When Craig Bell was sentenced to just three years for the manslaughter of peace-loving Graham Playle, we wrote that he was a lucky man.

We noted that, with good behaviour, he could be out within 18 months.

We acknowledged the huge dignity with which Mr Playle's brother Mick responded to the sentence, accepting Bell's apology and hoping only that he would learn something from his mistake.

Well, he hasn't.

Released on licence, Bell attacked a night-clubber by biting him on the nose.

So much for the 'apology'. So much for his 'regrets'.

Well, at least this sad, violent man's luck has run out.

The authorities now know what they are dealing with - too late, of course, for his hapless latest victim.

Serious questions need to be answered about how Bell has been handled by the system.

Was he really ready to be released on licence?

Did the prison service and probation officers get hoodwinked by his expressions of regret?

How on earth can a man who has killed less than 19 months previously get into a nightclub in the same city, free to attack again?

With even more humbling restraint than before, Mr Playle's brother still refuses to seek retribution.

The legal system owes it to his dignity, and the memory of Graham, to handle this criminal with far more nous than they have so far.