We must keep people safe

REGARDING the articles in Chronicle about the pensioner in Fenham attacked in her home for £5.

When will the government stop being blinkered about mental health patients being transferred mainly into the community? They should stop so many cuts in mental health care.

I first read the article in the Chronicle 16.1.17 about the frail pensioner, Jean Young of Fenham, being attacked by monster Lee Cockburn for £5 in her home.

Furthermore, in the Chronicle of 21 September 2017, I was horrified to read that he has 39 convictions, plus a conviction for murder.

In addition, he has severe mental health problems. He is still allowed to roam again in the community when he should be in a permanent secure mental health hospital.

He is not the only mental health patient in our city causing harm, distress and suffering to vulnerable individuals. Transferring all mental health care into the community is not the answer for the best care for very disturbed cases. Lesser cases, yes, I agree. Only keeping very disturbed cases in hospital short term and transferring them into the community not properly supervised due to cuts, is disgusting.

Families and victims are suffering, not all recover. More responsibility is placed on our overstretched police, hospital and GPs. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs Young and family. RITA ATKINSON, BSC (Hons), Heaton