RECENT revelations of criminals found guilty by a court of law and deemed recidivists, some of whom pose a threat to a law-abiding public, having been sentenced to what can only be described as a soft alternative must weigh heavily on the victims and families of those affected.

This lenient attitude also reflects on police officers who have often spent many hours investigating, in some cases complex Category A offences, with help from the public. It is cause for concern when bringing offenders to justice is thwarted by legislation.

An urgent review of the judicial system is needed to compensate and reassure the public that justice has been done. The motto to any would-be criminal is “If you can’t do the time, don’t commit the crime”.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.