There's an article on the BBC website today regarding Luke Mitchell's conviction for Jodi Jones' murder, which reads in part like this:

"The picture of Mitchell and Jodi which emerged at the trial was one of rebellious teenagers experimenting with drugs, sex and alternative music."

This is just one in a series of articles today that centre on the guy's fascination with Marilyn Manson, stuffed with implications that his choice of listening somehow gave rise to the crime. That's questionable enough in itself, but how many of the same articles focus on, say, his self-professed propensity towards self-mutilation? Precisely none.

Now, I wasn't at the trial, but I get the feeling that the real issue is once again being circumvented in favour of the "easy option". There are quite clearly some mental health issues here that need to be addressed, but once again, we don't ask why this allowed to happen. We ask why heavy metal is still allowed, as quite obviously everyone who listens to it is inherently evil and - given half a chance - murderous.

It's a cliched sentiment, I know, and one that's been echoed countless times throughout history. But I question where this sort of reportage is going to get anybody - least of all the victim's family.