WHAT is the problem with today's magistrates? Once again we see one of them dishing out a pathetic "penalty" - this time to Scott Anderson Wilson, above - and suggesting the police should not be "too harsh on him" (March 16).

In my naivete I believed the courts were supposed to support the police in protecting the public against the likes of this self-confessed career criminal.

If Mrs Visick feels unable to protect the law abiding citizens of York by awarding a meaningful punishment then perhaps she should resign from the bench and seek employment in a field more suited to her sympathetic talents, such as a nursery school attendant.

A Dobinson,

Askham Lane,

York.

Updated: 12:08 Thursday, March 18, 2004