THE justice system in this country is now in such disarray it's a wonder that anyone is ever jailed.

At times the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts seem to forget what their role is. Rather than protect the public, they seem to be obsessed with protecting the criminal.

Take, for example, the banners being waved and death threats shouted by extremists protesting at the publication of cartoons satirising the prophet Mohammed.

Firstly, I should say I think the media was wrong to publish the cartoons. They were of zero news value and the only purpose seems to have been to antagonise Muslims.

Also, Muslims, like any other group, have every right to protest peacefully and I'm pleased that organisers have condemned the extremists who infiltrated their demonstration.

But as these offensive banners were waved and threats issued, the police just stood by. Of course, as a police officer, you have to use common sense and assess the situation before stepping in, but the police only seem to have acted after the media highlighted the issue.

After arrest, the Crown Prosecution Service usually decides whether a case should go before the courts. Senior police officers have told me of their frustration that, in many cases, the CPS now assumes the role of judge and jury. It seems reluctant to bring charges unless it is absolutely certain someone will be found guilty. That's the job of the jury.

When Abu Hamza was first shown on television preaching his hatred I'm sure I wasn't the only person who wondered why action wasn't taken immediately. In fact, it was only years later when he was arrested and detained on a US extradition warrant that the wheels of justice started turning.

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett says he wanted action taken much earlier but the police, security services and CPS felt it better to 'soft pedal'.

I wonder how many angry young men will have been warped by Hamza's rantings whilst those supposed to protect us pussy-footed about.

Thankfully, Hamza is now behind bars, though his sentence was light, and it is the leniency of courts which brings me to a third agency in the justice system which repeatedly fails to protect the public.

The courts seem to accept as mitigation the fact that someone has drunk a lot or taken drugs. They give credit for an early plea even when the evidence is so clear cut there is no option.

Just this week it was reported how drunken student Ian Wilson hurled a wheelie bin and a row of seats onto a busy railway line at Newcastle Central Station. Thankfully, staff managed to halt trains before carnage ensued.

Wilson's actions were captured on CCTV. In court he pleaded guilty yet, despite having previous drink related convictions, the magistrates did not jail him.

I am getting sick of hearing Home Secretary Charles Clarke promise reform. The only reform we need is for people to start using the powers they already have. It's time Mr Clarke or his boss, the Prime Minister, got a grip and ensured people start carrying out their duties.

When police see a crime or anti-social behaviour occurring they should intervene. If the CPS believes there is a better than even chance of a guilty verdict they should put the matter before the courts and, at sentencing, the interests of the public should come first - not those of the criminal.

Published: 10/02/2006