Patricia Spottedcrow is evidence of just how terrifying the force of the law can be when faced with even the most minor drug offence. In 2010 Spottedcrow was found guilty of selling $31 worth of marijuana to an undercover cop. As it turns out, the officer wasnt giving smiles and gratitude to Patricia for sorting him out, but instead slapped the cuffs on her. At Patricias trial the mother of four was given a twelve year prison sentence for the pot sale, her first criminal offense, and separated from her children who were left in the care of their grandmother. Spottedcrow was incarcerated for two years before an enormous eruption of public outrage provoked a response. Local media circulated the story and people who felt the sentence was ridiculous began to organise and lobby for Patricias release. Although Patricia had shown impeccably good behaviour behind bars, achieving her GED and attending self-improvement programs, none of this swayed the judge until public outrage forced a legal reaction. A reduction of Spottedcrow sentence eventually led to release on parole and a tearful reunion with her family.
David O'Donoghue is a student and freelance writer from Co. Kerry, Ireland. His writing has appeared in the Irish Independent, Film Ireland, Ultraculture.com, Listverse and he is the former Political Editor for Campus.ie. He also writes short fiction and poetry which can be found at his blog/spellbook davidjodonoghue.tumblr.com
