A man was sentenced to 6 months in prison for stealing a £3.50 bottle of water during the 2011 London riots, which some felt was an unjustly harsh punishment that did not fit the crime, though others argued it was a fair response given the unusual circumstances of widespread civil unrest.

1. If somebody were to steal this bottle of water… What sort of punishment would you expect them to get? A few hours of community work? Or 6 months In Prison?

2. A few hours of community work? Not in this case. A man was jailed for 6 months for stealing a £3.50 bottle of water. Why?

3. If you chose 6 months, you were correct… But why 6 months? The circumstances were unusual The law have decided to be tougher on criminals

4. The circumstances are unusual Correct, the circumstances were unusual. This took place during the London riots. Yes, the punishment was fair But was the punishment just? No, he did not deserve that punishment.