COLUMNIST Harry Mead complained that the law protects criminals more than it does innocent victims (Echo, July 28).

I think this misses the point.

Perpetrators and victims often represent two sides of the same coin. Children from chaotic or abusive backgrounds often end up warped and unable to empathise with other people, leading them to being abusive themselves.

From what I have read, Jon Venables, one of the killers of two-year-old James Bulger, was such a child.

While it is clearly important to protect society, one should also allow the possibility of reform.

Would your columnist really want Jon Venables’ identity to be known so that anyone could take a pot shot at him? If so, he should campaign for the return of the death penalty for ten-yearolds.

Masha Woollard, Darlington.