[JupiterMoon]

Please google "joint enterprise". Just being at the scene of a crime can be enough to convicted of it in the UK.

EDIT: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_purpose

Also you don't need to be convicted of a crime in the UK to be given a record. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_caution

[peteretep]

I don't think you read either of the links you posted. For starters, you have to admit guilt to get a caution. Secondly, can you give ANY examples of people from the London riot's who were arrested for attendance only? Like even a single example?

[JupiterMoon]

Firstly this is bigger than just the riots. There are people doing long sentences for being present at crimes committed by other people. (Some of them may be fully deserving as they planned it together but others rather less so.)

Secondly do you know anyone who's ever been questioned by the police? The situation when they offer you the caution is rather intimidating.