The Execution of Gary Glitter, Monday 9pm, Channel 4

Posted by Tom Murphy

Paedophilia and the death sentence are two subjects that people generally have pretty strong views about. So how did this oddly conceived dramatised imagining of the fictional execution of Paul Francis Gadd (aka Gary Glitter) turn out so utterly unengaging?

For a start, the format of the programme was a bit of a mish-mash. Emphatic title cards told us that “THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION” and “WE ARE IN AN IMAGINARY BRITAIN” where the death penalty was re-introduced after the Soham murders of 2003. However, it then became a mix of conventional drama and documentary-style interviews with the characters involved in the case.

It got even weirder when politician Ann Widdecombe, journalist Miranda Sawyer and media rent-a-gob Garry Bushell turned up to add their tuppenceworth. It only became clear later that they were playing fictional versions of themselves, commenting on the action depicted in the drama.

Hilton McRae gave a suitably creepy performance as the devious and manipulative sex offender, but there was very little suspense as the film trudged through the legal proceedings leading to his execution for child abuse in Vietnam. In fact, the first bit of tension came 10 minutes from the end of the 90-minute film, when it seemed like the Home Secretary might offer him a reprieve.

Presumably the programme was designed to spark Heated Debate over the rights and wrongs of the death penalty. However, the “members of the public” who popped up to offer both sides of the argument were totally unconvincing; one was even given the immortal line, “If you don't like it, go and live somewhere else”.

The drama culminated in a bizarre sequence on the day of Gadd's execution, when the condemned popster freaked out after hearing a remix of 'Leader of the Gang' that included samples from his court room evidence. After he smashed the radio, he was taken to the gallows and hanged. Everyone went home again. The end.

There's obviously compelling drama to be drawn from the debate over the death penalty, how we should deal with paedophiles and the effect celebrity can have on society. However, The Execution of Gary Glitter seemed to miss the target completely and turn such emotive subjects into something surprisingly bland.

What did you think of last night’s The Execution of Gary Glitter? Tell us here.

Picture: Channel 4

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Comments

[Nick Price]

I thought it was a brave move by channel 4, but i also thought it was really well done. must admit, maybe hanging is a little barbaric, but the 'threat' of a death penalty has got to act as a deterent, to some people anyway. as for Glitter himself, i think the punishment fits the crime spot on, and i would gladly pull the lever/trigger/switch myself, without any problem. in fact, any one who takes a life in certain (not all)ways, or betrays the trust of children in a sexual way, deserves to die, end of.

[Kelly Gavaghan]

I agree with Ann Widdecombes comments about society being taken over by evil - Sexual Deviants are indeed rife in our society. As a mother you are constantly aware of this and can even find yourself doubting good friends and members of your own family.

The poor children that this awful crime happens to have been forgotten by most of the people who have left comments here.

I felt that the docu/drama was in fact excellently portrayed, incredibly well cast and entirely thought provoking. Why should we as society have to pay for these sick men and women to have a cushy life inside ad then get let out a few years later to reoffend.

When Gluitter was released from prison the first time he said ' I just want to go and live my life' well his life, like so many other paedophiles is to go out and reoffend.
I don't believe there is a 'cure'. You will never be able to stop filthy men having disgusting thoughts about what they could do to your child.

I think that enough is enough. Modern science along with far more advanced forensics and investigation techniques narrow down the possibilities of 'getting it wrong.' I believe that hanging should be brought back.

[Lclark]

After watching this, I was extremely disturbed by the whole thing. I am 100% AGAINST the UK bringing back the death penalty. Even though the burden is on the taxpayers, surely a life sentence is worse? Our justice system gets it wrong on a number of occasions and innocent people would be executed. Years later, new evidence would be found to prove their innocence.

The portrayal of Paul Gadd has not shown him in a good light (and rightly so), he is a bad man for what he has done and should be punished, but prison is the answer, not death.

Even if the death sentence was brought back to the UK, I find it highly unlikely that hanging would be the method used – horrendous in every sense.

[sandmay]

the program was very thought provoking. Im not sure if i would want the death penalty back though although i 100% agree that our current legal system is not a deterent and needs to be alot harsher. the film was quite odd though because even if i did agree with reintroducing the death penalty i wouldnt of sentenced glitter to death as there was still elements of doubt about his case which is the reason alot of people will always be against it. Prehaps they should of used someone else who was guilty beyond any doubt.

[jack]

I found it disturbing to say the least. Once you give up a right and go back wards you can not get those rights back again.

We would be digressing to the past.

As for people who commit such acts. Just give them a jail cell and let the guards turn there backs for a few hours, whilst the jail buddies take a go at them.

[Davene]

The whole idea of hanging is revolting and utterly barbaric, I am suprised that anyone should be allowed to make such a program about a real person , Gary Glitter is a worn out morally deprived man it is true , but no Ian Huntley or Yorkshire Ripper . The only crime he has definately be proven to have commited is downloading child pornogrphy the rest is assumption and allegation. Is he really worse than someone who breaks into house and kills an 83 yr old women , the case for one such persons release on grounds of illness was put on tho One Show, or don't old people matter. This programme was a virtual hanging for crimes that would not have got him hung when we had hanging or is Gary Glitter right when he says he's victim of a media witchhunt. Maybe the vigilantes have won and we live in a world run by thugs and bullies

[Gordon Banks]

I started to watch this part way through and it took me some while to get my head around what was going on. However as the story line drew every closer to the execution it became for me increasingly disturbing. Emotions are going to run - these are emotive subjects. However in line with previous comments there is absolutely no statistics that show the death penalty reduces crime. And at what point do we decide that a person is irredeemable and should be 'put down' as we might do with an animal?

[G]

Further to my earlier post why not reintroduce the death penalty now by despatching 25 illegal Afghan immigrants as retribution for the cold blooded murder of our troops by that fatherless Taliban miscreant?

[G]

The problem with paedophilia is that, like homosexuality, it is a deviation of the natural order and as such should be medically treated. However, the cure is elusive to say the least. That said there are other crimes for which the death penalty should be reintroduced. It is 40 years since abolition and technology has moved on so that conviction can be obtained on absolute proof. Furthermore the cost of despatching evil people is cheaper than banging them up so let's have a referendum on the matter and list the crimes individually that are proposed to be subject to death. Then we might get a public view.

[This country STINKS of hipocrisy]

Lets be real about this.

If you purposefully take a life then YOU LOSE YOUR LIFE.

There is no way any murderer should have ANY rights to life.

More so in the hatefull acts of terrorism that are now being waged against the world.

Why should killers have MORE human rights than their victims or families.?????

This country STINKS of hipocrisy when it comes to justice for its OWN people all because of a minority of DO GOODERS with big mouths.

Why cant crimes be committed against the people in the judicial system that HELP all these killer evade justice ?

How can ANY decent person become a defence lawyer that represents TRUE criminals and killers evade justice?

MONEY and GREED feeds the lack of justice in this country.

If they also suffered then the system would be called JUSTICE.

[Ray Crawford]

I fully agree with the program well done Channel 4, Lets get it right we need the death penalty back for certain crimes "murder, rape and paedophilia"
This Country of ours has gone to the dogs, lets stop being Victorian in value stand up for what we want & stop Britain being the Dust Bin of Europe.

[Stuart]

"Many of the comments above are almost as ludicrous as your review, above. Rape of any kind has never been a capital offence in modern times"

A quick google search and I find that several US states have recently passed laws that allow for the death penalty for repeated offenders who have commited child rape.

[Don B]

With the technology of today (DNA etc) and if someone is found guilty- without a doubt - of a serious crime, I think capital punishment should be considered and reintroduced.

[Stuart]

"Many of the comments above are almost as ludicrous as your review, above. Rape of any kind has never been a capital offence in modern times".

Not true - several US states had the death penalty for rape until quite recently. Mainly southern states I admit and it was used almost exclusively for blacks who had rapped white women!

The US army certainly did execute rapists in WW2, including some executions acrried out in the UK.

[Rene]

It is certainly time for a complete overhaul of the British Justice system. It is failing us badly.We have been led by a weak kneed, yellow bellied, Justice Secretary for too long.Britain is full of paedofiles and rapists, all walking freely ready to strike again(statistics proove they never reform).If it takes hanging to keep us safe, then so be it.To hell with compassion,it's led to nowhere. Our children need protection & that is the priority - no ifs or buts. I propose Sarah Payne for justice secretary.

[Drew]

There are a number of problems with the death penalty.

There is little evidence to support the theory that capital punishment would have any effect on the crime figures, so its deterrent use would be very limited.

Where do you draw the line? Which crimes would be subject to it - life for life? That would presumably mean, on an Eye-for-eye, tooth-for-tooth principle that rapists to be raped, and those who killed accidently on the roads would have their own families judiciously murdered.

Has anyone who is saying that imprisonment is 'easy' actually served at term in prison? There may be some - minimal - 'creature comforts' but the withdrawal of liberty and the right of free association is still no easy option.

Finally, is our system of justice merely one which upholds the taking of revenge? Also whatever crime a person may have committed, they are still a person, not a thing. They may have treated others in that way, but is justice served by the rest of us coming down to their level?

[Jane Banks]

Alan Pollard is spot on. It may not have been a perfect programme but it opened up the debate. We are in danger of going back rather than forwards if we go down the capital punishment line.

[lucylastic 067]

The thing is "no name" ,if it had been your son or daughter ,involved would you still be a "fan".

[mike]

I wonder if many take the time to read the rest of the comments or simply leave their own?
I have always held the strong belief that hanging should be reintroduced, but also had this nagging question what if the wrong person was condemned?
A more constructive and beneficial solution would be to use the condemned for human experimentation for the benefit of all.

[lucylastic 067]

The thing is whatever we think or say will not affect the pathetic laws in this country it will make not one iota of difference,maybe when those in power have any of these disgusting crimes comitted to someone in their family they will then do something about it ,until then nothing will be done.

[Mike M]

If someone harmed my kids or wife, I would pull the lever with RELISH.

[Raymond]

Maybe the death penalty should be brought back but only for certain crimes of murder where the accused is proven beyond ALL doubt to have commited it (or them), by certain crimes I mean things like child murder, police murder, rape murder (of both sexes) and terrorist murder. I will now be waiting for all the hate mail!

[Kev]

When I look into my childrens eyes I am over whelmed with my love for them.. everything about them is perfect, their characters, looks, their innocence..

No child should have to live and grow up around a potential risk to their safety.

I would fully support the return of the death penalty "maybe not hanging", something a little more humane perhaps.

Cold blooded murder: Death

Child Abuse: Death

Tougher penalties will reduce crime, this country has gone to soft...

[John Snith]

The death penalty should be reintroduced when it can be proved conclusively beyond any shadow of doubt whatsoever that the person in the dock commited the crime it is the only way that we can stop the use of knives etc,used to kill another person

[Richie Rich]

I think we should run a trial period to see how it works. test the water a little bit.

Start with illegal imigrants who murder and then if succesful move towards the general population.

that should work.

[davidagain]

I need to return to this debate and some of the sad comments mad. Iain, simples, very sad!
I hope you are never in a position where you are accused of a heinous crime, then convicted and the 2 years later proven not guilty. I have been there! I could have been hanged on your moral views! You could too - but you will never understand that until it is too late.
Also, quite seperately, I have been subjected to a seven gang attack. Beaten so much that I had to be twice revived from heart stopping by surgeons. Two smashed arms, eye damage, spinal damage, mouth and teeth damage. I know what it is like to be a victim from both points of reality!
Am I bloody angry in both of these situations??!! of course. Do I want justice? Of course. Do I want a death penalty - do not be stupid!

[Clarence]

I watched this programme last night and was amazed that only Bushell and Widdecombe got their twopence worth in.I was eagerly awaiting the wisdom of Paul Ross and that muppet Lee Boardman having their say.If these lunatics get their way and reintroduce the Death penalty we are further down the slope than ever.
We are fast becoming ruled by what minor celebrities have to say. I despise Peadophiles but once they are subject to the ultimate punishment where will it stop? Certainly if left to politicians to decide God help us all.Any execution is barbaric I thought we were now above such behaviour.

[madkat]

YES, I could look the man in the eye who raped me and then pull the switch myself!!!! Until you have been through what so many of us have been through you can't sit there and say its ok to let them live!!!!
I am pro-life but there has to be a limit to what people can keep getting away with.. We are far too accepting of far too many violent and nasty crimes int his world and there needs to be a deterent.. that should be death!!! And they should have to work in prison,,, no t.v, computers, access to internet etc.. what right do these people have to get the luxuries in life that most of us can't afford?????

[KEM]

Re Hazel's questions.
If it was done to my daughter....YES and YES!!

[Johnny Storm]

NOTE TO ALL - THE PAST TENSE OF HANG IS HANGED NOT HUNG!
THANK YOU

[Hazel McDonald]

I reluctantly watched this last night ( because of the Gary Glitter content), however this proved to be a thought provoking programme. I have always been against the death penalty - as a nurse I have seen too many deaths, not to believe that all life is precious. We do not have the right to take it, and neither does the state. For those who are pro death penalty I have 2 questions: could you look someone in the eyes and tell them that you were condemning them to death, and could you pull the switch yourself?

[McGinty]

Watched a bit then switched off in disgust. While the final fate of an offender is still not absolutely clear, to make a documentary about them in this way seems repellent and debases a society even further than has already been done by the alleged offences. Well described by the Radio Times - "a strange, often repellent film ... and you might just feel a bit grubby afterwards."

[wrinkly]

I am a firm believer, that the death penalty is to kind for the Evil that these people inflict on there victims.
And so with the likes of Gary Gad Glitter,CASTRATION, surely would be a lesson learned to reflect on, for the rest of his filthy life.
Or to put it bluntly, two very large house bricks bashed together in the offending regions.

[eric]

"Bring back the death penalty for the worst crimes... murder, rape and paedophilia"

I think also for smoking in public places and wearing clothes of an offensive colour

[deep in thought]

Sadly we are living in a society where the perpetrator has no fear of consequence for the crimes they commit. I believe the death penalty should be used in extreme cases but there is always that small niggling doubt that an over zealous police officer got it wrong. History has shown this in very rare cases but it has happened. I think that punishment should be the bigger deterrent in that the " Do Gooders" should be ignored and that Human Rights in terms luxury items and facilities should not be provided. Street thuggery should be rewarded with a " public "Birching" and the Borstals should be reinstated. Our whole legal system has given more rights to the criminal that the victim and they know it. Make life as unbearable as possible then see if they want to risk killing/ maiming someone.

[Iain]

Just Kill them. End of debate, end of problem. Simples!

[David]

I was absolutely disgusted with this so called cloak of bona fide fiction playing on the minds of people in regard to re-entry of the death penalty and the crime of paedophlia.It was one of those programmes of disbelief where you want to just turn it off but from disbelief of the poverty of programming have to continue - a bit like the Nick Griffin crap on BBC.
What about a bit of history and reality (even in fiction). Why nnot remind people of the "QUANTITY" of times people have been hung in this country (and executed in other countries) only to find later that they were not guilty. A bit difficult to do anything from the grave to get matters resolved for you and your family and friends! One example might be argued on the basis of statistical probability - but there are far too many, and still increasing, to use that refuge for fools and bigots.
As to the issue of Gary Glitter being used in this programme. Well firstly I am not in any way an apologist for anybody who has commited a crime (heinous or otherwise). I do not know the facts of the cases against Gary Glitter- that is for criminal justice law and the courts (however flawed may be the presentations, views, decisions made by juries, lawyers for the defense or prosecution and judges - and by God their are plenty of errors here). I am however concerned that a programme could have been made that has no consideration for victims or indeed for perpetrators of crime (assuming that to be the case). The issue of heinous crimes and crime and punishment are not matters for fiction. Professional programmers, historians, social scientists, politicians should never treat the public in this way.
The programme was ill conceived and poor in every way (I was pleased that prior to this I saw an excellent real historical insight into the Spanish Civil War and the first use of bombing of civilians by Hitler, agreed by Franco, as a test run for blitz on Britain and Europe generally by the fascists). This was an important real programme and I congratulate Portillo (don't like his politics) on an excellent narration (missed the reality of the International Brigade who first fought fascism and still UK the only country not to recognise War Widow Pensions for those who fell from 1936 in Spain protecting us all).

[sc]

I find it frustrating when people refer to the thought of reinstating capital punishment as the return or being part of a barbaric society. What about the victims? is it ok because you were'nt affected,is it ok to commit your crime in another country,are you ducking the uncomfortable truth that sometimes it is necessary if only to protect and preserve moral standards that ensure we can all live without fear,uncertainty etc gripping our lives.

[shockandawe]

In this day of irrefutable prrof using DNA etc then I think the death penalty should definitely be brought back. Why would we want to pay for the likes of Glitter to spend the rest of his days in luxury with TV's Games consoles, Excercise Gyms and hot food when we could just wipe him off the face of the planet. I'm shocked that these sort of scumbags still have the Human Right to reproduce

[Bubbles]

A very good program. Yes bring back the death penalty, we should never have got rid of it in the first place. Somebody has to look after this SCUM in prisons, no body should be subjected to this SCUM, get rid of them and make room for the rest of the criminals. As long as they have been found guilty beyond any dought, then hang them

[Tim]

Hi
I thought the program was interesting in respect of people views on capital punishment from all angles.
Myself i beleive if you take some ones life or civil rights you don't have any rights in our society.
I beleive a life sentence should mean you die in jail, our law is to weak for alot of crimes committed these days especially knife crime . Whats the answer ?

[madkat]

For anyone who has been raped ( such as myself) the death penalty should be used, people seem to forget that the victim suffers for the rest of their lives!! I stll have nightmares and it was over 20 years ago..... where is the justice for me???? He did it again and only then served 3 out of a 7 year sentence.... Bring back the death penalty for the worst crimes... murder, rape and paedophilia. These poeple should lose their right to life when they commit these crimes!!!!! No human rights either,,, Human Rights should be earned and not demanded!

[Keith Roberts]

I feel we should add a comment from a past expert in this subject... Albert Pierrepoint, Britain's most experienced and prolific hangman, after he retired, said:- "I have come to the conclusion that executions solve nothing, and are only an antiquated relic of a primitive desire for revenge which takes the easy way and hands over the responsibility for revenge to other people... The trouble with the death penalty has always been that nobody wanted it for everybody, but everybody differed about who should get off."

[Glen Goodwin]

Mixed feelings about last nights drama!
In terms of pure drama i thought it was well put together and the GG performance was excellent. It left me uncomfortable on a few levels however;
Dramatising such a fictional event around a real person who is still living. This struck me as a bit of mob mentality about an admittedly very flawed human being but slightly lynch mob none the less.
As an avowed anti capital punishment individual, i do not think it was balanced. It seemed very pro cp and that disturbed me.

On that subject, i would ask those who want cp back how it would be for the likes of Stefan Khisko (wrongly convicted), Barry George (wrongly convicted) and the well documented other mistakes in the system - all people viewed as monsters at the time of their conviction. That alone tells me that we should and coul NEVER return to hanging.

[Noel Crean]

An excellent programe indeed and one I thoroughly enjoyed and I am sure it gave a lot of people plenty to think about. The death penalty should be brought back for some crimes. It is time to rid our streets of lot of these people who commit crimes such as pre-meditated murder,rape and child abuse. It costs a lot of money to keep these people in prison and quite frankly this money could be better spent as we all know on things such as cancer research,the elderly,young people and help for the disabled. Its time for the good and decent people to take the reigns again instead the lousy government we have at the moment. Tony blair and gordon brown have stripped this country and its people of their rights and given the upper hand to the criminals and abusers. Its time to stop. Power to the people.

[Bill]

Many of the comments above are almost as ludicrous as your review, above. Rape of any kind has never been a capital offence in modern times,and GG's crime was not even committed in this country - I am strongly reminded of the hysterical attitudes portrayed in the incredibly accurate and biting satire of the brass eye paedophile special, itself a wonderfully post-modern concoction of truth and fiction, drama and documentary, real and imagined, characteristics which this well-written and produced piece of work embodies so beautifully. And Hilton Mcrae's performance was simply outstanding, a spellbinding piece of passionate and intimate portrayal, a tremendous and detailed portrait. Well done to all concerned!

[Richard Action]

Thanks Craig - Previous comment retracted;
I was intrigued by the concept that the death penalty may be considered for convicted child abusers.In this supposedly fictional(although the central character was real)world Mr Gadds defense was that some entrapment had taken place with the childs mother and family then conspiring against him for financial gain.I wonder if the 54% of population in favour of a return to capital punishment has increased since the arrival of islam in our country.Personally I believe it belongs in the dark ages from which I had hoped this country had evolved. Does anyone remember Graham Norton in his early Tv days he had a show which encouraged people to look at internet porn. Following that loads of people including celebs got booked for having child porn images on their computer plausable defenses were "I was doing research" and "it was there so curiosity made me look at it".Did the programme makers get sued? No they never even got a mention! Think again England theres more than meets the eye here- Death Penalty! for who and for what ? We can't even provide our wayward children with psycoanylists to help them through their testing times. Is hanging the answer to all your prayers ? Has anyone heard of pass down pathology and how it can't be treated by hanging or jail and release !

[no name]

I was a extra in last nights programmme and was the first time to wach the controversial subject , Well put together and the Gary Glitter actor played and good part just like the real man, It makes you think you can go to Vitenam and there are young girls do this for money , So is this a crime ! , You can go on the internet and find porn is this a crime ! Y hang a person for this , A killing is a crime some ones life taken away from them , He has done is time and still is he has now were to go but the UK and I hope is fans will still be there for him !

[Fay Shelton]

Excellent programme if only it was true, bringing back the death penalty for sicko's like him and any other sicko's that can be identified through positive DNA. it would solve our over crowding prisons and maybe deter people from these crimes!!!

[Red]

If you follow the above link you will see his old backing band and the two original members who still support GG, playing a family venue at Pontins in brean, is this right?

[Rick C]

Whatever the content of this programme, McCrae's performance was staggering and made for fascinating viewing for that alone. The long term benefit of making such a programme is questionable but probably would have had a much greater relevance if they had chosen Ian Huntley instead of a famously fallen Pop Star. But then the viewing figures would have been much lower, wouldn't they?

[Keith Hunt]

Flippin heck I thought I had missed the real thing,I even thought the actor was Gary,Great acting,But does anyone really know the truth?.keith Hunt

[Craig]

In regards to the comments of Richard Action - it was Pete Townshend and NOT Eric Clapton who was found to have visited a website advertising child pornography "as research" for a book he was writing. After a 4 month investigation no images of child pornography were found and he was given a caution by the police.

[Richard Action]

I was intrigued by the concept that the death penalty may be considered for convicted child abusers.In this supposedly fictional(although the central character was real)world Mr Gadds defense was that some entrapment had taken place with the childs mother and family then conspiring against him for financial gain.I wonder if the 54% of population in favour of a return to capital punishment has increased since the arrival of islam in our country.Personally I believe it belongs in the dark ages from which I had hoped this country had evolved. Does anyone remember the BBC and that irish woopsey Graham Norton who had a show which encouraged people to look at internet porn. Following that loads of celebs got booked for having child porn images on their computer including Gary Glitter and also Eric Clapton whos plausable defense was "I was doing song research" and it was there so through curiosity looked at it - Did the programme makers get sued? No they never even got a mention! Think again England theres more than meets the eye - Death Penalty! for what ? You can't even provide our wayward children with psycoanylists to help them through their testing times.

[jane]

the lady earlier said she was traumatised by the programme what do you think the victims have to live with all the time if you felt that bad then why oh why did you watch it. i dont think people realise what our country is coming to if the death penalty had been kept in we may not have so many mr glitters with us today.

[anonymous]

I think the program was watchable. It was a perfect jumping off point to start real life debates about bringing back capital punishment. I think there was one brilliant comment made in the program that sums it all up. look at this country back in 1969 and look at it now. they were doing something right, by having the fear of capital punishment people didn't commit as much crime. maybe if it hadn't been abolished, half the serious and sick crimes we have heard about since may not have taken place.

[Lorraine]

I was traumatise by watching this programm and I think he should not be hanged and I believe a life for a life. Mr Gary Glitter should get life in prison not hunge what is our world coming to to watch this as entertainment?
Lorraine.

[jane]

it was indeed a very interesting documentary i didnt feel at all sorry for the said mr gadd but saddened by my own past of idolising the then gary glitter bought all his records danced to every song and all i was doing was feeding his habit of underaged children, he disgusts me and although i have never really thought about the death penalty in this case i think for all paedophiles it should be brought back,so victims can walk the streets knowing these so called human beings are not around to harm them.

[Mark Woodard]

I think this program should make people think about the reintroducing of the death penalty for certain crimes. I am and always be for it in Crimes like the ones shown last night. Well done Channel 4.

[aufermo]

I liked the description of Garry Bushell. Got him off to a "T". Where do his type appear from and why??

[Alan Pollard]

I felt that the programme was quite interesting with a controversial subject. It was unimaginative of the debate, but had the intended impact. Shocking though certain crimes are, should the death penalty be reinstated? I think the programme clearly illustrated how barbaric as a society we are in danger of becoming.