Story Archive

Hoodlum

When Robert Darragh, 21, of Belfast, Northern Ireland, saw several photos of himself online, he helpfully “tagged” himself so that others would know who was in the photos. That’s just what police were hoping for: the photos were from a riot last summer, and investigators were especially keen to identify the man who, they said, had been especially prolific at throwing things at police officers there; 29 officers were injured, with one having his ear torn mostly off. Darragh was difficult to identify because he had covered his face during the rioting, and wore a hood. He pleaded guilty to rioting, and was sentenced to two years; one must be served in prison, and the other can be out “on license” (parole). (RC/Belfast Telegraph) ...Because two years without online access was deemed cruel and unusual for a 20-year-old.