I don't think that the Stocks is a suitable punishment for the crime of attempted robbery with a knife. Stocks should only be used for less serious/life threatening offences.

Following a crime against spelling committed by Brian I gave him the opportunity to serve his punishment in the stocks (see http://www.se23.com/forum/showthread.php...1#pid32811), but he never turned up. As a result I can only conclude that this advocacy for stocks is only half-hearted and should be dropped. However, I have noticed that Brian's spelling has got better, so perhaps it has had the necessary deterrent effect afterall. Perhaps Brian can tell us if this threat has changed his behaviour substantially?