Corrupt MP's Out Of Prison Early

The whole point of a custodial sentence is to firstly punish the wrongdoer, and secondly to provide a deterrent for re-offending, and to others not to offend in the first place.

Let out early

What on earth was the point of giving sentences of 9 and 12 months only to let them out after 3? What sort of message is that giving to others? Are we to think that their influence and money paid a part? Whay didn't the judge insist that they serve at least 6 months each before being considered for some sort of parole? Was he leant on not to?

Both the Peers concerned said during their trials that submitting false claims was accepted practice among members of the Lords. OK, don't let's be naive here, it had always been known in both Houses of Parliament, that fiddling the expenses, provided it was within the rules at the time, were an accepted perk of the job. The Expenses Committee is/was maintained of course by the Speakers Office, and Chaired by the Speaker, surprise surprise.

OK chaps, let's set our own rules that so we can drive a coach and horses through them, and if we get caught, we'll just claim custom and practice. Both the Peers claimed they were made scapegoats to appease public opinion at the time, and that others were just as culpable. OK chaps, ever heard of the word moral? no? thought not ....

The second problem here is a totally cockeyed Justice system

The Prison Service does not comment on individual cases but a spokesman said home detention was used for "low-risk prisoners", serving sentences of between three months and four years, who had spent at least 30 days behind bars. It is understood they were freed on curfew with electronic tags, having served a quarter of their term.

One good thing about their sending to jail (coming out early or not) is they now have a criminal conviction. In the future, if they want to travel abroad, individually or as part of an official party, the criminal conviction should stop their part of these jollies.
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It's good to be back amongst friends and colleagues

I doubt that they would want to go on any jolly after this anyway. A criminal record won't affect them jobwise, I doubt they need employment, and they probably own their own houses too, although both plead they are not well off. Socially behind the scenes they could well be supported by those that didn't get sent down. Their only real shame will be their amended entry in Debretts.