THE terrible events in Soham continue to hold a grip on the thoughts of Britain.

Whether it is through the public expressions of sympathy through a minute's silence or the laying of flowers at churches throughout the country, the loss of these two innocent lives continues to sadden and bewilder.

One can only sympathise with the parents of Holly and Jessica and marvel at the dignified way in which they have conducted themselves throughout.

A stark contrast to the baying mob which last week vented its fury as Maxine Carr was driven to her magistrates court appearance.

Miss Carr is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. More serious charges may follow, though her lawyer insists she was not involved in either the abduction or murder of the two schoolgirls.

It is for a jury to decide on her guilt and a judge to decide on the punishment if any is merited.

That is why I applaud the decision to allow Miss Carr to follow the latest court proceedings via videolink with Holloway prison rather than appear personally.

Many people, including myself, have criticised the courts in the past for their decisions so it is only right I praise them for sparing us a repeat of the sickening spectacle of Miss Carr's first court appearance.

Young children in the street were clearly terrified as a lynch mob tried to hijack a police convoy and prise open the police van carrying Miss Carr.

The parents of those children should have faced charges for child cruelty - what did they think it was? A day trip out for the family?

Those who fought with the police in an attempt to mete out their own warped form of justice should hold their heads in shame. Policing such a near riot costs the taxpayer a fortune and leaves a shortage of cover for real emergencies. Miss Carr will have to answer for her actions in person in due course - that will be the time to judge her, not before.

APPARENTLY we are all a bunch of grumpy old moaners, Victor Meldrews battling daily against the strains of everyday life.

Of course it is another survey that provides this gem of information - no doubt a subsequent survey will reveal the British are the happiest people in Europe, just as one survey reveals that house prices are rocketing whilst another reveals the boom is over.

But before I start whinging about the accuracy of surveys, I have two observations. Firstly, there's nothing wrong with a good old moan, it clears the system, clears the air and stimulates conversation. Secondly, I don't think we are a bunch of moaners.

Recently, in my capacity as Mayor of Middlesbrough, I agreed to answer a selection of questions from the public. The tone of the vast majority was not generated by self interest but more general concerns like the preservation of local buildings for future generations or the improvement of Middlesbrough for the whole community.

Of course, it's also worth remembering that in a few years time the present will be referred to as the Good Old Days - better make the most of them.