I COULD hardly believe the story (LET, June 25) of the poor beggar locked up for two days. For want of a better pun, 'it beggars belief.'

Let's face it, if we added up the cost of the magistrate, prosecutor, defender, arresting officers and two days' custody and gave the total cost to the man, I am sure he would not need to beg again for at least a month.

For pity's sake, there are far more offensive things on our streets that need 'cleaning up' than beggars.

ANNE MILLER (Mrs), Hertford Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.