THE Lord Chancellor, Lord Derry Irvine is plainly not of this planet.

His latest remarks that people are not "disturbed at first-time burglars or even second-time burglars not going to prison" sound crazy.

He was backing the controversial sentencing rules brought in last month by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf -- plainly, another inhabitant of the constellation of Zarg.

Burglary can be devasting at any time, and if you suffer more than one burglary then the worry, fear and downright insecurity intensify in proportion.

Quite often, knowing that the creature who broke into your home, went through your personal possessions and removed items you treasured is going to be behind bars is the only consolation.

Elderly people -- often victims of choice for the low-life who steal your hard-earned goods -- may never recover from having someone break into their home.

They feel vulnerable, alone and frightened and only organisations like the excellent Victim Support will be there to help them through the weeks afterwards.

We've been burgled twice at home and it was a nasty experience each time. On the first occasion, the burglar ransacked the place, turning out drawers and stealing whatever he (probably he) could carry.

Worryingly, he obviously went around the house armed with a large driver he had taken from my husband's golf bag, presumably so he had a handy weapon if challenged.

One of my daughters discovered the break-in after she came home from school, and it left her upset and concerned for a long time.

I was worried myself. It's the kind of violation that leaves you feeling unsafe in your own home, where you expect to feel warm, comfortable and secure with your family.

There have been no reports of burglaries on Lord Irvine's home and this may not be unrelated to his latest statements. Let's hear someone who has lost important gifts and possessions in a burglary saying "no, that kind of crime is no big deal -- give them their freedom."

I shall be watching for the little porkies zooming past the window.