Try convincing Chris Parrott that we live in a civilised society.

The picture of his battered face, after he was attacked by a gang of ruthless thugs outside the Morris Motors club at Cowley, still haunts us.

He and his wife Marilyn had already thought of emigrating. Now this episode has finally convinced them that they should seek a new life abroad.

What a commentary on the state of our country when decent, law-abiding people are driven out.

Meanwhile, the scum who committed the crime are free to walk the streets, ready to pounce on another unsuspecting victim.

The police have so far drawn a blank in their hunt for Mr Parrott's attackers.

Someone, somewhere in Oxford is hiding a dark secret -- they know who is responsible for beating him up. Even at this late stage, they owe it to us to turn them in.