PROSECUTE CRIMINALS

It is to be hoped that Kenneth Clark, the Justice Secretary, has noted what the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, voiced as his concern about violent criminals who are not brought before the courts.

For far too long in Britain criminals have escaped prosecution in order not to overcrowd jails even more. Social do-gooders invoke all sorts of arguments in order to avoid the prosecution of identified criminals. Theft is one thing but as Lord Judge points out the non prosecution of offenders when violence has been involved in a crime, is not acceptable.

Kenneth Clarke wants to reduce the cost of the prison budget, which is admirable. However, he cannot avoid his responsibility which in the final analysis is to ensure the protection of the public from criminals. In no way can he not provide the prison space required when he expects Judges to punish criminals in accordance with the law.

Kenneth Clark must realise that the soft approach to the conviction of "criminals" by the Socialists during the last 13 years resulted in the non construction of prisons. This in turn meant the avoidance of prosecutions favoured increasingly the soft approach.

Prosecutions and punishment, particularly terms of imprisonment, are effective methods which make criminels think twice. This was originally behind the idea of building prisons. Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, would not deny any of this.

For reasons outside the scope of this article, the Death Penalty was abolished in Britain and many other countries. As far as this concerns murderers who are found guilty a second time, this policy could be regretted. However, should one not punish those who repeatedly commit crimes? If the punishment is doubled each time the same criminal is convicted would this not provide the deterrant which the Lord Chief Justice seeks ?

Repetitive crimes, even by small time criminals, are the cause of much anxiety in communities. The Justice Secretary would do well to reflect on this aspect before wanting to reduce the Prison Budget !!!