The Feathered Gavel

If anyone still needed proof of how soft our British courts have become, read on: a man found guilty of manslaughter yesterday, was told to expect a jail term. Judge Mr Justice Williams told the man in the dock that he had “no option but to impose a prison sentence”.
This is how far along the path of leniency our courts have gone. A guy commits manslaughter (murder in its other name), where the victim loses their precious life and a judge, almost as if he is afraid to mention 'prison', has to warn the killer that he must impose a custodial sentence. Could someone slap me the face please? It is time call time on this madness!
There was a time when anyone found guilty of such a serious crime as manslaughter, could expect nothing but the sternest condemnation from our Justices, followed by a lengthy prison sentence and not once would the judge show any sign that he was sorry to impose it. He sent the miserable prisoner down without remorse, satisfied he had banged the gavel of Lady Justice and had the approval of a grateful public.
But times have changed and favour now swings the way of the lawless as we bend further backwards to pamper and accomodate the criminals among us. Warnings for first time paedophile offences. A puny 12 years for murder. Videogames and satelite TV in jails. Choice of meals. Somewhere in the middle of all this change we slipped the leash and lost sight of proper punishment, believing (mostly through the trickery of liberals) that a softer, more forgiving hand was the sensible way to go.
Does it work? Hardly, all its ever given us was apologetic judges, simpering to the thugs in front of them like the one mentioned above.