As subtle as a merry gynaecologist

One thought ...

In the matter of "the groping gynaecologist" and the anonymous waitress in "the school-type uniform" at the Northampton "theme restaurant", the nation, we are told, stands divided in a way not seen since the last case involving strong drink, a man with "his career in ruins" after "one moment of madness", and a woman in a short skirt "asking for it" who proved not to have "a sense of humour".

The 49-year-old gynaecologist, convicted of indecent assault for touching the waitress's thigh, is indignant; the 22-year-old waitress, a psychology graduate, feels vindicated. The opposing positions of punditry are probably best summed up by Lynda Lee-Potter in the Daily Mail, who believes that the gynaecologist has been treated like a "common criminal" for being "at worst, drunkenly, vulgarly foolish"; and by Fiona Webster in the Daily Mirror, who believes that "men will just have to learn to keep their bloody mitts to themselves".

Ms Webster's advice seems much the simplest way to avoid fresh acres of repetitious argument; and certainly a better short-term prospect than masculine subtlety in the field of inter-sexual understanding. And perhaps, too, we could all firmly resolve to avoid "theme restaurants" specialising in "school-type uniforms".