I WOULD like to comment on the sentencing of the two thugs re the story on page 5, May 17.

Surely if, as we are continuously being told, that we have to be tough on crime then the sentencing should reflect this.

Yet, because these thugs have been given four-year sentences for a previous crime which included a stabbing, the judge has given just 18 months for nearly crippling an innocent cyclist going home from work.

Surely this should be taken and judged as a separate and very serious case and if their last crime required a four or four and half year's sentence this one should be valid for the same amount.

The judge said that this is the sort of case that worries the public.

The public should be just as worried about our slap-on-the-wrist sentences which are being given out by our judges.

E J BAILEY

Stratton St MargaretSwindon