I am planning a life of crime, but not of punishment. This week I will steal two magnums of Dom Pérignon, glug both, smash one bottle over the head of a passer-by, get in my car well over the limit and drive into a tree. If you see me on my rampage it may be best to steer clear because I’ll be packing a fork to stab those who interfere. Come my day in court I have an inkling it will be OK, though, because I am a woman, youngish, with a degree: things that seem to act as a forcefield against punishment in our criminal justice system.
Last week we learnt that a junior doctor who had twice been caught drink-driving was to be