LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNELThis government like all previous, trumpets its belief in the mantra of law `n order whilst seeking to keep as many offenders as possible out of jail and in the community where they can be rehabilitated or so it is hoped. We all remember St Tony and his gospel catchphrase, “Tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime”.

It beggars belief that despite all the huffing and puffing prison authorities in Scotland have revealed that 80% of their inmates are illiterate. Forget anger management and all current jargon used to describe group sessions attempting to persuade ex cons that they can turn their lives around. Teach them how to read and write “the cat sat on the mat” and perhaps there will be some rehabilitative light at the end of the rehabilitative tunnel.