Such is our pathetic legal system that young offenders who are, by law, juveniles cannot be seriously prosecuted, as was the case with the youth recently arrested in connection with at least 15 burglaries.

At worst, they will go to a residential young offenders' centre, but many are let off the hook completely, giving them carte blanche to offend again and again.

The system should be radically changed. Every young offender committing a crime which, had they been an adult would have warranted a prison sentence, should be, if found guilty, given that sentence.

However, it should be suspended until they reach 18. In the meantime, they should be given community service and made to do menial tasks for their individual victims.

-Matt Mullett, Tangmere Road, Brighton