So, it's not just the U.S. justice system that is insane:

BBC News | UK | Head's widow asked to apologise to killer

The widow of head teacher Philip Lawrence has described her "extreme upset" at being asked to apologise to his teenage killer.

Frances Lawrence, 51, told how a probation officer rang her at home and said that Learco Chindamo had become upset after she criticised him for his lack of remorse.

Mrs Lawrence, a mother of four, said the officer claimed an apology would make Chindamo "feel happier" when he came before a panel which was deciding whether his life sentence should be cut.

I'm compelled to wonder why the probation officer is still employed. I don't know how the system works in the U.K., but here in the U.S. (or, at least in California) a probation officer is generally not an advocate for the convicted. Talk about a wack-o. (Link courtesy Moira Breen.)