Although an official report said the killer GP’s death could not have been prevented, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Steven Shaw made a series of criticisms of prison authorities. He went on to make 17 recommendations to prevent further deaths. Mr Shaw specifically attacked decisions made in relation to Shipman under the prison privileges scheme, which meant the former Greater Manchester GP was not able to ring his wife, Primrose. “The message to the Home Secretary is that he has got to stop being populist and start being a statesman.” Director of the Prison Reform Trust Juliet Lyon said: “Prisons are very hard-pressed. “They are overcrowded, short-staffed and staff do not get adequate training. “Prison officers are required to look after people with humanity and respect regardless of what they have done, but they are under extreme pressure at the moment.” Wakefield Prison was condemned after serial killer Harold Shipman committed suicide there in January 2004. “It is something that you want to put behind you and I don’t think about it now.

I think it would be better if Huntley were dead and a line could be drawn under it.” Director of the Howard League for Penal Reform Frances Crook said: “Prisons are awash with drugs and they are so hopelessly overcrowded that we cannot expect prison staff to cope, either by keeping people alive or delivering a sensible regime.” She added: “The politicians have to get a grip – the prison system is in meltdown. “But that doesn’t mean that we can build our way out of a crisis, it means we have to reduce the flow. She has been living in Poland for a year, masterminding a team of 100-plus animators, craftsmen, sculptors and artists – both British and Polish – on the film. As tears welled up in Agassi’s eyes, the German hit his 27th ace to secure victory A standing ovation for Agassi lasted nearly five minutes.

The four London clubs who took part in Saturday’s record-breaking Premiership showcase at Twickenham are expected to walk away with a minimum of £100,000 each. And the record attendance of 51,960 – breaking the inaugural year’s record of 51,000 in 2004 and easily surpassing last season’s 35,000, when Leeds filled in for the relegated Harlequins – has prompted thoughts of expanding the idea to other parts of the country.
John Varney, the commercial director of Premier Rugby Limited, which represents the 12 Premiership clubs, said: “The double-header has become part of our season now. It is a great launch platform as well.”That has really got us thinking about the potential of taking Bath, Bristol, Gloucester and Worcester down to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.”Staging a London double-header and a West Country double-header on day one of the new season is certainly something we are looking at But it has to be very much bought into by the clubs. It is a big thing giving up a home game as well.”The pity of it was that the sense of occasion was not more in evidence on the pitch.

“Ring rusty,” was the verdict of Brian Smith, the London Irish director of rugby. His team had just beaten the newly promoted Harlequins 20-19 in the first game. Dean Richards, Smith’s opposite number, said: “The boys are bitterly disappointed. Our performance was not up to the standard that we expected from ourselves. The players are annoyed with themselves.”It was a lacklustre match, in fact it was a lacklustre afternoon, because the second match was little better, despite the winning margin being double that of the first game.Wasps’ head man, Ian McGeechan, was still happy after his team’s 21-19 victory over the “home” team, Saracens, even if they scored only two tries.”Our pack was outstanding,” the former Scotland and Lions coach said. “They gave us the platform to control the game.”Dave Walder, their signing from Newcastle, ensured field position with a stunning display at stand-off, but Wasps lost the services of Fraser Waters. The England centre left the field in the sixth minute with a cut over his eye, but while he was being treated it was discovered he had taken a knock on the shoulder and he did not return.Saracens at least have something to look forward to – the long-awaited debut of their former Great Britain rugby league captain Andy Farrell, although it looks to have been put back a further week.