CRAIG ROBSON OF HAWICK CLAIMS PRISON IS LIKE A HOLIDAY AND NO PUNISHMENT

A resident of Hawick, 23-year-old Craig Robson of Hillend Drive, made a provocative statement claiming that going to prison is similar to going on holiday and that being jailed is not a punishment. The outburst occurred in Jedburgh Sheriff Court after Robson was sentenced to eight months in jail. Following his sentencing, Robson initially reacted angrily and started to retaliate when a security officer led him away. However, the Sheriff called him back and warned that such behavior could result in a longer sentence. Robson then shouted, "Go on then. It is like a holiday. It is no punishment." Robson had not been complying with his community payback order which was imposed for a series of offenses, including spitting at his pregnant partner, threatening to break her jaw, attempting to steal a car on Havelock Street in Hawick, threatening to petrol bomb a police officer’s vehicle, and making abusive sexual remarks to a female police officer. His defense lawyer, Hannah Short, explained that Robson has long-standing issues with drugs. She mentioned he is currently serving a five-month sentence set to end on October 21 and pleaded with the sheriff not to extend his detention, citing that he has a one-year-old child at home. Sheriff Paterson sentenced Robson to three concurrent prison terms totaling eight months for the offences.