I HEARTILY agree with Mr C. Bakewell (Letters, July 1) concerning soft sentences. Life should mean life for brutal and wilful murder. Ninety per cent of people would agree.

In fact, recent headlines confirm Mr Bakewell's view. One read: 'Alarm over murderers on probation.' Some alarming figures were revealed.

Chief Supt Brian Mackenzie, president of the Police Superintendents' Association, said he questioned the courts, and added: "If there is some doubt about whether a person is a risk to the public, the courts must err on the side of the public. This shows that risks are being taken that are simply unacceptable."

D. BULLEN (Mr), Albany Road, Blackburn.

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