FINES deducted from state benefits at source is a nettle our MPs seem unable to see the sense in or grasp.

They would enable the courts to reduce prison populations. Impose fines that hit the criminal, anti-social and feckless where it will hurt most, in the pocket.

The amount of fine deducted would depend on circumstances. That would soak up the fag and alcohol element and it would be down to the fined to decide if their fags and alcohol are more important than food and clothing.

Council rent money could be deducted at source.

I can't see any sense in writing off unpaid fines and rent when the solution is staring us in the face.

I am sure our courts must get fed up trying to impose sentences that will have some chance of acting as a deterrent and having their hands tied.

MR D PRATT, Plantation Street, Accrington.