THE Courier, on November 1, contained very depressing news. I was appalled to read that the thugs who attacked Mrs White were allowed to walk free - click here to read the story.

She had gone to investigate an argument her father was having with a group of young people and her actions resulted in her receiving hospital treatment.

No doubt a custodial sentence was not imposed because of Government instructions, because our jails are full.

Also, a youth who had been arrested at Tesco's for having an airgun was given a reprimand. Don't the police know that modern air guns are capable of blinding people or, at worst, killing people?

The majority of people will agree with Mrs White when she says "punishment is a joke".

People can't be bothered to report criminal activities because, they either receive a number for insurance purposes, or if people are prosecuted, they receive a slap on the wrist.

Your Courier Comment was quite correct. Law-abiding people believe that the punishment should fit the crime. It is about time the people who are paid to protect us, imposed punishments we would all agree with.

Coun R H Marshall, MBE, Conservative Luddenden Foot Ward