FOR all the Government's talk of putting the crime victim first, the needs of the criminal are too often top priority.

Peter Robinson was brutally murdered. For 45 sickening minutes, he was kicked and stamped on, and even hit with a door. Two men were sentenced to life for his savage murder. They will be eligible for parole in 15 years' time, under a system many consider too lenient.

A third man, Paul Darch, was convicted of Mr Robinson's manslaughter. Originally given a two-year jail term - the short sentence taking into account his severe learning problems - the appeal court has now cut that further, to 18 months. He should be out by Christmas.

Why? So he can continue to claim housing benefit and keep his council flat.

Mr Robinson loses his life. One of his killers is freed to keep his house. This brand of lopsided compassion makes British justice a laughing stock.

It can be seen again in the case of Michael Hester. He committed scores of burglaries and thefts in a "one-man crimewave" which lasted two-and-a-half years. His victims' homes were violated, their property stolen, their peace of mind shattered.

York Judge Paul Hoffman rightly told him it was time for Hester to pay. But his six-year jail sentence was slashed in the latest London appeal court ruling to undermine local justice.

Now the Lord Chief Justice is telling courts not to jail young muggers. As they embark on a criminal career, that edict will teach them the chilling truth: they have little to fear from the law.

Updated: 09:11 Tuesday, November 29, 2005