ANOTHER day, another slap on the wrist for a defendant who probably deserved rather stronger punishment. This time it’s a thieving carer who stole from three elderly woman she was supposed to be looking after, not ripping off.

She betrayed their trust but may feel fortunate to have received merely a suspended sentence. Next week, someone guilty of downloading child abuse image will doubtless receive the same leniency, going on past experience.

A sceptical public might welcome an explanation as to exactly what the meaning of ‘deterrent effect’ is these days.