DonT - your last cross-posted with mine. WTF you mean, 'there are no degrees of guilt'? If that is the case, why are different sentences ever passed for what appear on the charge sheet as the same offence?

Is not that the attitude that led to death sentences in 18C & early-19C for stealing anything over the value of 5/- as well as for murder?

Of course there are 'degrees of guilt'.

I am sorry, but I am afraid yours strikes me as the assertion of somebody who is determined to come over as not right bright.