A GOLDEN rule of my wife's is that people sit down promptly for any meal she has prepared.

"If I've spent time cooking it, the least anyone can do is to come for it straight away,'' she says.

It's a rule I'm happy to adhere to pretty rigidly.

But I broke it the other day. Helen Newlove was giving her reaction after the conviction of the three youths who kicked to death her husband, Gary. To its huge credit, PM, Radio 4's teatime news programme, broadcast Mrs Newlove's statement in full at the head of the programme.

"I've got to listen to this,'' I said. It was riveting - highly emotional of course, yet saying so much that needs to be said about the gang culture that is in danger of running completely out of control in Britain. The failure of parents, courts and government: it was all there, overlain, or rather underpinned, by the pain and distress of Mrs Newlove, who movingly conveyed the devastation her husband's murder had imposed on her and her family, whose lives will never be the same again.

"I've got to hear all this,'' I said. In fact my wife joined me, her rich stew allowed to steam gently for a minute or two. "About time somebody said all that,'' my wife she remarked. "But will it make any difference?'' That evening, I was disappointed that none of the TV news programmes used Mrs Newlove's statement in full. The producers obviously believe viewers aren't cable of listening to anyone speaking for more than a few seconds. It is a testament to the force of what Mrs Newlove said that even the gobbets broadcast had more the usual impact of post-trial victim statements.

"How could these people do this to decent people and just walk away?'' she asked. "These magistrates - it's unbelievable. They let him out and they walk the streets. He's not taken a blind bit of notice of the bail. He's gone out, got drunk and taken drugs and my husband has been left dead.'' In fact Warrington magistrates have "explained"

that bail had been given to Adam Swellings, leader of the gang that killed Mr Newlove, because the alleged offence was unlikely to bring a custodial sentence. Ye gods - the offence was attacking another local resident. And that followed two other recent assaults and numerous breaches of restraining orders.

Yet the most serious punishment the teenager had received was 40 hours of community service for stealing a car. Obviously, the law held no fear for him. Or for one of his companions, who had had drink confiscated by the police shortly before the gang attacked Mr Newlove.

Well, we've got to implant a little fear. Sentences on vicious youths like Swellings should rob them of at least the prime of their lives. They should know that any similar re-offending on release will bring further long terms behind bars - full life unless there are very strong reasons why not.

Only change in society will prevent the breeding of youngsters who lack any feeling for others.

But meanwhile, the thugs and hooligans must be shown that it is the decent people - people like Helen and Gary Newlove and their family - who are in charge.