All should be treated the same SIR: I would like to take the chance to air my views with regards to the grave injustice my family and friends feel that has been done to my brother.

My brother was sentenced three weeks ago for possession of an A1 class drug. Unfortunately, this was a one-off idiotic mistake that my brother made. I know you will say that it is his own fault, but he has never in his life had a criminal record, nor has he taken or dealt in drugs before. In fact the probation officer wrote a brilliant report on his behalf.

In my opinion I think it was society today that led him to do this, through having no money for being unable to get a decent job and also being too proud to come to his family. He agreed with a person in a local bar, to look after this drug for one night only for £40. This was the night he was caught with the drug.

I understand the harsh way in which drugs have to be dealt with and I also understand he should not be let off scot-free. But what annoys me is when it is reported in the newspapers that pop stars, (eg Liam Gallagaher from Oasis) and others, are allowed to go free with a slapped wrist and entertain the masses. My brother has already learnt his lesson. I think he did the day he was sentenced to do three years and one month.

He has now had to give up his job which he got just after he did this crime. He started to get back on his feet and settle his debts. He has lost everything, even his flat. What happens when he comes out? Who is going to help him then? I just hope that one day society will make it so that everyone is treated the same, whatever the crime and not as an example like my brother has.

S Jones, Breightmet, Bolton

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