I AM disgusted with whoever it is who told the judges that they are not to send burglars and violent criminals to prison.

So, the prisons are getting too full to take them, but why give cautions and fines to the worst of the criminal fraternity?

It is ludicrous to even think of letting these people walk the streets where they will be able to attack even more innocent victims. Why not give the fines and cautions to the non-violent and first offenders?

It is frightening to think where this will ultimately lead.

Will we have killers and rapists walking the streets? We already have gun and knife law. Where will it all end? Will we all finish up having to carry weapons to defend ourselves? I hope not but this is not inconceivable.

I think what we really need to do is have a thorough shake-up of the entire legal system.

Instead of sending nonviolent and first offenders to prison they should, wherever it is deemed appropriate, be given counselling by a qualified psychologist who could hopefully help them to turn their lives around and become useful citizens.

This would be possible I am sure because the cost of keeping one person out of prison each week would pay for the psychologist’s salary and also pay for someone to help him.

Keeping several people out of prison each week would leave us with a very large saving which would justify the move.

J S Marten, Round Hill Crescent, Brighton