ONCE again, the stupidity of our judicial system is highlighted (Echo, Jan 31).

Michael Hall, a man with 49 burglary offences on file who had been responsible for a one-man crime spree in Darlington for which he served less than two years, reoffended just five weeks after release.

This time, he preyed on a very brave 83-old-woman, Betty Thornton, who gave chase until three youths intervened, trading blows with Hall until police arrived.

This man has tainted many lives in Darlington, including the brave woman and her husband who now won’t leave his wife alone in the house.

For this offence he was sentenced to three years in jail, but we all know he won’t serve all that time inside.

I think most hardened criminals now see prison as a bit of a “soft touch” and it costs taxpayers millions to keep them there. Surely it is time to rethink how to “punish” these people – either conditions in prison are toughened so they don’t want to reoffend again or they “serve their time” working in the community for the full length of their sentence.

A reported police assurance that the three youths would not be “punished” for their involvement is ludicrous: they should be commended for their action.

Alan Dodgson, Barnard Castle, Co Durham.