Its all a joke here...

After being told the theft of our quad bike by a criminal already out on bail would lead to an automatic prison sentence, i was shocked to receive a letter saying that there was to be no prison sentence at all. Just a Community Order which requires the man to do so many hours work for society, oh and a Drugs course that he must attend. 
   What does it take to get a custodial sentence ? He stole while out on bail, he evaded arrest, didn't turn up at court, attended court eventually, was  released again and put under a curfew out on bail again, then was eventually given these courses and menial work as the only punishment ! 
   What message is this giving ? Of course the problem is drug related and some see it as pointless locking up such a person, but what about the public here ? When i think of all the effort and running around the Police did ,and do in like wise circumstances i just wonder why they bother at all.