The ordeal suffered by a disabled woman and described by S. Nielsen were no doubt horrific.

It is however extremely unfair to criticise Judge Mitchell's behaviour. Judges are not here to give their personal opinion of cases (facts speak for themselves) but to apply the law.

How seriously Jugde Mitchell personally judged the offences is irrelevant - in sentencing he was following guidelines and had limited discretion.

Anyone objecting to the type and length of sentencing for particular offences should write to their MP or to the Home Secretary.

This would be infinetely more appropriate and productive than criticising the judges for matters out of their reach which is as absurd as criticising doctors for not prescribing drugs the NHS has decided not to offer.

A Milton, Wandsworth.