I write about the case of Michelle Edwards (Mum gets five years for hiding broken gun, Croydon Guardian, May 3).

I read she has been jailed for five years. As far as I am concerned, and I would think a lot of people would agree with me, this is a travesty of justice.

Many of us have made stupid decisions doing favours for friends or family without really thinking about it.

She is not a career criminal who is going to go out and rob someone. I just think to sentence her to five years for a really petty and stupid crime is harsh.

Especially when serious criminals are being sentenced to two and three years and are released before serving their full terms and go on to re-offend.

Has the society we know lost the plot somewhat? I think so.

I came to this country from a gun and crime infested one, where the rights of the victims seemed secondary to the rights of the perpetrator.

I came to England to be better off but I see here, for now anyway, the criminals' rights are put above the rights of law-abiding citizens.

I think it is a crime for Michelle Edwards to be placed behind bars, when more serious criminals get a slap on the wrist and a get out of jail free card.

Alan Turner
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