Figures from the Ministry of Justice show, staggeringly, that nearly one in 10 prosecutions brought before the magistrates' courts in England and Wales last year was for non-payment of the TV licence fee. Around 180,000 people received a criminal record for this offence, which carries a maximum fine of £1,000. It appears to be the most common crime dealt with by JPs. This is madness - not least at a time when the Government is anxious to reduce court costs.