It was reported earlier this week that a Gloucestershire woman in her 80’s was attacked and punched in the mouth by a young male whilst out walking her dog. The cowardly thug, clearly expecting no resistance, got a shock when the woman grabbed hold of his testicles causing him to fall to the ground in agony, allowing the woman to make good her escape.

It was fortunate that no serious injuries were incurred, at least on the part of the woman, although one could obviously have wished for greater harm to the young thug.

The main cause for concern other than the sickening attack on a vulnerable member of society is the knowledge that our government, carrying on the policies of its predecessors, is continuing to cut down on the funding of law enforcement by actively closing down local police stations and taking police officers off the beat.

Whilst public spending cuts are understandable, further budgeting on the police (not to mention the courts) is misguided and ill-advised. Until there is an urgent review and a reversal of this policy there are likely to be more crimes of this nature with some having a less happy ending than that of the heroic old lady from Gloucestershire.