Is this justice?

SIR - I felt like screaming with rage when I read the story Career burglar is finally jailed (Herts Advertiser, May 21). According to the evidence heard in St Albans Crown Court, the gentleman concerned has committed hundreds and hundreds of offences of

SIR - I felt like screaming with rage when I read the story 'Career burglar is finally jailed' (Herts Advertiser, May 21).

According to the evidence heard in St Albans Crown Court, the gentleman concerned has committed hundreds and hundreds of offences of theft, racking up �400,000 in monies stolen and damage caused to premises. He also managed to flee from police after being arrested and remained at large for nearly four months before being detained again.

So what was the sentence imposed by Judge Marie Catterson? Six months. I repeat: Six months. And to ease the shock for this one-man crimewave, he was informed that he would only serve half the sentence with a further 39 days deducted for time already spent in custody. In other words, he will do less than two months, probably something like six weeks.

Is it any wonder, the honest, decent, law-abiding citizens of this land despair of its penal system? All together now: Scream! Scream! Scream!

JIM ELLIS,

Hatfield Road,

St Albans.