SIR: May I comment on your Viewpoint editorial about Barry Wilcox. Firstly I will quote your closing paragraph. "Whilst we do not condone what Barry has done, we wish Mrs Wilcox success in getting fair justice for her son. A sixteen year old is too young to be written off as a 'no hoper'".
I find it most irresponsible of you to disagree with Judge Ruaux's sentencing. After 57 burglaries this youth is already a hardened criminal.
If you just treat him as a novice criminal you will create a no-hoper.
The fear and sorrow this youth has created among the elderly is terrible.
Your concern should be to get longer sentences for the pushers not shorter for this criminal. No we have experienced 30 years of do-gooders and look at the mess we are in. It is time we backed Judge Ruaux's decisions and give the elderly the sympathy.
Realist, Farnworth
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