WITH reference to "Send in the clowns" (February 25), what a gross waste of taxpayers' money.

Young offenders need to be punished for their crimes and learn from it, not taught how to juggle. Bad behaviour needs to be nipped in the bud before it grows.

No longer do ruffian teenagers adhere to their elders or the law. This go-softly approach is responsible for lack of respect either in word or behaviour and as a result youth crime is rising.

Jacqueline Taylor,

Tennent Road,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 09:58 Friday, February 27, 2004