An interesting story, but not entirely sure how it has become news. See here
So, he's been told, ignored and been convicted based on a council bylaw prohibiting skating in the town streets.
He has a few interesting points in defence:
- In seven or so years he hasn't harmed anyone
- He abides by a "code of conduct that gives pedestrians an unconditional right of way."
So, why the conviction? He's obviously a stand-up bloke. He's a retired youth worker, a pillar of the community and no "hoody menace". So why go after him?
Well, why not? As unfortunate as it is in many circumstances, laws are (mostly) there with good reason.
What would you say to the driver who wasn't insured or ever passed a test but had a "code of conduct"?
Would you think the same if the skater in question was 14?
Whatever the initial motivation, the law here looks to be in place to protect vulnerable members of society, and to help in reduce the taxpayer's burden (where there's blame, there's a claim, don'tcha know?)
If he had been allowed to carry on, code of conduct or not, it would have been discriminatory. I know, but if you are going to apply something, it either includes everyone or no one.
