I agree with some of what Sylvia Harwood said regarding stupid boys jumping into the sea from the pier (Letters, June 19).

You should not print photos or report their behaviour because that is, indeed, what they want.

However, I would not go so far as to say we should let a few drown but I would say that, if they have to be rescued, they should be fined £1,000.

I also think the owners of the pier should make it impossible for this to happen by having someone there, such as a security guard, to prevent it.

The reason I am so concerned about this is because many years ago I had a very nice, kind friend, who one day said he was going down to the Palace Pier.

The next day he was dead. While climbing on the girders under the pier, he slipped and fell, hit his head as he went into the sea and drowned.

He was about 12 years old. If he had not gone under the pier, he might still be alive and the same age as me, 67 years old.

It took a long time to get over that loss - I still feel sad when I think of him.

His name was Trevor Comber and he lived in Bear Road, Brighton. I was living in Mafeking Road. After his death, a large notice was put up at both sides of the pier saying "Do not play under the pier".

-D M Manville, Brighton