MR Martin is mistaken in his belief that vandals are "mentally defective" (Letters, November 12). Therefore his recommendation that they be sent to a "mental institute" (whatever that is) would be useless.

Wanton violence is most certainly not linked to mental health problems, mental illness or learning disability and it is a puzzle to me why some people continue to make this association.

Mrs Vivien Markham,

Maclagan Road,

Bishopthorpe,

York.

Updated: 10:23 Tuesday, November 23, 2004