Fears that the introduction of competitive tendering in criminal legal aid could lead to 'blood on the walls' has prompted Winchester-based solicitor Patricia Eade - who is fast becoming Obiter's poet in residence after a previous poem was published (see [2004] Gazette, 9 September, 12) - to take up the pen once more. But, called 'Blood lust - another knock', it's not for the squeamish:


Avast. There's blood upon the walls.


Cry boycott before the axe falls;


Razor sharp slash and throats will gape;


Cut overheads roll from the nape.


Our tender feelings compete, when


We find our fees at risk again.


Commissioned crime set not to pay.


A two stage pilot tests the way


With scheme to profit costs abrade;


To drain the life from legal aid.