do what so many mothers do and live vicariously through their daughter. Why force your daughter into cheerleading or beauty pageants when you can do it yourself. Granted it's a little off either way but this is less likely to scar the poor child since the kid has proof that her mom is a bit bonkers.

No need to be anon you are perfectly Correct and there would be a mini civil war if he wasnt given a life sentence as well !!

C'mon El Reg. It's just a sad story, not a funny one. I'm given to believe psychiatric illnesses aren't all that funny if you're suffering from them, whatever school children (or those purporting to be) might think.

(That said, can I suggest a "Comedy Kids with Cancer" category?)

rather than a bit of a heffer, would anyone have complained?

Paris - because her site has great pom-poms right now ;-)

Working in a school I would like to think I could tell the difference between a 15 year old and a 34 year old, but the amount of makeup she would have to cake on to hide the wrinkles and other signs of ageing is the same amount as the average 15 year old girl has to cake on to hide the spots

I sometimes like to dress up as a 15yr old cheerleader at weekends... most senior management and directors do it!

er no - intent has nothing to do with the offence (in the UK leastways) check the laws ...

Doesn't she look just the teensiest bit like Vikki Pollard?

If the doctors decide she's stable and safe enough for society they can petition the court to reduce her sentence (unlike people sent to prison). The court has to pick a term and 3 years is typical for non-violent offenses.

And the story is a bit funny if in a twisted fashion. I'd point out that people getting dead *shouldn't* be funny but the annual Darwin Awards is a well visited site.

Three years in a mental hospital?

Since when was hospitalisation based on time? Surely she should be in until treatment is completed? I mean, if you go in for emergency heart surgery, you aren't subject to a time limit, so why should you be time limited for mental health issues?

It sounds like the mental health system in that state (at least) is like a poor extension of the prison system, (ab)used as a possibly under-regulated, under-inspected place to keep unbalanced criminals, rather than actually treating people so that they hopefully cease to be a danger to themselves and those around them.

I'm frankly disgusted by the thought that mental health issues are still treated like some sort of plague in the 21st century.

"muy lame to start bleating"

I take it you have met at least one man. We're all like that. Surprised you hadn't noticed.

You were still wrong though weren't you? I don't think the 'OK' at the beginning of your retort qualifies as acknowledging this fully, do you?

All men have a tendency towards the pedantic too...

You ain't met ME yet baby! ;-)

AC, 'cos otherwise they'd all want some! :-D

I met a man once. It wasn't memorable.

I nominate this for best comment 2009.

"madly paranoid feminazi-bonfire" - now that's a good idea for a pr0n film....lol

So where's Kojak then?

Just had to open that damn nazi door, did you?

This woman may well and truly be nuts but given her background I very much doubt it and I'm stunned they gave the three years in a hospital. This is the kind of crap that often keeps people who are mentally ill and genuinely need that space in the hospital from getting in. It also quite possibly means someone who is actually in need of treatment ends up in jail cell where they don't belong because grifters like this woman found an easy way out of their sentence. I swear I don't know how our legal system gets so far off the rails sometimes but I suspect it's got lots to do with bottom feeding lawyers.

BTW, Who can at El Reg can I write to petition that Sarah get hazard pay for moderating article comments. She deserves it after dealing with all of us (myself included).

IIRC wasn't a bloke put on el (s.o.) Reg due to taking a leak in a shop doorway at night ?

PS no offence to the Real Reg !!!

The cop in the article (and all of his ilk, methinks) is genetically incapable of believing that actions taken by members of the public have no underlying criminal motives - do not forget that we are all criminals in their eyes.

Any sane person is able to understand that her actions were clearly not criminal. But, oh no - "guilty until proved innocent" is how it works today. For example, the guy in this thread who says he likes "to dress up as a 15yr old cheerleader at weekends" needs to be careful. If the police had any opportunity whatsoever he would be in a cell pending investigations of X, Y and Z. Somehow the media would find out and that would be the end of his job, his career. Is that how it should be - in a so-called civilised, caring society?

We don't need harsher sentences - we need more resources and thought put into the rehabilitation services (for criminals and people with mental problems). Let's begin with the premise that people are basically 'good', occasionally needing help when they fall by the wayside. The bad guys can easily be spotted (unless the professionals involved are completely naive and stupid) and can be dealt with as society sees fit.

There are too many individuals languishing in prisons and mental institutions who really should not be there. And if that isn't your cup of tea, well think about the vast quantities of taxpayer's money that is involved in housing them there to no good purpose.

"madly paranoid feminazi-bonfire"

Surely you mean "lesbian spank inferno"?

Should be shot, this is in bootnotes, same as most of the Entertainment ones.

Piss of and get a sense of humour, I'm sick of it, not now, but a year ago.

Twats.

What the hell?

Reminds me of that episode of peep show, where mark steals some history education

ha brilliant

Obviously, she has some very good healthcare insurance if they've sentenced her to 3 years.

Lucky for her that chiropractors don't treat mental illness. 3 years of being punched, cracked and prodded would be excessive punishment, imo.

/quote "madly paranoid feminazi-bonfire" - now that's a good idea for a pr0n film....lol

Sounds strangely reminiscent of the infamous "Lesbian Spank Inferno", but I digress.

Mines the one with the severely-used video tape in the pocket.

I read this a few months back, in (most probably) the Sun. Might not have been the same story, but it definately rings some bells.

Im sure I also remember a bloke doing it, but im not sure if it was a CSI epsisode or real life...I should get out more and stop *working* ahem..

"I met a man once. It wasn't memorable."

Can't see that topping the hit parade. Don't got the same hook (or video remix possibilities) as Ms Perry's recent whatsit

Yea but no but yaah but shut up