I have an absolute and strong opposition to capital punishment but I let out a celebratory "Yes!" when I read Harold Shipman found dead in cell.
I followed the trial with some interest, largely because a key player was someone my family knew. Afterwards I read a newspaper comment that the trial didn't get sufficient media coverage - a view somewhat underlined by the blanket coverage of Soham - because his victims all appeared to be elderly women, and elderly women are simply not 'sexy' enough for mass media coverage.
During the trial I had my doubts as to whether a guilty verdict would be passed, and was pleased when it was. Then the case made the headlines, and it slowly began to dawn on the media that this was absolute dynamite. Suddenly, the women weren't so elderly, helpless and unsexy.
Killing people is awful. Full stop. Killing people just because you can is even more awful. To do such a thing, and in such mind-boggling numbers, when in a position of absolute trust hits at the very core of what we hold dear. Cynical about our media, I think this case would have had far more publicity in Britain if it had occurred in the USA. The fact that it occurred in an anonymous sleepy town in the North (although one with previous form in notorious serial killing) made it almost a non-story. Subsequently, I have become aware of how many acquaintances are affected by this story. I'm not sure there will be dancing on the streets of Hyde this evening, but I am sure that few will mourn his passing.
