In reply to Heather Causnett (Letters, December 5), I must point out that no-one is campaigning for the law to treat women better than men.

The problem is women currently receive longer sentences than men convicted for the same crimes. Judges and magistrates seem to see women who break the law as especially deserving of punishment, and that's wrong.

What we need is equality before the law.

Ben Drake

Danum Road,

Fulford, York.

Updated: 11:50 Friday, December 07, 2001