The things you hear on the top deck of bus

Jun 27 2008 by Alison Lowson, Editor

I’VE often wondered what motivates folk to follow a life of crime.

Listening to the defence lawyers, it seems that most (criminals, not lawyers that is!) are the victims of tragic personal circumstances – family bereavements, serious illness, chronic substance abuse, broken homes etc., take your pick.

But sitting on the bus behind one young man travelling to his court appearance this week, I think I’m now somewhat the wiser.

The gent in question – who had just turned 18 and was already the father of an 18-month-old daughter – was regaling his friend, and the whole top deck, with the story of how he had squandered his birthday money on a drink and drugs blow-out.

Somewhat annoyed that he had nothing left to buy new clothes – “f****** p***** off” was how he put it – he hatched the cunning plan to rob a local business.

There was no remorse, embarrassment . . . nothing. Dad-of-the-year was just mightily miffed that his cunning plan had come to naught.

No doubt the court had to listen to some manufactured sob story before this young lowlife was let off with a fine.