A dressing down

Sympathy for the recession-hit, poverty-stricken, well-nigh emasculated construction industry hit a low last week as Achille Mazzotta - a self-styled unemployed builder - was tried and found guilty of travelling 153mph in his BMW M353i.

These are not bargain-basement motors, and other evidence of Mazzotta's straightened circumstances proved scant as he arrived at court wearing dark glasses, natty tie, and a trendier version of Douglas Hurd's famous green overcoat.

After being gaoled for six months, gents outfitters in his home town of Swindon were reportedly tightening their belts.