Wherever you are, whoever you are, whether you knew what you had got involved in or not, you have shown courage that few people will experience or have to experience. When I first heard that you'd been arrested all I could think was 'surely not? Michelle?'. Your guilt or innocence will remain a question for many in your now infamous 15 minutes, what will never be in doubt for me will be your courage.
I hope that your new life will be quiet and that you don't have to look over your shoulder and fear knocks on the door for too long. What you did in court was the right thing to do, but I don't think I could have done it. Don't pay attention to those that question your motives. Politicans like Gordon Brown talk about courage a lot, they haven't got a clue what real courage is.
21 comments:
I fully endorse your sentiments there Dizzy.
Courage? Are you mad?
The woman was a central part of the plot to steal over £50 million. As part of this plot, a man's family were kidnapped and then caged along with several other innocent workers.
She only coughed in exchange for charges being dropped against her. She is a prison-shy crim who deserves nothing but contempt.
I don't know about this woman at all ... but Andy, would you prefer criminals to give evidence that enables a conviction or for them never to give evidence at all?
The crime underlying this case was apalling; the people involved despicable. They deserve their sentences. That one of those involved decided to give evidence that enables the conviction is surely something to be applauded?
True, andy, she's a prison-shy criminal- one who has made a rational choice between banged up for a long time and turning Queen's evidence with all the associated risks. Her criminal behaviour is despicable; but her decision to help the forces of law and order achieve convictions is praiseworthy, given the risks she is taking and the repentance her actions suggest.
I do worry about some of the company Dizzy keeps, though.
Oh Dizzy you like people who live a little on the wild side, eh?
x Gem
Dizzy, are you part of that jury - is this the trial you have been at?
Also, is she an ex of yours - or what?
I'm with Andy, she gave up the rest of the gang to avoid going to prison. What's brave about that ? Had she gone to the police when first approached to help in this crime, then that would have been bravery.
As if I would be on a jury in a trial that 's been going for six months and involves someone I have met?! :rolleyes:
No she's not an ex, and it's worth making the point that she was never found guilty of anything. You can believe she was guilty of course but as far as the law is concerned it doesn't make it so.
I have met michelle many times a few years back now, she even cut my hair, she is not a 'bad' person, I also wish her well, I don't know how she got mixed up with these people, but Michelle my family and I are thinking of you and wish you all the best. Maybe leave the country if you can and start that new life in Canada, Australia or New Zealand.
But she apparently admitted her guilt and was let 'off' because she grassed. I hear she had a nervous breakdown. That's sad - but she'll spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder. That's sadder.
I suppose when you're young you don't really take on board the full consequences of your actions? dunno - but I wouldn't want to be in her shoes. I can't say that I think what she did was 'courageous' though. Why do you think it took courage to grass?
Maybe she was just a coward for not accepting responsibility for her actions? I guess it all depends on you where you're standing...? It's hard to even imagine being put in that position in the first place - so I don't know. Balls or bottled it?
No, she was never found guilty of anything because she made a deal with the police. Its not about believing she was guilty - she stood up in court and said
"Bless you Stuart, but it was that bungalow. I did a face cast of you, Stuart, a nose was made for you."
Courage is doing the right thing when the odds are stacked against you - not doing the right thing or facing prison!
I'm glad she gave Queen's evidence but am under no illusions as to her motivations
Absolutely right, Lord Beaconsfield.
Andy, let me clarify for a second. I don;t doubt she made the masks, make-up etc. The question for me has always been, since the first time I heard about it, was did she really know what she was making these guys up for. I have serious doubts that people arranging a £53m heist would tell her. I may be wrong of course and that is just my opinion.
So she turned Queen's Evidence. Motivation? Who is to know.
But we do know this.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:7)
What about the guy whose farmhouse was used to count the cash while he was fast asleep?
He is aquitted.
I do hope he is on the police protection register.
With you all the way, Dizzy. All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men/women to do nothing.
Dizzy I see your angle but just don't believe her:
Roger Coe-Salazar, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Kent, said: “We did not accept that Michelle Hogg had no knowledge of what she was doing and we still don’t.” The decision to drop charges against her was “public-interest based”, he added.
I just think those bastards got away with it far too lightly.
They will probably be out of prison before Conrad Black - whereas if this were the States they would be eating porridge while they pensioners.
It is they who should have to look over their shoulders, and who should be banged up for good if they ever try to retrieve the cash when they serve their sentences.
Mr P your so sweet and so very right in every way.I'm sure she'll reads this. Michelle we love you and miss you. Mu x ///(*_*)\\\
There is an interview with Michelle Hogg at http://www.guardiannews.co.uk
Hey,
I'm not 100% sure how I feel about Michelle. She is helping bring down a group criminals but I don't think she is as innocent as she seems. I was in the Old Bailey today for the hearing and somethings didn't quite fit. We were showed photos of her bin which she packed after the robbery made the news. She had ripped up and (more importantly) cut up incriminating pieces of evidence. When questioned on this, she claimed that she was just so shocked when she heard about the robbery that she didn't really know what she was doing.
Post a Comment