Re:Not Punished for the Violence? (Score 1)

For those others who only skimmed the headlines:

"the defendant was charged with kicking the victim's head and body and trying to strangle him"
and
"The lawsuit only dealt with the theft of the goods - a virtual amulet and a virtual mask in RuneScape"

This case is only news- (or rather, Slashdot-) worthy because of the latter crime, but two took place - assault and virtual theft.

Considering the investment of time many people put into virtual activities (including writing comments on /.), I think it's an excellent idea for a judge to set this kind of precedent, especially for a crime committed by, and on, a child.