IT is my contention that the penalty for murder should be both severe and fearful (I would hang 'em).

Three young thugs have killed a young man and have received a so-called 'life' sentence.

For the next 20 years, or so, they will live at public expense, no rent to pay, no taxes, meals provided, plenty of free snooker, colour TV and all the rest of it: in short on 'easy street.'

They will, however, lose their liberty, but only until the Parole Board lets them out.

I wonder how many of your readers consider this an appropriate punishment for this unprovoked killing.

In the absence of the death penalty, which no British government will reintroduce, a life sentence should be for the whole life of the murderer.

The family of the victim has received a life sentence of grief and loss, which will end only at the grave.

The perpetrators of this ghastly crime should never again see the outside world.

I hope the new Home Secretary will use his Office to sweep away 'soft' sentencing for all offences that manifestly do not fit the crime.

C BAKEWELL (Mr), St James' Road, Blackburn.

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