TODAY is decision day for Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe as he should find out if he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
As former Huddersfield detective John Stainthorpe who worked on the case quite rightly says, it is impossible to think of any circumstances where he could be allowed out.
The 1970s when Sutcliffe went on his killing spree may be a long time ago, but many will remember the terror he caused for so many years.
Added to that the sheer number of victims and the countless lives he destroyed then his crimes are among the worst committed by a single individual in history.
And, of course, if he ever stepped outside the walls of a prison or secure hospital then he would be an immediate target for anyone seeking to make a notorious name for themselves.
No-one could surely seriously contemplate setting Sutcliffe free – but it’s the judge’s decision today that counts.
