John Jordan is 83. He has heart failure and lung disease and is hooked up to an oxygen machine.
John lives in Milton Keynes, surrounded by friends and family.
He is a quiet man described by granddaughter Chloe-Ann as selfless and generous.
Now, his world is shattered.
He woke up one day to realise his house had been broken into.
Callous thieves had taken the money he was saving to cover his funeral expenses and help ease the burden on his family.
Who could do this?
It’s a rhetorical question and the answer unprintable in a family newspaper like this.
As Chloe-Ann says: “They are the lowest of the low.”
Let’s leave it at that.
John doesn’t feel safe in his home any more. He can’t sleep. He feels angry and helpless.
For such a thing to happen to anyone is tragic. But doubly so when the victim is a frail man in ill-health, who has worked hard and deserves to be left in peace.
There is no excuse. Times are hard but if we don’t look after the vulnerable, let them fall prey to criminals like this, we have failed.
The police are out there looking for them now. Let’s hope they’re caught. Let’s hope they’re dealt with in the proper fashion.
Meanwhile, John lives in fear, heartbroken. Chloe-Ann is right. Only the lowest of the low.
Failed by everyone
It is no surprise that 400 people have been denied compensation for abuse they suffered as kids.
As experts say, childhood trauma can often lead to criminality in later life. The rules mean anyone with a conviction does not receive compensation.
So their trauma should be taken into account. These people do not need to be punished twice.
They have been failed all their lives. By the authorities, by their schools, by the police – by all those who vowed to protect them.
Why should we be surprised the Government failed them too?
Game of a few halves
It’s a relief to thirsty England fans that the Qatar World Cup will not be an alcohol-free one.
Lets just hope the Three Lions don’t leave them needing to drown their sorrows ...
