Commit crime, do the time

The British Justice Secretary has rejected an appeal from his nation's Parole Board to release Ronnie Biggs, the 79-year-old Great Train Robber. Frail and in poor health, Biggs is nearing the end of his life, and as a result of Jack Straw's decision, will likely die behind bars.

The decision to reject the advice of the Parole Board is indeed rare, and Straw's decision has divided lawmakers and the public alike. The reality is, though, that Biggs has shown little remorse for his daring caper.

Once sentenced to 30 years for the mail train robbery, Biggs escaped from jail a year later. For the next three decades, he eluded authorities and lived openly in Brazil, making money off his crime and earning celebrity status. While many will criticise the decision to keep Biggs in prison, there is one principle which must be adhered to: If you do the crime, you must do the time. And living at large in Brazil isn't a punishment.