Suspended sentences by courts irresponsible

MY concern deals with the so-called justice system. I would like to know why jails are built in such picturesque places in south-east Queensland.

Look at the lifestyle of Palen Creek. I can only suggest that jails be built in the far west. This would open up country towns, providing employment, business and agricultural opportunities.

There would be no threat to the local community and the jail would but at least 50km from town. Prison warders would be few as escape would be to the detriment of offenders. Transportation of offenders, to and fro, by train and the final destination by road.

Should this avenue be undertaken, perhaps “penalties” could be enforced which would be a great learning curve and an incentive not to re-offend.

I hate reading our local paper each day to learn of these ridiculous decisions dished out by our learned magistrates and judges, not only in Toowoomba, but throughout Queensland and Australia. We should learn from other countries as to why penalties are imposed and enforced.

The police spend many hours, on and off-duty, in an effort to identify offenders against society and have them placed before the courts to be handed a suspended sentence.

What a load of irresponsibility. The court system is, unfortunately, a massive joke. — TONY IRVIN, Highfields

Human nature

LG, SMS (TC, 18/4). It’s not “religion” that causes all the strife in our world. It is human nature. If you have children, watched children or been a child yourself, you may have noticed there is frequently dissension and arguments among them long before they have been exposed to any religious

❝ The police spend many hours, on and off-duty, in an effort to identify offenders against society and have them placed before the courts to be handed a suspended sentence.

Visit

I HAD a chance to visit the new Grand Central today and appreciated the lilies hanging down in long strips at the entrance.

Although it was too early for schnitzel I enjoyed a pot of tea and toasted mango bread at the Coffee Emporium which was also beautified with hanging greenery in brass pots. In this way I was fortified against a sudden April shower.

I can imagine this will be a business venue with ample free undercover parking available. As I exited the centre I was able to appreciate huge photography of sunburnt fields and tracks to Wallangarra. — IAN YEATES, Toowoomba