Saturday 13 August 2011

Named and Shamed: Reece Donovan

Reece Donovan of Milton Court, Cross Road, Chadwell Heath, Romford, Essex, has been identified as the person who robbed injured Malaysian student Asyraf Haziq Rossli.  Apparently Asyraf was assaulted in Barking; his bike was stolen and his jaw was broken. On CCTV, shown throughout the world, a crowd gathered around him.  At first it seemed young people were trying to help him.  Asyraf was evidently dazed from his injuries and in broad daylight he had possessions taken from his rucksack by a young man wearing a baseball cap.  Reece Donovan, 21, has been charged with the robbery so he will appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court very shortly.

If Donovan is convicted then he will probably be known as Disgraceful Donovan.  He is, of course, innocent until proven guilty.  Mistaken identity would be serious.  I thought that I heard his surname was Sullivan, and the thought of a David Sullivan being shamefully treated for an offence that he did not commit would be tragic.
There is concern that the speedy procedures of the courts could lead to miscarriages of justice.  Let's pray that there is not undue haste but due process of law and sound judgement in our courts.

The robbery has been strongly condemned, notably by PM David Cameron in one of his recent speeches.  Asyraf has received hospital treatment, media attention, and strong support expressed in words, cards and cash from well wishers throughout the country.  He has said that he will remain in England to complete his studies.

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