I READ the report of the unprovoked assault on 17-year-old Dale Taylor and the trashing of parts of Copmanthorpe with a sense of sadness that rapidly translated to anger at the reaction of the police to this attack (The Press, May 25).

Three points come immediately to mind that require answers from those appointed to protect us from the attacks of such criminals.

Firstly, how is it that an innocent victim is afraid to retaliate to a gang attack for fear of being arrested by the police for protecting himself against his assailants, who, no doubt, would be very rapidly in touch with a claims lawyer to claim their compensation should anyone lay a finger on them?

Secondly, the reaction of the police in simply cautioning the assailant defies belief. What sort of a signal does this give to such a bunch of louts?

Thirdly, the police tells us they are deploying extra resources in the area when required, so where were they? For reported gangs of 50 youths to be rampaging through Copmanthorpe suggests the extra resources are too little and too late.

JA Whitmore, Springfield Road, York.

• RECENTLY, we have seen many examples of how the law has become an ass.

In one case, we have an 80-year-old woman who suffers a stroke after two 18-year-old burglars break into her home.

Eight hours later, she dies; the youths are subsequently charged with burglary, which they brag about on Facebook.

We have another case where a husband plans to kill his wife, but admits to manslaughter “by reason of diminished responsibility” and is charged and sentenced accordingly, no charge of murder being made.

In The Press of Wednesday, May 25, we read a report where a teenager was set on by a mob.

A youth was arrested for the assault but later released after being given a youth reprimand, in other words “a verbal warning given by a police officer to a young person who admits they are guilty of a minor first offence”.

How this offence can be described as minor is beyond belief.

When are the law makers and law enforcers going to provide protection to the innocent that they expect?

AP Cox, Heath Close, Holgate, York.

• WOULDN’T it have been better for all concerned if Ratko Mladic had ‘met justice’ in the same manner that bin Laden did?

David Lewis, Church End, Cawood.

• MANY law-abiding citizens expect the punishment to fit the crime.

Nowadays, it would seem that the offender, if found guilty of a serious crime and sentenced to serve a term in prison, has to be considered above all else, including the victim.

Prisoners have now demanded better food after complaining that sandwiches were too soggy.

There are many unfortunate members of the public struggling to make ends meet without resorting to criminal activity, who would welcome time spent in a central-heated environment, meals provided, medical help on tap and extortionate demands met by prison staff – or should I say hotel staff – without having to pay for the privilege.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.