Judge Robert Juckes QC was spot on to jail criminal Samantha Skipp despite her having breast cancer, and his tough stance will send a message to other offenders in Worcester.

As the judge so rightly pointed out, Skipp can receive the treatment she requires while serving her prison sentence – she does not need to be let off jail for her medical appointments.

Did Skipp show mercy to the hospital volunteer whose purse she stole? Did she show mercy to the residents whose home she burgled? No, she went ahead with her crimes despite knowing the impact her actions would have on her victims.

So why should our justice system show her the mercy of a suspended prison sentence?

Judge Juckes' decision will be welcomed by the people of Worcester, who are fed up with seeing offenders let off from a prison sentence because of their sob stories.

Yes, it's unfortunate that Skipp has breast cancer, but that doesn't excuse her crimes.

The judge made the right call. There's a reason he's so highly respected in this city.