The three great excuses of our age when it comes to wrong behaviour are: (1) I’m sorry – which costs nothing to say and helps nobody but the accused; (2) I wasn’t really there/didn’t really do it, which just throws chaff over the ugly business; and (3) I’m also a victim, which is intended to appeal to our sympathy.

The three great excuses of our age when it comes to wrong behaviour are: (1) I'm sorry - which costs nothing to say and helps nobody but the accused; (2) I wasn't really there/didn't really do it, which just throws chaff over the ugly business; and (3) I'm also a victim, which is intended to appeal to our sympathy.