I REFER to the Echo of September 1 and wonder why we bother to obey the law.

Here is an extract with the name and address deleted: “Admits stealing £538.90 worth of goods from Boots in Christchurch Road, Boscombe, June 5. Committed to prison for eight weeks concurrent, suspended for 12 months. To pay £75 compensation.

“Also convicted for assaulting a woman by beating her in Southampton on April 24. Committed to prison for 16 weeks, suspended for 12 months. To pay £100 compensation.

“Also convicted for assaulting a man by beating him in Southampton on April 24. Committed to prison for 16 weeks concurrent, suspended for 12 months. To pay £100 compensation.

“Also convicted for stealing £57.33 of items from Co-op in Manor Farm Road, Southampton, on April 24. Committed to prison for eight weeks concurrent, suspended for 12 months. To pay £57.30 compensation.

“Also admits failing to surrender to custody at West Hampshire Magistrates’ Court on August 14 having been released on bail in criminal proceedings on August 1. Committed to prison for one month concurrent, suspended for 12 months.

“Also admits failing to surrender to custody at West Hampshire Magistrates’ Court on July 30 having been released on bail in criminal proceedings on June 23. Committed to prison for one month concurrent, suspended for 12 months.”

So I speed at 54 in a 40 on Holes Bay relief road (I am not excusing it at all) and I get £100 fine and 3 points and I have paid up with no arguments and then I see this.

Where is there any deterrent to commit crime?

KEVIN JACQUES

Washington Avenue, Bournemouth