CAPITAL punishment is a deterrent, as I discovered years ago from a drug-addicted neighbour (now dead) with whom I was arguing.

His comment -- "If it wasn't for the rope, I'd do you in." Obviously the thought of that noose around his neck made him afraid.

I know the do-gooders oppose such laws, saying who would be the hangman? In this connection, may I relate an incident. I was in Harrogate at the time Hindley was on the moors in search of the bodies of her victims. During dinner, the subject of the Moors Murders came up, and various guests were saying what the punishment should have been, when, suddenly, one man's suggestion put the topic on a different line. This was when he said he would release her. Gasps all round, until he added his final phrase which was -- "while the relatives are still alive".

By this method, the law would take its course and the do-gooders could go into action if they dared.

Dorothy B Waters

Winifred Road

Farnworth, Bolton