In one case, inspectors said a "prolific" shoplifter who had also assaulted a police officer had never been to court, despite four years of offending.

BBC: Watchdogs criticise out-of-court penalties

Like a shoplifter, crying with relief at being caught.

NEWYORKER: Hand on the Shoulder

Erring MPs cannot escape punishment by offering grovelling apologies and repaying the unjustified expenses they were caught claiming: that would be like letting off a shoplifter who volunteered to return the dress she swiped from Harrods.

ECONOMIST: Cleaning up Parliament