NOT only do murderers who have received a 'life' sentence have the life of Riley in jail at public expense, but now, as we have seen (LET, October) 22) can marry.

And the prison authorities will facilitate the event, even to the extent of allowing the happy couple a short time together, in private, after the ceremony.

Are such happenings the intention of the judges when they hand out 'life' sentences?

Do not the courts envisage that the prisoner will be subjected to an austere regime that will amount to punishment of the murderer?

Also, should not the duration of the sentence be for his whole life?

I suggest that for some years this country has had no deterrent to murder and it is not until the penalty for killing someone - anyone, not only the police - is fearful, that we shall have one.

We have a new Home Secretary whose determination is to greatly reduce crime in the UK. I suggest that a good start would be to initiate a referendum on the question of the death penalty for killers.

C BAKEWELL, St James' Road, Blackburn.

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