Life For A Life
A life sentence for Mick Philpott for the manslaughter of his own children - is the only sensible verdict that could have been handed down by his trial judge.
But the fact that he can apply for parole after only 15 years - is a less understandable aspect of our criminal justice system where 'life' in prison doesn't really mean that a convicted killer - has to spend the rest of their life in jail.
Now I appreciate that there is a 'punishment' part to every prison sentence issued by the courts - and in Mick Philpott's case the punitive element is 15 years - after which he can apply for parole and to be released on licence back into the community.
I also understand that Mick Philpott will not be automatically be granted parole after 15 years - and that he, and others like him, have to convince the Parole Board that of their suitability to be released on licence - and that people released in this way can be recalled to prison if they commit another serious criminal offence.
Yet for all that I can't help feeling the system is wrong and that far too many serious criminals are released from prison - only to re-offend as Mick Philpott himself did - a pattern of behaviour with violent sex offenders such as Peter Tobin, for example.
I take a keen interest in the law but I couldn't really tell you how we came to the current position - where a life sentence means nothing of the kind and as someone who does not agree with the death penalty - I think it's time for a wider debate about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and its sentencing policy for serious crimes.
The only saving grace about the Mick Philpott case is that by the time he is eligible to seek parole - he will be an old man and less likely to be a danger to the public - but if he were a younger man I assume his sentence would have been exactly the same.
So in the round I can't really accept that justice has been done for the terrible deaths of 6 young children - by people who to this day still deny their guilt.
Likewise with Mairead Philpott and Paul Mosely who were both given 17 year jail sentences - which seemed about right given the roles they had played - but was then immediately undermined by the judge announcing that they would both serve only half of their sentences.
Completely crazy - if you ask me.
