THERE have been two recent cases of official inaction where the authorities have reassured us that they “have learnt lessons”.

The first was that of Alice Ruggles, brutally murdered by her stalker ex-boyfriend. The police had been aware of the situation for some time but conspicuously failed to take any effective action.

Not to worry, though: they “have learnt lessons.” A bit late, isn’t it?

The other was the case of corrupt surgeon (are there many more like him in the NHS I wonder) Ian Paterson, responsible for “butchering” hundreds of women.

Throughout his blood-soaked career of nearly 20 years there were several opportunities to stop him but on each occasion officials showed supreme indifference and unconcern. Now, however – you’ve guessed it – they’ve “learnt lessons”.

It’s a phrase that keeps cropping up, time and time again.

I know what I’d like to do with their ruddy lessons: I’d shove them up their official backsides, the useless, lazy, inept clowns.

Tony Kelly, Crook