It is the views of people like Andrew Parkes which make rehabilitation unsuccessful (Comment, June 4). Everyone can make mistakes. It is not being given a chance to change or right a wrong which leads young offenders to re-offend.

If everyone had the same opinion as Mr Parkes, this world would be a far more dangerous place. As we all know, there are no good vigilante groups. In fact, they are worse than the average criminal.

If Mr Parkes were to take more notice of the news, he would see the results of vigilante groups in the guise of so-called organisations.

Would he have the same opinion of paedophiles and sex offenders?

What gives him the right to say these young offenders need to be put out their miseries and out of his. He must remember these boys are somebody’s sons.

Yes, rehabilitation does cost money but far better to punish in a legal and moral way than in the manner Mr Parkes speaks of.

Would he carry out this punishment himself, and does he think taxpayers’ money should be used to put them “out of their miseries”. Would this still be his opinion if it was a child or relative of his own?

M Kerr Lynden Way Swanley

EDITOR’S REPLY: I applaud your civilised views, but your argument works both ways. What if the victim was my child or a relative? I stand by my comments.