[farginay]

I think that if it was your money paying for a lawyer you'd see the problem more readily.

The way you described the legal process is accurate: have a trial, having findings of fact. The thing people forget is that the process of being arrested, posting bail, paying for and going through the legal system, and putting one's life on hold for a period of time, is often more punishment than the fine or sentence under consideration.

This is why prosecutorial discretion and police discretion are important. When they are abused people suffer. And, sadly the accused have no voice at that stage of the process.

[DanBC]

Cultural note: is this the kind of thing that uk legal aid no longer covers?