A man with more than 100 criminal convictions, including that of choking his mother, has avoided a custodial sentence because of a letter his mother sent to court (Echo, July 21).

This is reminiscent of the time that a prolific thief escaped prison after the Judge received a letter from the very priest whose church he had on more than one occasion stripped of lead causing many thousands of pounds in damages.

I’m sorry but the fact this man was even carrying a weapon in a public place should see him eating his porridge.

But he has been warned next time he may face imprisonment. I bet he’s shaking in his boots.

Next time his poor innocent victim may not be so lucky.

So next time your honour please lock dangerous criminals up in a place called prison.

That’s what’s it’s there for - not for punishing people who fall behind with their council tax.

John Cumberland, Rushyford.