Everything's been damaged by the dreaded ECHR. We can't even kick known terrorists out of the UK now. Clearly criminals' rights outweigh ours. It has probably never been a perfect system, but summary justice has often worked to everyone's benefit.
"Will you accept my award?" Yes, I'll take a fine and a week of restrictions instead of a formal punishment from a CM.
I can't beleive I'm sounding like I'm a supporter of the system. Maybe I think it could work if used properly and without prejudice.
Anyway, if Sgt N keeps his job, he'll have done well out of this, much better than a civil prosecution. I think.