Christmas, of course, is supposed to be the season of goodwill, but there are many people who behave as if it is entirely the opposite. The British Transport Police have issued a warning to festive revellers to curb their behaviour after a man who attacked a train guard ended up in jail.

And staff at a charity shop in Bingley have been left distraught after a thief stole a collection box raising money to provide entertainment for hospice residents. That both incidents should happen at all will sicken most people, but that they should happen at a time when we are all meant to be in a more charitable frame of mind only deepens the impact of these crimes.

The Christmas season does see an increase in the numbers of people celebrating in pubs and at restaurants, and no-one would want that to be any different.

But anyone drinking so much alcohol that they end up aggressive, violent and engaging in criminal acts is displaying purely irresponsible behaviour. And anyone who steals money bound for terminally-ill people is the lowest of the low. These are difficult times for everybody, but surely a little festive spirit is not too much to ask.