DO people deserve a second chance after committing a crime?

Take the position of the best 100m runner in Great Britain, Dwain Chambers.

He is a guilty drugs cheat but he is also the UK’s best chance of a medal in the sprint races at the London Olympics next year.

He has been served with a lifetime Olympics ban, which has been upheld despite the fact he has been contrite by showing remorse for his actions and serving his time for his offence.

On the other hand, we have the distasteful prospect of Lord Hanningfield and Lord Taylor who were both jailed for wrongly claiming thousands in expenses.

We were deceived by these people who have not been contrite, or shown any remorse for their actions, but fully intend to return. Both are currently suspended until next year when, under current rules, they will be allowed to return.

If an Olympian is banned for life for a sporting offence, then how can it be that a role in the House of Lords, of vital constitutional importance, can be convicted of a criminal offence, then return as if nothing has happened?

Mark Anderson, Middleton St George.