Former detective who repeatedly punched cyclist in road rage attack escapes jail on appeal

Everybody should have the right to appeaal, just as everybody should have the right to a fair trial with the burden of proof on the prosecution. It doesn't matter what they have done or how heinous their alleged crime.

Having said that, how could the appelate court conclude that Beckett was "of good character"? Surely it stands to reason that anyone who inflicts physical violence on another human being is by definition of BAD character? That is quite independent of the circumstances of the crime - assault is assault whether by driver on driver, cyclist on cyclist, driver on cyclist or swimmer on golfer.

WE need a Cyclists Vigilante Union to sort out those who get away with blatant crimes against us.

It means (using a vehicle) to pull in front of someone and obstruct their path.

"cut up" ??? I'm guessing this is some kind of english colloquialism, in the rest of the world it sounds like he attacked him with a knife or made him very sad.

I'll happily do six days in jail if someone will let me punch that guy in the head a few times

The report of Beckett's behaviour contains many characteristics of a psychopath. It worries me that such an unbalanced individual is allowed to drive a car on the roads, putting other road users at risk.

I suspect the Police Service he was working in were glad the see the back of him once his thirty years were up. "Take your pension and bugger off, there's a good chap."
I also suspect he was one of those control freaks who loved ordering minions around and since he left the polis really misses being in charge of anything, leading to feelings of frustration, anger and in extreme occasions, bursting out in rage on some hapless cyclist.
I understand, I really do, but I still think he's a dangerous arsehole.

Another case of a corrupt legal stystem looking out for it's own when will we learn?

As a police officer retired or not he should know better and be able to control his temper and repeated punches ? The only appropriate sentence for this thug was a lengthy prison sentence.
I feel sorry only for the poor cyclist victim who has been beaten up twice once by the retired officer and once by the judicial system.

KELSON ( he is not fit to be called a judge) should be ashamed of his dreadful treatment of the victim of this crime

Quite how this individual lasted a 30 year career in the police rising to DI with that level of aggressive behavior is staggering!

A disgraceful incident and the sentence is not appropriate by any means. The fact that the judge had to impose a restraining order speaks volumes, as does the judge's comment about the ex-detective's levels of aggression and his inability to understand that he committed a criminal act. He should have been sent to prison for some months to reflect on his behaviour and should have been fined rather more heavily, while he should also have had his driving licence taken away for a number of years. The victim would do well to take out a civil action also.

Surely the fact that he was a police officer for 30 years should mean that he is well aware of the harm caused by criminal behaviour? Shouldn't that mean that we should hold his actions to a higher standard of behaviour than others? He was, afterall, well aware of what he was doing was a criminal act.

Since when do people of good character need to have restraining orders imposed against them?

I wonder what he got up to as a police officer for 30 years with a temper like that? No good I imagine.

at least he actually spent time in jail, many incidents with cyclists (including killing them) involves a small fine and a bit of a ban - if they're unlucky.

I would love to hear the basis for his appeal to the european court; article 10 the right to self expression perhaps? I suspect that taking his case to europe could in itself breach the judges' article 2 right to life; he/she could die laughing at him and his optimism!

I fail to see how the latter half of the article could possibly be describing someone of good character. I do hope there is another side to this story, just because that might make the judges decision understandable.

So he is a retired cop - so what difference does that make ????

He should not have the right to appeal a sentence in my opinion and that goes for everyone.

Doesn't really do much to instil faith in the criminal justice system.

Am i suprised though? Not really.

Beckett continues to protest his innocence, stating after the hearing: “There has been a miscarriage of justice and I will be pursuing it through the European Court.”

Yep, I'm sure Mr. Cunliffe just made it up...