Serious criminals forfeit civil rights
Politically correct lunacy has repeatedly corrupted judgment and common sense, nowhere more so than in this case.
A fine is a distinct punishment for breaking a law, but imprisonment is imposed in the interests of public protection in cases of severe or repeated criminal behaviour. Those who offend seriously enough to be excluded from society should forfeit privileges regarded as rights.
Anyone disputing the accuracy of "lunacy" and "corrupted judgment" might recall the compensation for loss of amenity awarded to prisoners released early to ease overcrowding.
Robert Dow, Tranent