WHO says history does not repeat itself?

In 1999, Colin Meek was before Judge Peter Fox. He denied the more serious charge of attempted murder, but was found guilty of wounding another man.

Judge Fox told him: "I regard you as a dangerous person." Meek was sentenced to four years in prison. He was out after two-and-a-half years.

Out to kill, within months, Leonie Shaw, the six-year-old girl who was crossing a street in Bishop Auckland having bought some sweets. Meek did not have a licence; he knew the brakes on his car were hideously defective; he knew he had hit Leonie, but he drove away.

He was acquitted of the serious charge of child neglect, but admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

Judge Peter Fox told him: "The danger which you knowingly created was prolonged and persistent. Your degree of recklessness... calls for a long-term sentence."

The offence carried a maximum sentence of ten years. Judge Fox sentenced him to four. He was out after two.

Out to commit, within months, more offences. High on heroin, driving at speeds of up to 100mph through the streets of south Durham having committed a smash and grab.

Yesterday he was found guilty of dangerous driving, despite once again trying to deflect the blame.

For a third time, Judge Fox will do the sentencing.

Meek is a horrible, violent man, who fails to accept responsibility for his actions. Our judicial system has failed to protect the rest of society from him. He has always been given the benefit of the doubt, the early release.

The result so far is one dead girl - as Leonie's family says, it could so easily have been more during his latest outrage.

Judge Fox must not let us down this time. Three strikes, and Meek must be out.