I WRITE in support of John Thorpe's letter (BEN, November 17) regarding youth crime and the new sentencing guidelines for youth courts.

We who are "streetwise", know that such leniency will encourage the yobs to perpetrate further outrage.

Mr Thorpe's comments: "But then, of course, the areas where they run riot are rarely in the neighbourhoods where the apologists live" are appropriate.

In my opinion, we in this country tolerate "do-gooders", who in fact undermine our society.

J Saunders

Bolton