I was interested to read the article "Life should mean life" (The Argus, July 28).

I totally agree. My son was tragically taken from us at the age of 29

in a frenzied killing in his own home. His friend, who he lodged with, was also killed.

Unfortunately for us, the defendant pleaded "diminished responsibility" due to incurable personality problems and ended up with a custodial sentence of 15 years for killing two people in cold blood who had no way of defending themselves.

To add insult to injury, the judge, in all his wisdom, took off one year for the custodial time he had already spent in prison awaiting his case to be brought to court and another year off for the fact that he showed remorse and said he was sorry for what he had done.

He was told that he could not be considered for any sort of parole until five-and-a-half years had passed - if someone decides he is fit and well and his incurable problems are now okay, he could be roaming the streets again and probably offend again as well.

Our lives have been torn to shreds. We just manage to get through each day. Our son will never return to us but this man will be free and we will always be conscious of this fact.

Apart from this, people who plead "diminished responsibility" should serve a proper life sentence - ie for the rest of their lives. These people are a danger to society and should never walk the streets again.

Yes, life should mean life.

-Mrs Burey, Peacehaven