Comprehension Ex.1 Choose from the list a-I the sentence which best summarises each part (1-8) of the article. There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

1. My football career continued when I was free.

2. I was betrayed by someone whom I had defended.

3. I was noticed while representing the prison.

4. I made the most of the facilities and activities.

5. I learnt that violence just leads to more violence.

6. I have been extremely successful.

7. I believe you always have a second chance.

8. I let my emotions show.

9. I stole because I needed the money.

Discussion Ex.1 Answer the following questions.

1. What do you think about Jamie's story? Has he really changed? Has he ‘paid’ for his crimes?

2. Have you ever witnessed or committed a crime? Tell the class.

3. How can governments reduce crime?

4. Do you think crime pays? Why?

5. Do you think the punishment always fits the crime? Why?

6. When can you say, 'It’s a crime to do nothing?'

Parents tried to sell baby on eBay

Police in Germany have arrested the parents of a seven-month-old baby boy after they tried to sell him on the Internet auction site eBay. The baby, named Merlin, is now in the care of the local government while police investigate his parents’ actions. The couple said they offered their son for sale on eBay 'as a joke'. Unfortunately for them, the police failed to see the funny side and are now looking into whether the couple could be guilty of child trafficking. The infant’s 23-year-old mother told Germany’s Bild newspaper: 'It was only a joke. I just wanted to see if someone would make an offer.' The baby was advertised at a starting price of one euro ($1.60) but no one placed any bids in the two hours the ad was online. German Internet users alerted the police, who tracked down the parents with the help of eBay officials.

The woman is currently undergoing tests on her fitness to be a mother. She said she posted her son online because he had become too noisy. The ad read: 'Offering my nearly new baby for sale, as it has gotten too loud. It is a male baby, nearly 70cm long and can be used either in a baby carrier or a stroller.' The title of the post was, 'Baby — Pick up in Person Only'. The mother has admitted her stunt was in very poor taste, telling the newspaper: 'I would never give up my beloved Merlin.' She fully understands the seriousness of her ‘joke’ and why people do not see it as a laughing matter. 'They've taken my son and I've got to take some psychiatric tests next week,' she said. Barbara Schmitt, a cybercrime expert, said: 'I have seen the Internet used for all kinds of bad stuff, but trying to auction a baby has to be the most ridiculous.'

Notes

to investigate	расследовать
to be guilty of smth	быть виновным в чем-либо
child trafficking	торговля детьми
bid	предложение цены
to alert	здесь: уведомить, оповещать
to admit	признавать