Justice Minster Ken Clarke has been saying that most of the rioters have been to prison before and they didn’t learn their lesson – well, what does he expect when our whole prison system makes a mockery of justice?

When will you realise, Mr Clarke, that prison life in England has been allowed to become so easy that no one minds going to prison today. Unlike America, where men and women fear going to prison?

Here, however, even the time doesn’t fit the crime. Don’t tell me it does, because years ago I had been there and done that and prison wasn’t a very pleasant place to be.

But you won’t rehabilitate anyone by making the prison as easy as you can.

Of course I can see your point: make it as easy as you can and perhaps they won’t riot – ha ha!

Come down off that stupid planet you’re on and join us in the real world.

P HOWARD, Brome Place, Barton Estate, Headington