Five things you might have missed last week
1. Family likeness
Mark Coshever, a 29-year-old Essex man, flew from Luton to Amsterdam on his daughter's passport after picking it up by mistake. Despite two checks, it went unnoticed until he reached his destination. "I was shocked," he said. "Alicia is only just two, so there's quite a difference."
2. Automatic justice
A court in Zichuan District, China, is using a computer program to sentence criminals. The software has been used in more than 1,500 cases ranging from robbery to murder. Its developer, Qin Ye, claims it ensures "standardised decisions", though critics accuse the court of laziness.
3. Danger mat
Bristol City Council has ordered 32,000 tenants to remove any doormats from outside their homes because they obstruct escape routes and pose a tripping risk. Ted Marshall, chair of a tenants' association, observed: "These people must be sitting in offices with nothing better to do."
4. Big Brother
"Talking" CCTV cameras on Teesside aim to shame street offenders into good conduct. Seven cameras in the town centre have been equipped to allow an operator to berate those spotted engaging in antisocial behaviour.
5. Dog day
Two dogs were married at Harrods. A shih tzu named Muffin arrived in a carriage, in a white dress, to wed a bichon frisé named Timmy. "This takes things to a whole new level," said Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today.
Post this article to
We want to encourage people to comment on our content and to exchange views with other readers and hope this will be done on a courteous basis. However, if you encounter posts which are offensive please let us know by emailing comments@newstatesman.co.uk and we will take swift action where necessary.
