Article - "Criminal Captured and Convicted"

I noticed during my research that many titles to articles have word play and alliteration. Originally I was going to make the title "Thief Captured and Punished" but I thought the newer title would be more eye catching. This is quite a short article because it is a 'news in brief' type article.


"A young thief has been recently captured and convicted of several robberies commited in the Staple Hill area. Jack Bergman, 20 has pleaded guilty in Bristol City Court this week, claiming that he needed rent money. Twelve different houses have been targeted. One of the victims, Mrs Croon, 73, states “I had just got off of the bus after doing my weekly shop. I was very worried when I noticed some things were missing. I’m just glad thet my pet corgi, woofy was not harmed.” Bergman has recived a year’s community service for his actions."

I felt that a custodial sentence was too extreme for a few thefts, especially under the character's circumstances so I gave the character community service instead, even though some members of the audience would prefer greater action for political reasons. I also added that the robberies were done in the Stokes Croft area to alert people living in that area what had happened. I think that making one of the victims older would invoke sympathy in the reader. I added some humour with the quote from the female character to emphasise feelings of sympathy with the reader.

I have taken the photo for this article, Tom Howarth was my model. I asked if he could make a moody, indifferent expression. He went with looking as if he had been taking drugs, which was fine as it adheres to the criminal stereotype. I did this on a plain white background as it fit in with the traditional mugshot type photo. I also made sure the shot was a close up and on a horizontal angle. I may or may not use this photo depending on the layout. Additionally, in a real newspaper the editor sometimes will deliberately exclude photos of the criminals in case they are recognised in the street and abused by members of the public or discriminated against. I may adhere to this convention as my paper is supposed to be ethical.