Columnists need to deploy caution whenever an emotive topic rears its head, lest we end up pontificating on an important matter of public policy from a position of subjective anger rather than objective judgment.

The case of Richard Osborn-Brooks is a case in point. I found it remarkable (in its literal sense: something that should be remarked upon) that the Telegraph reported that Mr Osborn-Brooks’ arrest on suspicion of the murder of an intruder in his home “prompted an outcry from victims groups and Tory MPs”.

What, no Labour ones? That would be disappointing if true, but I suspect there are plenty of my former colleagues on the opposition benches who wish Mr Osborn-Brooks well and who sympathise...