RECENTLY it was reported that Sky TV was installed at the mental hospital that houses Ian Brady, the Moors murderer, and other criminals.

Sky TV was installed so that these people could watch premiership football and, I quote, "Hollywood movies".

It must be heart-breaking for the relatives of the lad (whose remains have never been found) to hear Brady can now watch Sky TV. He already gets central heating all year round, three meals a day - surely he was put away to suffer not be pampered.

Going on from this, it is reported that more than 1,500 prisoners (convicted criminals) now have satellite in their prison cells, all at the tax payers' expense.

This service costs £42 per month, which is out of reach of many people in Britain.

These prisoners "have been given this privilege for good behaviour", said a government official.

Surely the purpose of sending criminals to prison is to punish them - not pamper them. How many of the victims of criminals would love to have Sky TV in their homes, but cannot afford it?

This facility should be withdrawn immediately and the money spent elsewhere. How about free TV licences for pensioners over 65?

Isn't it time that prisoners were made to work and earn their keep?

Tom Mitchell,

Mendip Close,

Huntington, York.

Updated: 09:40 Wednesday, March 15, 2006