So what would be the point of sending John Thomas Booth to prison for five years? (LT, June 22) Well, after repaying in full the £75,991 plus the cost of tracking him down and prosecuting him, it would send a message to all the other benefit cheats.

When caught, not only will they repay every single penny, no matter how long that would take, but would go to prison for five years, without parole. That’s the point.

Twenty eight weeks’ prison suspended for two years is not punishment, it’s a joke.

A few MP’s behind bars would also send the right message to Westminster.

D Pratt, taxpayer, address supplied.