Wow, the skeletal star famous for singing about refusing to go to rehab has apparently been filmed taking drugs – hold the front page.

Surely "rock star refuses class As" would be a bigger story.

Aren't we all a bit weary of seeing yet another grainy image of a celeb "caught in the act"?

Let's not forget, Kate Moss, Pete Doherty and Mrs Fielder-Civil are all over 21, they've got successful, lucrative careers and if they choose to risk their lives and looks by getting high behind closed doors – so what?

Yes, I know it's illegal, but personally I'd rather lock up anyone guilty of animal cruelty than people who get their kicks from sniffing or smoking naughty substances.

As for anyone getting their knickers in a twist about them being terrible role models, since when were models and musicians held up as pillars of the community?

Maybe if youngsters had real role models – I don't know, something "radical" like two responsible parents – the country wouldn't be in such a mess.

Who cares if people with oodles of money and aeons of spare time want to spend it zonked out of their skulls when every other day brings a tale of yobs' reigns of terror, teen stabbings and shootings?

I'm not talking about crimes of passion or psychopaths, I mean gratuitous violence in everyday situations.

The murder of Garry Newlove, kicked to death after confronting a gang outside his home in Warrington, appalled the nation.

Unfortunately, it didn't shock us.

We've seen it too many times – well-meaning individual stands up to troublemakers and pays the ultimate price.

And it's no surprise to learn that the three teenage killers – regularly seen drinking, vandalising property and intimidating anyone who questioned them – all came from broken homes and grew up in ex-council homes on nearby estates.

According to newspaper reports, the mother of one was an ice-cream wrestler.

Yes, it's exactly what it sounds – scantily-clad women wrestling in frozen dessert for men in bars.

So she was out most evenings and, with no father figure around, her son was free to roam the streets.

Politicians and do-gooders can blame violent films, video games and rap music til they're blue in the face but if you're brought up with healthy moral values, watching Pulp Fiction isn't going to turn you into a violent criminal.

Growing up without discipline, never being made to conform to a single rule, living in an environment where crime pays and stronger equals better – that just might.

Ordinarily I detest the idea of a nanny state but if vast numbers of people continue bringing children into the world but refuse to take responsibility for them it seems the Government has no option but to stick its oar in.

At the risk of sounding like my grandparents – "spare the rod, spoil the child".

At the first sign of anti-social behaviour how about compulsory parenting classes in order to claim benefits? Curfews for under 16s? National service or forced apprenticeships to show kids how much more rewarding life is when you achieve something, and zero tolerance on violent crime?

It's already too late for Margaret Sorton, who handed her son Stephen in to police when he confessed to attacking Mr Newlove.

The 17-year-old kicked him so ferociously he left his trainer under his body.

Horrendous though it is for Amy Winehouse's mum and dad watching her self-destruct, how much worse must it be to know that if you'd been a better parent, a devoted dad might not have died with the imprint of your son's trainer on his forehead?

Maybe anyone who lets their kids run riot and ruin other people's lives should be forced to meet Margaret Sorton to see just how tragically their story could end.

And if the police wasted less time "investigating" celebs for taking drugs in their own homes and took immediate action when communities complain they're being terrorised by yobs, we'd all be a lot better off.


Mismatch for Mutya

I WAS dumbstruck when I saw former Sugababe Mutya Buena was to perform live before Castleford Tigers' home opening game next month.

It's a fall from grace for the talented singer that can only be compared to Shayne Ward's decision to play at Butlins.

Who in their right mind would suggest the sullen songbird as a warm-up act for thousands of rugby fans?

Maybe the super-sexy current Sugababes, with their back catalogue of chart-topping songs, but the moody-looking ex-band member without a memorable solo song to her name?

It sounds like a match made in hell, and if Mutya has any hopes of forging a credible solo career she needs this like a Hole in the Head.


Scales of injustice

I KNEW the festive overindulgence had taken its toll on my waistline but I was doing my best to ignore it.

My clothes still fit – they're just a bit tighter than usual.

Unfortunately Mr N was not as keen to turn a blind eye.

Giving me a piggy-back the other day he groaned: "Crikey, what have you been eating?

"You're twice the woman I married."

With a husband like mine, who needs enemies?