Prank or crime?

summerdreamn

Have you seen the video about the "Prank by a couple of idiots at the Galway races"? Where some guys tip over a portaloo with someone inside during the races?

I am just confused with the response it has received on the internets.

Most people agree that it was a crappy thing to do (pardon the pun). But there seems to be a divide as to whether it was just a prank or a crime. Regardless of whether they knew who was in it at the time or if they were injured, surely, tipping it over is still criminal damage?

On another note, people seem to be tagging the lads in the video on facebook and youtube and they seem to be quite proud of themselves. Not sure I would be if I was their employer.

john.han

Pranks can be crimes, in this instance the potential crimes are assault, criminal damage, disorderly conduct... Some level of intent is necessary for all crimes but direct intent is only necessary for certain ones. Recklessness is sufficient intent for assault if someone was inside.

camel jockey

summerdreamn wrote: »

Have you seen the video about the "Prank by a couple of idiots at the Galway races"? Where some guys tip over a portaloo with someone inside during the races?

Did the occupant end up covered in faeces and urine?

the_syco

If the occupant ended up getting covered in poop and piss, I'd say they could ask for the hooligans to be charged with assault. Added to that, the bleach used to negate the poop may cover the victim, which I believe can cause harm to the users skin.

brian_t

Could the Gardai take action on the Video evidence alone or would they have to identify the victim ?

Zambia

brian_t wrote: »

Could the Gardai take action on the Video evidence alone or would they have to identify the victim ?

That would depend on the charge.

LowKeyReturn

Section 2 assault can be consented to, so can section 3 despite Dolny. Criminal damaged however...

Corkbah

summerdreamn wrote: »

Have you seen the video about the "Prank by a couple of idiots at the Galway races"? Where some guys tip over a portaloo with someone inside during the races?

I am just confused with the response it has received on the internets.

Most people agree that it was a crappy thing to do (pardon the pun). But there seems to be a divide as to whether it was just a prank or a crime. Regardless of whether they knew who was in it at the time or if they were injured, surely, tipping it over is still criminal damage?

On another note, people seem to be tagging the lads in the video on facebook and youtube and they seem to be quite proud of themselves. Not sure I would be if I was their employer.

you could take that opinion at any stage of a prank ....
at what point is it ever simply kids having a laugh....its always at someone else's expense, so its always a form of bullying....pranks in their simplest form are bullying, so.... does it only become a criminal act when the victim suffers a physical injury, develops mental issues or decides to confront the bullies.... or when a do-gooder decides its not fair.

stand up comedy is based on a fine line..... they have to guage whats acceptable to make fun of, didn't Tommy Tiernan get slated for his special needs comments in the Cork Opera House a few years back, or the big yin, billy connolly ... made jokes about a british guy being beheadded....several days after it happened (I think)..... comedians simply poke fun at (bully) a sector of society and if the masses agree then its funny, if they dont ...then the comedian is insensitive or picking on "them".

Pat Mustard

Zambia wrote: »

That would depend on the charge.

I know you're in Australia, Zambia, but that was pure Templemore!