Amazing. The jury trying the lout who lobbed the head off a £150,000 marble statue of Baroness Thatcher has failed to reach a verdict, being split over his defence of 'lawful excuse'. He claims that he was merely excercising his political right to express himself.
But if you think that's astonishing enough, it gets better. I've just watched the BBC's London news programme and can barely believe my eyes. As the accused left the court, he was asked some inane 'how do you feel' type question. "I can't really say anything until the case is over" was his perfectly proper response. "But I need a job, so if anyone watching has one for me can they get in touch with me via the editor of the Guardian".
Now I have no idea whether or not Alan Rusbridger is acting as this hooligan's employment broker, but why did the BBC feel it appropriate to broadcast such an advert for a man on trial for criminal damage (the report was pre-recorded)?
And why - this is where it gets surreal - did Emily Maitlis, the anchor, then say immediately after the report: "If you know of a job for him, you know what to do".
He is not a hero. He is not a champion of the oppressed. He is a man standing trial accused of criminal damage.
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