BARRY MAHER,
A chara, I was extremely concerned to read An Irishman's Diary by Kevin Myers (November 20th). His attempt to draw a parallel between the cases of Myra Hindley and Brother Ambrose is curious at best and sensationalist at worst. Both have served time in prison for heinous crimes, but Myra Hindley served 36 years compared to the 3 years of Brother Ambrose.
Mr Myers seems to ignore the fact that a judicial/penal system should focus upon reforming people, as well as punishing them. Myra Hindley, formerly a criminal, became a victim herself, victim to a succession of Home Secretaries too fearful of public and tabloid opinion to grant her release.
In 1985 Lord Lane recommended that she should serve no more than 25 years, but subsequent Home Secretaries fixed her tariff first at 30 years and then at "whole life", meaning she would never be released. The only reason that this is allowed to happen in Britain is because politicians, who are naturally concerned with public opinion, can overrule judges with no such concerns on judicial matters.
Is this what we call a civilised society? I hope not. - Is mise,
BARRY MAHER, Brixton, London.
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Madam,- I was shocked to read John Waters'(Nov 18th) and Kevin Myers'(Nov 20th) reaction to the death of Myra Hindley. Their attitudes fill me with despair. I see little difference in their mindset from that of Hindley herself to her victims - contemptuous, arrogant, ugly and de-humanising.
This de-humanising of another human being is the source of all atrocities. Waters and Myers seem to be manifesting the very thing they profess to abhor. - Yours, etc.,
PAMELA McDONALD,
Blackrock Village,
Cork.