[Nugget]

He was given the opportunity to win millions because there is no law to stop him from doing so.

Herein lies the main problem (IMO) in the logic of the 'lock 'em up and throw away the key' brigade (and no, that's not directed at anyone in particular). If you have a law that stops ex-prisoners from buying lottery tickets, that law will apply to all prisoners.

This means that that OAP and the retired vicar would not be able to buy them. Their crime? Not paying their council tax. Not exactly what you'd call at the hard edge of violent crime.

Unfortunately, and as much as people may not like it, Hoare was on release (I believe it was day release) from prison, as his sentence was drawing to an end. He bought a lottery ticket and was lucky enough to win. That's it. There are no laws to prevent this, so there's nothing anybody can do about (regardless of whether you think he should remain in jail forever).

The flip side is that there is also a law that limits the time a victim of crime has to pursue the perpetrator for damages (or whatever). If they fail to pursue their claim within that time limit, then I'm afraid that really is tough.

If you believe the law should be changed, then fine, that's your opinion. However, don't forget that this woman pursued this claim purely because he won some money - ultimately, she lost out. What would have happened if Hoare had stayed in jail? I can guarantee that she wouldn't have received any money than.