We need tough justice to beat gangs

We have heard a lot recently about being tough on crime, with new Home Secretary Priti Patel vowing last week that she wants would-be criminals to be ‘terrified’ of justice.

Some still clamour for the return of the death penalty as a solution to those who are currently involved in gangs and knife attacks.

Clearly, in part, the problem appears to be that the penalties for criminal behaviour have little deterrent effect.

Perhaps instead of the current focus on rehabilitation, the emphasis should now be on creating an overwhelming fear of the consequences for criminal behaviour.

Let’s consider 12 months of hard labour instead of arguments over which latest Xbox game prisoners should get. How attractive would gang culture and theft be for the average youth, knowing that they would face such consequences?

Or we could simply continue to wring our hands and talk, while suggesting the taxpayer funds another inquiry and the odd billion-pound ‘investment’ in offender management.

Kieran Irwin, Shepperton