“Actually, Charlene, that’s what I called about.  The guests you have had on this show seem to think that my only objective is to kill these five people.  If that was the case, they would all be dead by now.  What I really want is to get the people of Britain, and more importantly, the Government, thinking about introducing punishments that will eradicate recidivism.

“If your viewers go to the website they will find a new link which says ‘Justice Bill’ at the top of the page.  If they click this link they will see my recommendations and will be able to vote as to whether or not they support it or are against it.”

The anchor paused a moment as voices passed on the next question.  “What recommendations are you making, Mr Gray?”

“First of all, no more hiding behind the Human Rights Act.  When a crime is committed, someone’s Human Rights have been violated.  The person who commits that crime should have their Human Rights revoked.

“Secondly, the re-introduction of corporal punishment for second offences.  First offences can be dealt with as they currently are, but if someone re-offends they will be birched.

“Next, repeat offenders will be fined the amount in police man hours it cost to bring them to justice.  This will mean we can afford more police on the streets.

“For third offences, conscription.  Criminals will be drafted into a special regiment in the Army and paid minimum wage, with food and board deducted at source.  From their remaining salary they will be given thirty percent and the rest will go towards paying for the police time it took to bring them to justice.  On top of that, they will pay compensation to their victims.  Finally, they will pay £3000 towards the cost of forming the new regiment.  Once these debts have been paid off, they will spend a further five years in the Army on normal salary.”

While Gray was reciting his list, the anchor was receiving yet more instructions from her producer.  “Mr Gray, what if a second offender cannot pay the amount you are suggesting?”

“Then they are conscripted.”

“And what if they don’t co-operate once they are conscripted?  What if they refuse to follow the Army regimen?”

“Then they are sent to prison for as long as it would have taken to pay off their financial debt, plus ten years.  And when I say prison, I mean a real prison, not the cosy hotels we currently have.  There are more details of my idea of prisons on the website.”

“So what about...”

“Sorry, Charlene, but I have said my piece for today.  I will call again tomorrow after the government have given their assessment on my suggestions.”

Gray hung up, satisfied that he had handled himself well.  He had faced enemy fire, but that was nothing compared to a phone call with a few million eavesdroppers.

With the time approaching six thirty in the evening he checked the number of votes cast:  there were almost four million and it wasn’t looking good for Simon Arkin.