Let us put aside the vexed questions of justice, vindication, fairness and righteousness in the punishment or non-punishment of the criminal classes in our courts.
Let us simply consider the effects:
The death penalty is abolished in England and Wales - a huge spike in homicides which would have been higher still had our hospitals not been saving more lives with their advanced surgical techniques. We have never had more need to fear violent criminals.
Burglars are frequently not being jailed or are given derisory sentences. The consequence over recent decades is a huge spike in burglaries and attempted burglaries. With all of our alarm systems, security lights and wall-mounted cameras - we have never had greater cause to fear that our homes will be invaded.
Meaningless sentencing for muggers and our streets are less safe than they ever have been.
Even supermarket prices are 2% higher than they should be because shoplifters no longer have anything to fear.
Crime is worth it for almost all types of criminal.
Deterrence is desperately needed if our society is to heal itself. Were I younger and able to face the tropical heat, I would have attempted to move to Singapore where the concept of deterrence is understood.
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