Well, it would seem that 'the mob' will have their day in court despite their hounding of the man which I for one thought may have prevented such an event from taking place. As always, I am happy to be proven wrong!

Now I ask the mob to make a clear and honest commitment, if they dare!

If and when this trial takes place, will the mob except the decision of the courts if the man is acquitted, either due to a non-trial due to insufficient evidence, or he is found not guilty of the crimes as accused?

In the event that he is acquitted, will the mob allow this man to resume a normal life without being heckled constantly?

I feel there is little gain to be had by going over old ground here so unless you are a poster who is prepared to 'move on' I would respectfully request that you reserve your comments for another thread.

Like you I am bothered by
• The mob intellect, willingness to dispense with the legal process based on irrationality.
• That the government is swayed by these empty vessels (intellectual, morally) that made the most sound.
• Most of all I am disgusted with the police not sanctioning that idiot that abused her profession’s integrity for what was a pathetic display. I worry that she may attend my house for some reason then God help me because I went public defending Fergusson’s right to the law.
Some people condemn me for my stance with calls of being UnAustralian. Strewth! sometimes I not sure I want to be a seen as a human,let alone an Australian.

She can have these views but showed clearly that she lacked the self control and reason expected as a police person. (She lived 14 k from where he was!).
One wonders what it says about us overseas especially when we get on our soap box and scream at other over human rights and the rule of law.
Where are all these ‘moral people when it comes to helping others? Say the 10k’s of children in Dafur

The main point is that the trial is to go ahead.

If conducted properly and Ferguson is proved innocent beyond a doubt (which I don't believe), he would best go for an ID change as he is too well known and many people would still find him repulsive as a neighbour.

To 'respectfully request' that adverse comments not be made is a bit rich after using inflammatory language by directing this post at 'the mob'. Maybe you could 'move on' from labelling those who oppose your views in this manner.

examinator, I missed what the 'idiot that abused her profession’s integrity ' did. What happened there? Can you point me to a link?

While I too have been bothered by the (media-fanned) hysterical 'mob' aspects of this case, I'm pleased that Ferguson will now answer to a court on these latest charges.

Having said that, I think that Austin Powerless demonstrates quite succinctly the ignorant 'mob' mentality that was responsible for the charges against him being set aside in the first place:

<< ...proved innocent beyond a doubt (which I don't believe) >>

Firstly, under Australian law a to be convicted for a crime a defendant must be found *guilty* beyond *reasonable* doubt, so Austin neatly reverses the onus of proof against this defendant. Powerless exacerbates the injustice by saying that s/he "doesn't believe" that Ferguson might be innocent (or rather, not guilty, which would be the finding if the charges are not proven).

On what basis can this prejudiced disbelief be formed, other than via sensationalist media reports? Is Austin Powerless privy to facts about the case that would reasonably lead him/her to believe the defendant to be guilty prior to the case being heard in court? For some reason, I "don't believe" that to be the case.

It is precisely this kind of literal prejudice that caused the charges against Ferguson to be set aside in the first place. I certainly hope that a jury can be found in Queensland that is of a better calibre than evident "mob" member Austin Powerless.

If we did not have such pathetically inadequate judges and laws we would not be having this discussion. How can any repeat child sex offender be given yet another chance to ruin more lives. The typical latte left are more interested in their own push on civil liberties than defending the lives of young kids. We saw the same people defending the right for artists photographing and publishing young kids nude in the name of 'art'. I did notice that OLO has been completely silent over the high profile artist who has been charged with molesting young kids. Had it been a member of the clergy we would of had another dozen posts by now.

To 'respectfully request' that adverse comments not be made is a bit rich after using inflammatory language by directing this post at 'the mob'. Maybe you could 'move on' from labelling those who oppose your views in this manner

Fair point AP, however I am not talking about adverse comments, however I will refrain from using these words again at your request.
Now having entered into this debate, how about you answer the questions that were followed by a clear message/request, they being(please don't go over old ground).

Finally, I am pleased that DF will face the music it is just that I do not pass judgment on someone without the facts and, if proven guilty I will be the first to oppose any future release for the man however, if acquitted I would also respect his rights as an innocent person. Can you?