IT is to be hoped that Hugh Bayley, the Crown Prosecution Service and the magistrates are taking note of the stories on Wednesday night's Evening Press front page ("Who did it?" and "Attack victim: We can't let this go on").

These situations can be clearly linked to failures on the part of the Labour Party, whose election manifesto contained a promise to be "tough on crime and the causes of crime"; the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), who always opt for the lighter charge rather than a meaningful one which truly reflects the magnitude of the crime; and the magistrates who seem to opt for the lightest available "punishment" then refuse to even explain why the criminal should not be identified.

All three have sent out a clear message that crime pays and the vandal or yob is untouchable.

These failures are further compounded by those who know the identity of the perpetrators yet fail to pass the information to the police. They too are condoning this criminal behaviour.

A Dobinson,

Askham Lane, York.

...TWO front pages and a leading article would indicate the seriousness with which the recent disgraceful display by York magistrates is held by your paper.

I am sure it has also aroused deep anger and disgust in the community.

Your paper reports the comments of the usual collection of politicos, all of whom insist such yob behaviour is not to be tolerated, crackdowns will be hard, in short all the usual mealy-mouthed garbage one associates with politicians (May 10).

The facts are exactly the opposite as usual and once more a youth with no regard for anyone gets away with his criminally loutish behaviour, no doubt having a good laugh leaving court after one more "final warning".

All the bodies responsible should have something to say but follow a well trodden path and hide behind "no comment", no useful purpose served, etc.

It may interest Hugh Bayley MP that last week the sentencing advisory panel issued guidelines to the Home Office calling for judges to go easy on young offenders who should not see the inside of prison unless weapons are used or significant violence employed.

The panel's recommendations go to the sentencing guidelines council headed by none other than Lord Woolf who will decide whether or not to recommend acceptance.

As an MP one would expect Mr Bayley to be aware of such reports, but apparently not. Legislature and judiciary are determined the status quo will continue. Prisons are full so let 'em off!

So good people, take note, all your anger and protests are in vain. The great wise ones will not protect you from the scrote but they will certainly protect him from you if you take action yourself.

Charles Rushton,

Pasture Close,

Strensall, York.

Updated: 10:30 Friday, May 14, 2004