Last updated 11:24, Tuesday, 02 December 2008

THEY do say that if you can’t do the time, you shouldn’t commit the crime. A judge in America has taken the premise to heart.

A fate worse than death? Barry Manilow, whose music is played to repeat offenders by one American judge

A touch harshly perhaps, Judge Paul Sacco has devised his own fiendish plan of punishment for repeat offenders brought before his Colorado court for playing their sound systems too loudly or disturbing neighbours with noisy partying.

Those who have kept doing it, in spite of being fined at previous court appearances have been made to listen to Barry Manilow at high volume for an hour.

Oh no! Makes the blood run cold, does it not? Surely not Barry Manilow – has Judge Sacco never heard of leg irons and water torture?

Unsurprisingly, he said his methods had cut the number of repeat offenders appearing in his court dramatically. But offenders who are found to enjoy facing the music will have Barry’s songs replaced by something equally as unbearable... Britney maybe?

As Judge Sacco says, the guilty have to listen to music they can’t stand – a dose of their own medicine, if you like.

Anybody yet found to easily tolerate the Manilow sentence? Er, now you mention it... no.