Pensioner Dies As Bailiff Hauls Him to Cashpoint for Speeding Fine
The [UK’s] Blackburn Citizen reports that Blackpool magistrates sent a bailiff to Andy Miller’s house to collect an overdue £60 speeding fine. Actually, £350, what with court costs and all. “Father-of-five Mr Miller was driven to Accrington town centre. The bailiff parked up and waited for Mr Miller, but he collapsed in Union Street before he reached a cashpoint.” The 78-year-old died of a heart attack. Although the coroner ruled out an inquest, Miller’s family feels the court contributed to his death. “His son Mick said he wanted answers from court bosses as their letter [to the court explaining why he hadn’t paid the fine] told them his father was suffering from memory loss and confusion. Mick, who lives in Lower Darwen, said: ‘Bailiffs should not be allowed to behave like this. Dad was put under incredible duress. I know how nervous he had been and what a strain this would have been on him.”
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I'm starting to have serious doubts that Britain was worth saving from the Nazis
God, if I believed everything I read about the UK here I wouldn't leave the house much. Just like if I believed all I saw about the US (and read here) I would start to think everyone on the street is "packing". This guy came up against a scum bailiff who will (hopefully) have his licence removed. The Bailiff does not have the legal right to demand someone goes to the cash machine immediately - there are instant fines in the UK but you never pay on the spot. Court bailiffs are usually better than private ones - ones that go after loans and so forth but there are bad apples all over. I’m starting to have serious doubts that Britain was worth saving from the Nazis Funny, we were having the same thoughts about the rest of the world 39-42. Like the UK government really gives a shit. One less “subject” to take care of in the NHS. I agree, they probably don't as long as they don't get any blame. Real shame what happened to England, it’s gonna suck when this country becomes the same way. I'm more worried about the UK going more like the US. NewLabour are trying to take us in that direction. Having seen the mess that the private insurance style health stuff does to people who can't get it I'd rather keep the NHS thanks.
Yes, David; I'll grant that emotional stress can cause a heart attack. But that doesn't mean that we should refrain from reasonable enforcement of the law; just on the off-chance that the person being arrested/forced to pay for their infraction/crime isn't equipped to handle it without having a heart attack. Unreasonable enforcement is another matter, and I am not certain if enough of the facts were presented in the original article. I'm with the others on the sentiment that the old fella maybe should have had his license revoked long ago due to his mental/emotional/lucidity problems.