WTF? Bernie bribes his way out of bribery case?
Discussion
People keep talking about this being a fine.
My understanding is that it isn't a fine but a settlement which was negotiated to stop the trial and avoid the inevitable guilty verdict.
Could have been a guilty verdict with a fine of this (or higher) level. This did not do the German state or the public any justice.
Comparisons to PPI etc are kind of relevant but at least they have had guilty verdicts and we're not allowed to buy their way out of a judgment and the associated legacy / record?
It may be just the way things are. But it's a very sorry situation.
My understanding is that it isn't a fine but a settlement which was negotiated to stop the trial and avoid the inevitable guilty verdict.
Could have been a guilty verdict with a fine of this (or higher) level. This did not do the German state or the public any justice.
Comparisons to PPI etc are kind of relevant but at least they have had guilty verdicts and we're not allowed to buy their way out of a judgment and the associated legacy / record?
It may be just the way things are. But it's a very sorry situation.
Hungrymc said:
People keep talking about this being a fine.
My understanding is that it isn't a fine but a settlement which was negotiated to stop the trial and avoid the inevitable guilty verdict.
Could have been a guilty verdict with a fine of this (or higher) level. This did not do the German state or the public any justice.
Comparisons to PPI etc are kind of relevant but at least they have had guilty verdicts and we're not allowed to buy their way out of a judgment and the associated legacy / record?
It may be just the way things are. But it's a very sorry situation.
Looked at another way:My understanding is that it isn't a fine but a settlement which was negotiated to stop the trial and avoid the inevitable guilty verdict.
Could have been a guilty verdict with a fine of this (or higher) level. This did not do the German state or the public any justice.
Comparisons to PPI etc are kind of relevant but at least they have had guilty verdicts and we're not allowed to buy their way out of a judgment and the associated legacy / record?
It may be just the way things are. But it's a very sorry situation.
The trial last another few months, with delays that were unavoidable or, perhaps, an important bit fell off Ecclestone and he had to go and have it refitted. Then there is the judgment. If he is found guilty there will be a fine and possibly, although unlikely, a prison sentence. That means all the legal proceedings are over. Although they might not be.
There's an appeal, then another appeal, all this where the defendant is approaching 84 at the moment.
Then there are delays 'cause the old boy is feeling old and such like. So we are looking at another year or so.
On top of that, Germany is a foreign country. What if Ecclestone doesn't want to go there. I mean, what are the odds for a German GP the season after a guilty verdict?
What are the odds for Ecclestone not bothering to pay said fine or serve said time inside and instead retire to some island?
Further, Ecclestone, even if the reports of his wealth are exaggerated, has enough, it would appear, to pay for some expensive briefs. As with the briefs you and I buy, the silk onces are expensive and give lots of comfort. So there is always the chance that an appeal will be successful on a point of law.
So looked on that way, the decision, with the requirement that the fine is paid in full within a short time, means the Germans come out ahead. What does a finding of guilt mean to Ecclestone? He'll still be in charge of CVC until it is sold.
Not only that, this is one in the eye, one of two in fact, for Ecclestone. Sure, Sky sports and the BBC will still fawn over him but many in the sports must be looking at Ecclestone as yesterday's problem and counting the days.
Derek Smith said:
Looked at another way:
Etc
It is a fair point but it does put a price on justice.Etc
And Derek, you promised my underwear would remain our little secret!
It does seem that we take the view that there is no purpose or value in a conviction. I wonder if this conviction would have caused him problems in some business interests due to fit and proper person type checks?
Anyway, next time I get an NIP, I'll make the offer of slipping them a few quid. After all it would be better for everyone if I handed over £500 instead of £100 and avoided all the aggravation for everyone. I'll let you know how I get on.
Hungrymc said:
Anyway, next time I get an NIP, I'll make the offer of slipping them a few quid. After all it would be better for everyone if I handed over £500 instead of £100 and avoided all the aggravation for everyone. I'll let you know how I get on.
Isn't that the point of speed awareness courses? No points on your license, just a nice little earner for someone?RYH64E said:
Isn't that the point of speed awareness courses? No points on your license, just a nice little earner for someone?
Exactly. Although having sat through half a day of the Daily Wail hand-wringing "think of the children"... "you're a decent person aren't you"... biased blinkered s
te that is a Speed Awareness Course I'd have happily paid £500 to not have the points *and* not have to attend, than to pay the £90 and attend. There is an argument that the courts should not concern themselves with likely fallout. A certain course of action should not be chosen merely because of the likely cost to the offender over and above a fine/other penalty it imposes. If the FIA needs a conviction to rid itself of the stained Ecclestone then that is its problem and nothing to do with the court.
We have him criticised in court at a level that, many - at least many people called Derek Smith - feel, bar him from any sport. On top of that he's seen fit to pay off two cases to stop prosecution.
Still, what did one expect when they ran with Mosley.
We have him criticised in court at a level that, many - at least many people called Derek Smith - feel, bar him from any sport. On top of that he's seen fit to pay off two cases to stop prosecution.
Still, what did one expect when they ran with Mosley.
Derek Smith said:
There is an interview with Ecclestone on BBC, an excerpt of which was on the 6 'clock news. In it he says of the fraud trial which cost him $100m - "I was found completely innocent."
Bernie is so good at deceit, subterfuge, and deviousness that it appears he's even able to lie to himself. 
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