Drunk-driving jail sentence

Madam, - John Waters (Opinion, July 30th) regards as vengeful the custodial sentence imposed by Judge Catherine Delahunt in …

Madam, - John Waters (Opinion, July 30th) regards as vengeful the custodial sentence imposed by Judge Catherine Delahunt in a recent case of drunk driving causing death. I think he is unfair to the judge. She had an unenviable task. Insofar as she was seeking to deter others from driving while drunk, she deserves the support of society.

In the future we may identify alternatives to prison sentences that would have an equally deterrent effect. But at present, the judge had no other option available. - Yours, etc,

TOM SHEEDY, Seapark, Malahide, Co Dublin.