REGARDING Frank Fernie (Letters, July 14, 15, 16). Of course he should not have been treated so harshly.

Three months community service would have been enough to make him consider his own failings, and perhaps guard against them in the future; as it is now, he may well be considering whether or not honesty is the best policy and he will have learnt nothing about tolerance, only the lack of it.

My concern is that this may have far reaching effects on this seemingly successful young man; his education has been interrupted, he will have a black mark against his character which may make it more difficult for him to do his charity work, or work in the future.

As he seems a young man of high ideals, he may be unable to forgive himself for stepping over that line into unacceptable behaviour.

I hope he remembers to give himself the same consideration he has given others, and learns something positive from the experience.

Good luck, Frank Fernie, I hope you are strong enough to stick to your ideals and principles.

Rosaline Johnson, Blacklee Close, York.