Dutch cyber-bullies punished

TWO TEENAGE toughs have been convicted of theft for stealing virtual goods in an online computer game world and punished by a Netherlands court.

The Dutch yoofs, 14 and 15 years old, apparently bullied a 13-year-old boy into giving them a virtual amulet and a virtual mask within the online adventure game Runescape.

"These virtual goods are goods (under Dutch law), so this is theft," the Leeuwarden District Court said Tuesday.

None of the three minors involved were identified by name.

The court sentenced both of the young wide-boys to community service, the 14 year old to 160 hours and the 15 year old to 200 hours.

They'll likely be spending their Saturdays far away from fantasy land this winter. µ

L'Inq
AP