Attacks on the elderly

Sir, – What depressing reading Pages 2 & 3 of The Irish Times newspaper (July 26th) make. Compounding my revulsion is the fact that one of the perpetrators of the attack on an elderly lady was out on bail and had 96 previous convictions. He has been sentenced to eight years for his horrific crime which ultimately means he will be free to rejoin society in four to five years' time.

I’m sure our liberal friends would proffer the argument that by then he will be suitably rehabilitated during his prison term and capable and fit to rejoin society. I have my doubts! – Yours, etc,

MICHAEL P GALLAGHER,

Moycullen, Co Galway.