[Wynonie Harris]

Must admit, Mel, I've never been in your position but I did undertake jury service a few years ago and I was surprised at the way defence barristers were given carte blanche to harrass the victims but prosecution barristers had to tiptoe around defendants.

I think a lot of it stems from the fact that the Charter of Human Rights was incorporated into British law by this government in 1998. At the time, they promised that it would improve the rights of ordinary citizens. Instead, we have found that our rights have actually decreased (proposed introduction of identity cards), while criminals have used it to their advantage. There have been recent offenders have been released early to commit more crimes because the probation service was afraid of breaching their human rights.

If Tony Blair was really serious about what he says he would repeal or at least amend this act (even though it would limit his wife's employment opportunities)...but don't hold your breath.