I haven't seen any tabloid headlines on the release of Ronnie Biggs but I can imagine the kind of thing they said. As a Christian I applaud your attitude of compassion. We have a Criminal Justice System to deal with crime and punishment and look after the interests of society and that should be enough said.

The compassion shared by the likes of Padre Pio, St Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa of Calcutta among others is the highest expression of Christian virtue. Christ himself must have realised the strength that compassion gives to a human heart - which is why his parables included the story of the Good Samaritan.

Compassion, like mathematics, should be a universal constant, in my book, whosoever's words you choose to follow.