Last cut is the deepest

So Justice Secretary Ken Clarke is to drop the manifesto proposal that anyone caught carrying a knife would be subject to an automatic prison sentence.

The Coalition have now lost the moral high ground when it comes to law and order but is anyone really surprised that they are backtracking on yet another promise?

Is this justice?

Today, the Daily Mail runs a horrific story about a shopkeeper facing a murder charge after defending himself against a scumbag career criminal with a string of convictions going back to 1999.

Loser Liam Kilroe attempted to rob Tony Singh at 9.40pm on Sunday 17 February 2008 after a 13-hour day minding his corner shop in a parade of stores in Skelmersdale, Lancashire.

Incredibly, Kilroe had been given bail last year despite pleas that he remain in custody after the collapse of his trial for two robberies.

Lancashire Police issued a warrant for his arrest last week after he failed to appear in court. He was on the run when he targeted Mr Singh's late-night shop.

Now, Mr Singh has a terrible wait to find out if he will face murder or manslaughter charges.

I thought the government had said that it would not be prosecuting anyone for defending themselves. More weasel words from this mendacious bunch of spivs running this country.

Mr Singh is a hard-working man who serves a local community often working 13-14 hours days in his shop. Liam Kilroe was a waste of space - let him rot.


UPDATE: (Wed 27 Feb) In a rare outburst of common sense the CPS has announced that it will not be prosecuting Mr Singh.

Another Labour initiative... that will go nowhere

Jacqui Smith, the home secretary, has announced that thugs who carry knives will be sent down for four years under a new crackdown.

And the band played "I'll believe it when I see it".