When hanging was abolished in 1962, there were 187 male prisoners serving life sentences.

In 1985, there were more than 3,000.

Goodness only knows how many we have now serving life, with three hot meals a day, all clothing supplied, linen service, TV rooms, sports facilities and counselling services, all free of charge.

How much support do the victims of these criminals receive?

How much longer must law-abiding citizens of this wonderful land be conned by such a crowd of government officials and do-gooders?

No wonder this country is reputed to be a soft touch.

-J K Chisnall, Lindsey Court, Bognor Regis