THE emotive pleas to reintroduce capital punishment following the tragic death of Sarah Payne is understandable.

However, the reactionary instinct must be curbed by sensible and reasonable debate.

Many have argued that the death penalty will act as a deterrent for paedophiles, but this is not a sustainable argument. For the same people say that they are 'naturally' evil and will always be like this.

I cannot think of a bigger deterrent than the treatment given out to paedophiles inside jails -- maybe rightly. I'm sure many would prefer death.

Secondly, although the crime was terrible, is it not sensible that by stooping to the level of the perpetrator, we are reducing the value of human life, as was done by killing an innocent girl?

Thirdly, paedophilia has its roots in childhood when the next generation of paedophiles are those being abused. This is not an excuse, but is generally considered fact.

Therefore, by making a huge effort to stamp out child abuse itself, we may be able to stop the Sarah Paynes of this world suffering such a fate and stop the creation of paedophiles.

Two dead bodies is what the right-wingers want and cannot see further than the 'noose' on this issue.

J R FEARNLEY, Whalley Road, Langho.