UK teen commits suicide after being brought to court over 50p of cannabis

Temaz

Tragic case.

A 17 Year old Head Boy and England under 19 Lacrosse international who was summoned to court for 50p worth of cannabis – has committed suicide after fearing that it would block his chances of working in America.

Edward Thornber, 17 was on holiday with his friends in Newquay in 2011 when he was stopped by police and found to be in possession of 50p worth of cannabis. For those unaware of just how little this is look at your little finger nail and then think smaller. It was the second time he had been stopped under the same circumstances.

http://norml-uk.org/2013/02/britains-cannabis-policy-more-harmful-than-drug/

So what do we think? The hash made him do it? Being brought to court made him do it? It was almost entirely irrelevant? Come on, I want to know which way to be outraged.

Witcher

has committed suicide after fearing that it would block his chances of working in America

It was the second time he had been stopped under the same circumstances.

Wasn't in fear enough after the first time obviously.

steddyeddy

50p worth of hash? I thought police in the UK had to give a warning first?

Edit: either way Its sad that a person that young felt upset enough to do that. This is going to be a strange thing to say but anytime I know my mars are depressed, male or female, i give them a hug. I want them to know people do care.

michael999999

Killing yourself is definately one way of guaranteeing you ain't going to the States!

0ph0rce0

Mmmmm Reminds me i have to smoke that joint, be back later.

Holsten

Tragic.

Why the **** did they bother with 50p worth of weed? Why bother with weed at all?! It's inane, police forces need to focus on real crimes not people having plants in their possession.

And I hate the stuff!

My name is URL

I'm always a bit weary of this kind of story. Is it just being assumed that's why he killed himself? I mean how unthinkable is it that he may have suffered from depression? Nobody in a healthy state of mind would take their life over such a thing. And it's not something that should be used by groups to further their own agendas.

Roger_007

It's a bit of a jump to conclude that his conviction was the direct cause of his suicide. How does anyone know? He may have been suicidal anyway. I would agree that his conviction was way over the top given how trivial the offence was.

cml387

Using a child's suicide to press for legalisation of the weed is a bit of low, I would have thought.

Fox_In_Socks

steddyeddy wrote: »

50p worth of hash? I thought police in the UK had to give a warning first?

Edit: either way Its sad that a person that young felt upset enough to do that. This is going to be a strange thing to say but anytime I know my mars are depressed, male or female, i give them a hug. I want them to know people do care.

That is a strange thing to say.

Death and Taxes

Tragic case, a young man is dead, people should remember that before posting crass comments

My name is URL

My name is URL wrote: »

I'm always a bit weary of this kind of story. Is it just being assumed that's why he killed himself? I mean how unthinkable is it that he may have suffered from depression? Nobody in a healthy state of mind would take their life over such a thing. And it's not something that should be used by groups to further their own agendas.

I know I'd have been absolutely devastated over something like that when I was 17. It would have seemed like the end of the world. I'd have been worried sick about having a criminal record, never getting a job etc. I might well have considered suicide in his position. Seriously bad call to summon him to court for something like that, IMO.

HondaSami

Did he leave a suicide note stating this is the reason he killed himself ?

The_Kew_Tour

Its all fun and games till it happens on your doorstep I guess.

E.S.T.

From that article

They imprison 25% of the world’s prison population, most are in for a drug related offence and the majority of those are for cannabis. They are so strict with their drugs policy that they will not allow anyone into the “land of the free” if they have a criminal record for drugs – including a court summons for 50p worth of cannabis if the court could be bothered to convict him of such a “crime”.

They come up with figures like this by including the people that were convicted of other crimes but also had some weed. The person is really in jail for the other more serious charges but since weed is also part of the charges they try to make it seem like weed is the only reason they are locked up. Same happens where people get arrested for weed and get probation but then screw up on probation. They are labeled as being in jail for weed but really the only reason they are there is because they screwed up probation. Also why would a country give visas to individuals that don't even follow the rules in their home country?

dizzywizlw

Head Boy and Lacrosse International takes potential failure so hard he tops himself.




Rich people...

My name is URL

Meilani Melodic Scratch wrote: »

I know I'd have been absolutely devastated over something like that when I was 17. It would have seemed like the end of the world. I'd have been worried sick about having a criminal record, never getting a job etc. I might well have considered suicide in his position. Seriously bad call to summon him to court for something like that, IMO.

Yeah, I don't mean it's not possible that it was the reason, I just don't think it's right or wise to assume it to be the case. If you look at the backgrounds of anyone that has committed suicide you'll most likely find something that many people would say was the 'trigger'.

Doing that, or always looking for someone / something else to blame does a disservice to people who may be suicidal and the groups trying to help those people.

donegal_road

if it had been in Ireland, the cannabis would have been valued at €10,000

B.A._Baracus

What kind of copper would arrest someone for 50p worth (seriously, the size of a grain of rice or something!?)

Scumbag.

dizzywizlw

B.A._Baracus wrote: »

What kind of copper would arrest someone for 50p worth (seriously, the size of a grain of rice or something!?)

Scumbag.

What kind of scumbag carries an illegal substance on their person?

HondaSami

B.A._Baracus wrote: »

What kind of copper would arrest someone for 50p worth (seriously, the size of a grain of rice or something!?)

Scumbag.

So it's the cops fault? some people amaze me, always wanting to blame someone else.
I'm sure the kid involved knew the dangers of getting caught as he was caught before. How many chances should people get?

HondaSami

HondaSami wrote: »

So it's the cops fault? some people amaze me, always wanting to blame someone else.
I'm sure the kid involved knew the dangers of getting caught as he was caught before. How many chances should people get?

Well the cops did err as it happens.

HondaSami

Deleted User wrote: »

Well the cops did err as it happens.

The cop did not kill him, he killed himself. It's easy blame the cops, takes the responsibility from the victim.

tdv123

HondaSami wrote: »

The cop did not kill him, he killed himself. It's easy blame the cops, takes the responsibility from the victim.

How do you know the cop didn't kill him & then made it look like a suicide?

HondaSami

tdv123 wrote: »

How do you know the cop didn't kill him & then made it look like a suicide?

Have you actually thought about that before you posted it? how ridiculous it looks?

juice1304

Blay wrote: »

Wasn't in fear enough after the first time obviously.

And why should he be who did he hurt? whos life did it effect other than his? No one.
The laws prohibiting cannabis are ment to protect people how dose sending someone to prison to live with violent criminals help? How dose making it hard to find work help? What help do they provide? None.
Which is the lesser of two evils? Destroying someones life because they "May" develop schizophrenia if they have a genetic predisposition and smoke a large amount as an adolescent or letting them make their own decision to smoke a joint.
I think it is hilarious that people get up on their high horse over here about cannabis when binge drinking is looked upon as fine "sure it's our culture".

B.A._Baracus

HondaSami wrote: »

So it's the cops fault? some people amaze me, always wanting to blame someone else.
I'm sure the kid involved knew the dangers of getting caught as he was caught before. How many chances should people get?

Not saying the death is the coppers fault. Just the idea that a policeman/woman would charge someone for such a small amount is wrong IMO. 50p worth after all. And for the record I hate hash. Dont like the stuff.

dizzywizlw wrote: »

What kind of scumbag carries an illegal substance on their person?

Ever hear of "I'll let you away with this on a warning" ???? Police do it all the time. For the little things.

Sure, one of my friends had his keyring corkscrew taken off him by a gardai when he was a teenager. He was randomly stopped. They deemed it to be "potentially used a weapon" but you know what they didnt bloody bring him to the station!! Just the usual whats your name and alright let you off with a warning.

tdv123

HondaSami wrote: »

Have you actually thought about that before you posted it? how ridiculous it looks?

Yes I did
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for about half a second

carrig2

B.A._Baracus wrote: »

What kind of copper would arrest someone for 50p worth (seriously, the size of a grain of rice or something!?)

Scumbag.

An illegal substance is an illegal substance. End of.
Also it was not the first time.
It is a tragic story but don't blame the police

dizzywizlw

juice1304 wrote: »

And why should he be who did he hurt? whos life did it effect other than his? No one.
The laws prohibiting cannabis are ment to protect people how dose sending someone to prison to live with violent criminals help? How dose making it hard to find work help? What help do they provide? None.
Which is the lesser of two evils? Destroying someones life because they "May" develop schizophrenia if they have a genetic predisposition and smoke a large amount as an adolescent or letting them make their own decision to smoke a joint.
I think it is hilarious that people get up on their high horse over here about cannabis when binge drinking is looked upon as fine "sure it's our culture".

Who did Seanie Fitz hurt?
Who do paedos who only look at images hurt?


Hey look at that, obtuse arguments that disregard the law...

B.A._Baracus

carrig2 wrote: »

An illegal substance is an illegal substance. End of.
Also it was not the first time.
It is a tragic story but don't blame the police

I bet you'd be the type to nick your own granny if you become a gardai, right or perhaps you already are?

I mean, I am just voicing my opinion. Are you a gardai? is daddy a gardai?

dizzywizlw

B.A._Baracus wrote: »

I bet you'd be the type to nick your own granny if you become a gardai, right or perhaps you already are?

I mean, I am just voicing my opinion. Are you a gardai? is daddy a gardai?

Cannabis should be legal IMO

but it's not....

juice1304

dizzywizlw wrote: »

Who did Seanie Fitz hurt?
Who do paedos who only look at images hurt?


Hey look at that, obtuse arguments that disregard the law...

Wrong because for the images to be created an act involving and physically affecting someone else would have had to take place.
I guess you are right though who am i to question "The Law" I suppose you are right we should all be good little boys and girls and never question what is wrong or right just do as we are told.

Big Bottom

This just highlights how dangerous weed and cannabis is to young people mental health.

Very sad story.

carrig2

B.A._Baracus wrote: »

I bet you'd be the type to nick your own granny if you become a gardai, right or perhaps you already are?

I mean, I am just voicing my opinion. Are you a gardai? is daddy a gardai?

I am not a Garda. Neither was my father. Or brothers or husband or best friends etc.,
When is it ok to have an illegal substance, how much is ok?
How much is ok to steal from someone before it is serious?
How much can someone hit someone else before it crosses the line between ok and not ok?

E.S.T.

juice1304 wrote: »

And why should he be who did he hurt? whos life did it effect other than his? No one.
The laws prohibiting cannabis are ment to protect people how dose sending someone to prison to live with violent criminals help? How dose making it hard to find work help? What help do they provide? None.
Which is the lesser of two evils? Destroying someones life because they "May" develop schizophrenia if they have a genetic predisposition and smoke a large amount as an adolescent or letting them make their own decision to smoke a joint.
I think it is hilarious that people get up on their high horse over here about cannabis when binge drinking is looked upon as fine "sure it's our culture".

Even pro-legalization groups like NORML think marijuana should be off limits for kids. Just like alcohol that means underage possession of marijuana would still be a crime.

Marijuana, like other drugs, is not for kids. There are many activities in our society that we permit adults to do, but forbid children, such as motorcycle riding, skydiving, signing contracts, getting married and drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco.

The NORML Board of Directors has adopted a set of principles called the "Principles of Responsible Cannabis Use," and the first principle is "Cannabis consumption is for adults only; it is irresponsible to provide cannabis to children."

My name is URL

Big Bottom wrote: »

This just highlights how dangerous weed and cannabis is to young people mental health.

From one extreme to the other...

foggy_lad

A tragic death. Many suicides are as a result of some degree of depression or underlying mental illness and unfortunately the use of drugs like cannabis and head shop drugs is common among those suffering from depression and mental illness. What these people don't realise though is that such drugs are only making their condition worse.

sensormatic

until it happens to one of your own you wont understand or be posting foolish jibes about it here drugs kill,,,dealing kills,,,prison can start you on drugs as well its a shop it is,,,,.

Grayson

HondaSami wrote: »

The cop did not kill him, he killed himself. It's easy blame the cops, takes the responsibility from the victim.

Look at cases like Aaron Schwartz. It's possible for the police and the CPS to be far too heavy handed. If their response was out of proportion, then they can be said to hold a share of the blame and can be said to have contributed unfairly to blame.

cml387 wrote: »

Using a child's suicide to press for legalisation of the weed is a bit of low, I would have thought.

I would have thought that prosecuting a tenager someone for 50 pence worth of drugs was very excessive.

Blay wrote: »

Wasn't in fear enough after the first time obviously.

But the second time when he killed himself he obviously was? If that's your threshold, that's worrying.

token101

sensormatic wrote: »

until it happens to one of your own you wont understand or be posting foolish jibes about it here drugs kill,,,dealing kills,,,prison can start you on drugs as well its a shop it is,,,,.

And every time you pass a shop it's their fault you buy something is it?

somefeen

There was probably something else seriously wrong with his life to contemplate suicide over this.

Its a non story

Witcher

Grayson wrote: »

But the second time when he killed himself he obviously was? If that's your threshold, that's worrying.

If he was in fear of being refused a visa he shouldn't have been in possession of an illegal substance, he already had a warning for it..obviously the warning didn't wake him up.

juice1304

E.S.T. wrote: »

Even pro-legalization groups like NORML think marijuana should be off limits for kids. Just like alcohol that means underage possession of marijuana would still be a crime.

I agree with that also,
But how would a criminal conviction for 50p worth of cannabis benefit him?
It would have been of more benefit for the police officer to bring him home tell his mother and give him a good telling off.
Alcohol is a drug which you need a licence to sell, If someone is found to be drinking underage they don't get a criminal conviction to follow them around for the rest of their life, they also aren't barred form entering America, Australia Canada, New Zealand. At most they would get a fine that you pay to the county council.

Corkbah

Grayson wrote: »

I would have thought that prosecuting a tenager someone for 50 pence worth of drugs was very excessive.

if the CPS prosecute while the kids are still kids there is a chance they will see the error of their ways and avoid a life of crime
(Cant speak for England but in Ireland most juvenile criminals will be given plenty of opportunity to change their ways ...ie. no conviction despite multiple court appearances)

This kid had a chance to change and stop using weed ...the quantity he had doesn't really matter, as long as it was enough for personal use....the police are not to blame, if anyone actually blames the police ...ask yourself ... did the guy who sold the gun or made the gun actually kill the victim or did the person who pulled the trigger kill the victim ?

Grayson

foggy_lad wrote: »

A tragic death. Many suicides are as a result of some degree of depression or underlying mental illness and unfortunately the use of drugs like cannabis and head shop drugs is common among those suffering from depression and mental illness. What these people don't realise though is that such drugs are only making their condition worse.

He was an athlete. He might have been using canabis, but it would have been small scale as he wouldn't have wanted anything to affect his performance. He was on the U18 UK team.
He wanted to become a coach in the US, but the conviction would have meant his career was over before it started.
That much was in the original article


This one in the daily mail doesn't mention anything about depression or serial drug use. it does mention that his case was handled incorrectly by the police
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2283367/Edward-Thornber-Former-head-boy-17-Catholic-school-killed-summoned-court-cannabis-worth-just-50p.html

Strange thing is that without any evidence, you'd stigmatize a dead boy by inferring he was a junkie and suffering from mental illnesses.

E.S.T.

juice1304 wrote: »

I agree with that also,
But how would a criminal conviction for 50p worth of cannabis benefit him?
It would have been of more benefit for the police officer to bring him home tell his mother and give him a good telling off.
Alcohol is a drug which you need a licence to sell, If someone is found to be drinking underage they don't get a criminal conviction to follow them around for the rest of their life, they also aren't barred form entering America, Australia Canada, New Zealand. At most they would get a fine that you pay to the county council.

Can't speak to the UK but even here in the US it is very unlikely that a marijuana possession would stay on your record if you stay out of a trouble for 6-12 months even if your an adult. Also you can get arrested for drinking underage and charged with being a minor in possession of alcohol, or disorderly conduct, or public nuisance, etc. Most of the time when people get arrested for weed they have brought attention to themselves for some other reason to begin with.

Grayson

Corkbah wrote: »

if the CPS prosecute while the kids are still kids there is a chance they will see the error of their ways and avoid a life of crime
(Cant speak for England but in Ireland most juvenile criminals will be given plenty of opportunity to change their ways ...ie. no conviction despite multiple court appearances)

This kid had a chance to change and stop using weed ...the quantity he had doesn't really matter, as long as it was enough for personal use....the police are not to blame, if anyone actually blames the police ...ask yourself ... did the guy who sold the gun or made the gun actually kill the victim or did the person who pulled the trigger kill the victim ?

It's not even standard procedure. the police admitted they made mistakes. I think I can blame them.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/edward-thornber-ex-head-boy-teenage-1727004

However, he had been caught smoking cannabis with a friend earlier that summer while on holiday in Newquay.

It was the second time he had been caught with the drug.

At the town's police station, he agreed to accept a "final warning", which he believed would not result in him having a criminal record - or jeopardise his chances of pursuing a lacrosse career in the US.

However, his family's solicitor at law firm Pannone LLP says Devon and Cornwall Police made a series of errors following his arrest.

Among them included the details of Edward's case being put in a blue file instead of a pink youth file - resulting in the matter being processed wrongly and a court summons issued.

Madam_X

dizzywizlw wrote: »

Who did Seanie Fitz hurt?
Who do paedos who only look at images hurt?


Hey look at that, obtuse arguments that disregard the law...

Yeh, carrying a tiny amount of cannabis is really comparable to the above.

Article is very suspect all right though - using this kid's suicide to push an agenda. Classy. As asked, was the publication privy to a suicide note in which the lad stated this is why he did it? If not, they should stfu.

juice1304

E.S.T. wrote: »

Can't speak to the UK but even here in the US it is very unlikely that a marijuana possession would stay on your record if you stay out of a trouble for 6-12 months even if your an adult. Also you can get arrested for drinking underage and charged with being a minor in possession of alcohol, or disorderly conduct, or public nuisance, etc. Most of the time when people get arrested for weed they have brought attention to themselves for some other reason to begin with.

Any drugs conviction no matter how small automatically bans you from entering america.