How would you feel if your son’s murderer was prosecuted over a year after you lost him?
Julius Cools, father of Jermaine Cools, said that his son was everything to him and his wife and that he was murdered for no reason.
According to the Independent, Cools was one of five teenagers who were killed on 18th November 2021 in Croydon. Caught in the crossfire outside a chicken shop, Jermaine was repeatedly stabbed. The murderer, aged 17, is too young to be named in the media.
During the case, the family made many remarks showing how distraught and depressing this event was for them. Julius Cools told the court “There’s nothing that can help us from going through what we’re going through. This guy killed our son; he murdered our innocent baby just like that for no reason.”
The case prosecutor, Karoline Carberry, recommended a sentencing date of 24th February 2023. 14 months after the incident.
So, is the Judiciary system to blame for this outrage? Not the way they see it. The President of the UK Law Society I. Stephanie Boyce explained, “sustained and significant investment is needed across the crisis-hit justice system, otherwise unacceptable delays will continue…” However, they do admit that the state of the judiciary system is shameful. She said that the urgent fee increase required to be able to change the current state is 15% and referred to the government’s proposed 9% increase as woeful.
Could we have another strike on our hands?
By Roahil & Reece Yr9
Carres Grammar School, Sleaford
What a heart breaking story and an important one to raise. The family must be in a state of absolute limbo – awful.
A very sad story 🫡
Heart breaking story, well raised point to highlight improvement needed in the system.