Offensive Halloween...
 

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Offensive Halloween outfit, how is that a criminal offense?

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Bbc running a story about some chap who has been arrested for dressing as the Manchester arena bomber for Halloween

now personally I wouldn’t do that, and I think it’s in bad taste and slightly offensive. But folks have been dressing as offensive characters at Halloween parties for years. I’ve seen numerous jimmy savilles in recent years, a couple of bin ladens, and at least one Harold shipman.

in poor taste, yes. A crime? I’m not so sure ..


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:14 pm
 igm
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Agreed - probably somewhat more than slightly offensive but it shouldn’t be illegal.


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:15 pm
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Posted : 02/11/2023 12:18 pm
bikesandboots, jeffl, bikesandboots and 1 people reacted
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I don't think it should be a crime, but it's an almost unbelievably dickish and insensitive thing to do. You just know without meeting him, that someone who would do that is going to be a grade A thunderc**t.


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:20 pm
crossed, funkmasterp, fasthaggis and 11 people reacted
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Bbc running a story about some chap who has been arrested for dressing as the Manchester arena bomber for Halloween
except, he hasn't - he was arrested for something else which is very much a crime. So, totally clickbait topic title (unless the story has been updated/changed since you read it)

Also (as above) guy is 100% a massive throbber regardless.


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:21 pm
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Shouldn't be a crime but is definitely insensitive. But how far do you go and where would the line be for what is acceptable or is unacceptable?

We're only a few days away from a national celebration where we burn a Catholic effigy. Should organisers and attendee's be arrested?


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:22 pm
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I haven't seen the outfit so I'm going to guess that:

The costume wasn't an arena bomber costume but rather a "Muslim bomber" costume.

The difference between that and say a Jimmy Saville one being one is discernably a specific individual, the other is very much a caricature of a social group and suggesting that that group are largely terrorists and could reasonably been seen to be inciting racial hatred and violence.

We’re only a few days away from a national celebration where we burn a Catholic effigy

Outside of places where they're largely going to do it to piss off catholics I don't think you'll find the effigy is nowadays broadly intended to be catholic, I don't imagine most know our care these days. (I suspect you're more likely to find Boris being thrown on the bonfire than the pontif. Though this year I imagine there may be a lot of guys made up to look like they're from the very rough vicinity of Jerusalem, and I think it should be dealt with as hate crime though I very much doubt it will be)


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:23 pm
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The force said a man was arrested on 1 November on suspicion of using a public communication network to send offensive messages and other offences.

the costume could well also be behaviour likely to cause a breech of the peace or whatever the legal wording is


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:31 pm
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dangeourbrainFull Member<br />I haven’t seen the outfit so I’m going to guess that:

The costume wasn’t an arena bomber costume but rather a “Muslim bomber” costume

He was wearing a T Shirt with I Love Ariana Grande on it. ......


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:38 pm
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he was arrested for something else which is very much a crime<br />

such as? I got the impression he posted a pic of his outfit online, and was subsequently arrested for using an online platform for posting an offensive message


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:44 pm
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He was wearing a T Shirt with I Love Ariana Grande on it. ……

As a grown man? That is quite offensive!

That won't have been it though will it otherwise it wouldn't be a costume - offensive or otherwise - it world just be a t-shirt


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:46 pm
 igm
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the costume could well also be behaviour likely to cause a breech of the peace or whatever the legal wording is

Same’s true of most football shirts to be honest.

The radio story I heard initially suggested he had been lifted for the costume. If that’s the case, hmmm, if it was something else fair enough.
But yes, tasteless, insensitive and being a first class idiot definitely apply.


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:47 pm
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https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/64/section/4/enacted

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/64/section/5/enacted#:~:text=5Harassment%2C%20alarm%20or%20distress.&text=(b)displays%20any%20writing%2C,harassment%2C%20alarm%20or%20distress%20thereby.

Section 4 or 5 POA 1986 would cover  this + whatever malicious communications he sent (which can be basically posting it on social media these days, I think)


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:52 pm
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See also the guy that got done for dressing as Postman Pat carrying a package for Neil Lennon.

Last I checked being a dick wasn't an arrestable offence, good thing too or a lot of us would be on a shaky nail.


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:52 pm
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He was wearing a T Shirt with I Love Ariana Grande on it. ……

and a backpack with Boom, TNT written on it.

Are we saying that the offence was posting a picture of himself on social media? What if he'd simply gone to the party/event and someone else had posted a photo of him? Who gets arrested in those circumstances?


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:54 pm
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Section 4 or 5 POA 1986 would cover  this<br />

fair enough but surely any victim of childhood sex abuse would be offended by a saville outfit?

Where do you set the bar for this? Remember price harry dressed as a nazi? I’d say that was equally offensive. He was rightly called out on it, but can’t remember the police getting involved 


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 12:58 pm
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such as? I got the impression he posted a pic of his outfit online, and was subsequently arrested for using an online platform for posting an offensive message
@tpbiker yes, that's the crime. I suggest you acquaint yourself with the law 😂 You can't just post whatever you want online with no repercussions! He was definitely not arrested for simply wearing an outfit in the street, despite what your thread title suggests, or you might mistakenly think!


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 1:00 pm
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An election is coming, the Tories are back to showing they're "tough on crime".


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 1:02 pm
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person is guilty of an offence if he—

(a)uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or

(b)displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,

within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby.

This is S5 of the Public Order Act 1986.

From dim & distant memory, “within hearing or sight of any person likely” doesn’t mean anyone actually has to be harrased, alarmed or distressed.

I personally think it’s good legislation as it can be a warning to those who believe “freedom of speech” or “I’m just being honest”, or “just saying it as it is”, are excuses for being complete dicks.

As with all law, the way in which it is applied is key, but also as a member of a happy & functioning society, it’s members would do well to understand the law & their obligations within its framework.

So, for all those who have been affected by the Manchester Arena bombing - I hope they throw away the key.


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 1:02 pm
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So a quick look for the story in question,i couldn't find it on the BBC but did find it on the Manchester evening news

this week of a man wearing a headdress

So not just a t-shirt.

North Yorkshire Police has now confirmed...

I've a suspicion I was maybe briefly at the same party, and yeah, if I was, it was a caricature Arab costume.


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 1:05 pm
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Better cancel bonfire night then because my any modern definition Guy Fawkes was a terrorist


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 1:06 pm
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I’m assuming it’s this one:

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/23897080.north-yorkshire-police-arrest-man-halloween-costume/


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 1:09 pm
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'slightly offensive' 😳


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 1:09 pm
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Better cancel bonfire night then because my any modern definition Guy Fawkes was a terrorist

Attempted to overthrow the standing government by blowing them, up with a big bomb. Thats pretty much the definition of a terrorist.


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 1:11 pm
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Whatever the rights and wrongs of the arrest, I'm glad it happened because the bloke seems like someone who deserves to be harrassed non-stop.


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 1:19 pm
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**** me, they really do walk amongst us don't they.

No idea what his employment is but that's likely got to end it surely?


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 3:29 pm
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the bloke seems like someone who deserves to be harrassed non-stop.

Which is also against the law.

So who is more worthy of being held to account here?

Anyway, the outcome of this one is already depressingly obvious:

Arsehole is tried, found not to have broken law because legal reasons.

Out of touch judges, law not fit for purpose etc.

New law demanded by Home Secretary, enthusiastically cheered on by usual suspects.

New law named [insert victims name here]'s law.

New law incorporates severe overreach from original intent. Rights groups flag major concerns.

Loony lefties castigated for trying to thwart [insert victims name here]'s law.

Law passes

People suddenly surprised you're not allowed to X & Y any more, offence redefined to include criticism of government.


 
Posted : 02/11/2023 4:17 pm
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Remember prince harry dressed as a nazi?

There was a time, probably not that long ago, possibly even around then, when it wouldn’t have been unusual to have someone turn up to a fancy dress party dressed as someone from ‘Allo Allo’, which would have included a bunch of other stereotypes that might push the buttons of a few sensitive types these days.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 1:12 am
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I don’t think you’ll find the effigy is nowadays broadly intended to be catholic, I don’t imagine most know our care these days. (I suspect you’re more likely to find Boris being thrown on the bonfire than the pontif.

Boris is a Catholic 🙂

But I take your point, Nov 5th is no longer really about the old gunpowder plot...


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 7:01 am
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Boris would burn too quickly given that he appears to be made out of tallow and straw.

Guy from the OP is a WGBE.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 7:11 am
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There was a time, probably not that long ago, possibly even around then, when it wouldn’t have been unusual to have someone turn up to a fancy dress party dressed as someone from ‘Allo Allo’, which would have included a bunch of other stereotypes that might push the buttons of a few sensitive types these days.

bollocks!


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 7:49 am
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I went to a "bollocks" party around 2000.  Sound of Music theme, no actual Nazi insignia, but someone was resplendent in an East German border guard's uniform.  I was strapped for stuff, but rustled up a brown uniform (no not the shirt) and went as a lonely goat turd.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 8:25 am
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There was a time, probably not that long ago, possibly even around then, when it wouldn’t have been unusual to have someone turn up to a fancy dress party dressed as someone from ‘Allo Allo’, which would have included a bunch of other stereotypes that might push the buttons of a few sensitive types these days.

Im 62 and I cannot remember a time when this would have been acceptable.   I knew back in the mid 70s it was not


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 8:34 am
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If you're sensitive/insensitive enough any costume is offensive/hilarious.

I'm genuinely envious of people who have the time, capacity and motivation to be offended by some mouth-breather playing dress up.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 8:39 am
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Allo Allo’, which would have included a bunch of other stereotypes that might push the buttons of a few sensitive types these days.

As usual commonsense dictates what is acceptable. Allo Allo is set in a French café and the German army and Gestapo are portrayed as ridiculous, stupid, and inept, plus it is widely seen as actually funny.

An alternative comedy series called "Laughing Gas" set in a Nazi concentration camp where the inmates are all bumbling fools would clearly fail the acceptable criteria.

I can understand how some people who might have been personally affected by the Manchester Arena bombing which killed 22 and injured over 800, of which many were children, might be deeply offended by someone publicly treating it as some kind of hilarious joke.

And I don't see the comparison with Guy Fawkes. There is little doubt that hundreds, if not thousands, of people alive today have been deeply and personally affected by the Manchester Arena bombing, it is not a historic incidence from a distant past.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 9:04 am
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I’m genuinely envious of people who have the time, capacity and motivation to be offended by some mouth-breather playing dress up.

Most folk don't need to as there's also someone willing to be offended on their behalf.

Im 62 and I cannot remember a time when this would have been acceptable

You just went to the wrong sorts of parties.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 9:08 am
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Im 62 and I cannot remember a time when this would have been acceptable

You just went to the wrong sorts of parties.

To be fair to TJ anyone that thinks Allo Allo was funny probably isn't the sort of person you want organising a party.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 9:58 am
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To be fair to TJ anyone that thinks Allo Allo was funny probably isn’t the sort of person you want organising a party.

Twas a big thing in the 80's thou., I never really got it.

May be why the young ones and bottom appealed to me.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 2:53 pm
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To be fair to TJ anyone that thinks Allo Allo was funny probably isn’t the sort of person you want organising a party.

I used to love Allo Allo! Nothing wrong with a bit of slapstick!!


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 3:41 pm
ernielynch, doomanic, doomanic and 1 people reacted
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May be why the young ones and bottom appealed to me.

You cant go as fancy dress as either of those options, The Young Ones is an offensive caricature of student life, and Bottom for long term unemployed socially inept men who wear y fronts.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 3:52 pm
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I'm The Peoples Poet and Nazis are bottom burps so it would be uncool to dress up like one.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 3:55 pm
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It was the kind of thing your parents would approve of.

Ergo, shit.

Just thinking out loud, does anyone think Chris Morris should have been jailed for the Brass Eye Pedophile Special?


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 4:01 pm
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Jeez thats along time ago now. Did some lazy re-reading on wiki and did find this amusing paragraph...

[url= https://i.postimg.cc/d11nMkTQ/20231103-161421.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/d11nMkTQ/20231103-161421.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

My memory of that show is that it was about media exploitation of something horrific. But as ive not seen it in over 20 years thats probably not reliable.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 4:16 pm
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Just thinking out loud, does anyone think Chris Morris should have been jailed for the Brass Eye Pedophile Special?

Jailed for what?


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 4:23 pm
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Just thinking out loud, does anyone think Chris Morris should have been jailed for the Brass Eye Pedophile Special?

You're thinking noncesense

Jailed for what?

Possession of cake with intent to supply


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 4:26 pm
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Super glue his costume on and drop him off in Salford. The ask how hilario his bantz  is


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 4:35 pm
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Jailed for what?

Offence to victims of pedophilia for making light of it? I mean, there's clearly a line where people think it seems to be okay to jail someone for being offensive and continue to harass them for doing so, I'm just trying to get a feel for where it is.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 6:27 pm
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Attempted to overthrow the standing government by blowing them, up with a big bomb. Thats pretty much the definition of a terrorist.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslav_Ministry_of_Defence_building

🤔


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 6:37 pm
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Careful now. Criticism of NATO isnt allowed


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 6:40 pm
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Not seeing either of your points, it was a military target in a conflict which, lets not forget, may have been avoided [url= https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srebrenica_massacre ]if Serbia didn't have form[/url]. Lets not start pretending the Serbs were nice people that had the Kosovans best interests at heart. Lets also not pretend there wasn't plenty of outrage and guilt at what had been allowed to happen previously.


 
Posted : 03/11/2023 9:54 pm

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