Sir.-Regarding the article "Banned" in last Friday's Gazette, I think the police were absolutely right in the decision to withhold the photograph of Christopher Rampling.
The young man in question, with such a history of anti-social behaviour, will not be helped by such publicity.
Who would really benefit?
Those unfortunate enough to have been abused by him will not forget his face and will certainly know who he is, for future reference.
A system to inform those who have a need to know him will be in place.
Who is to say what lies in the future after his release into the community?
Society has a responsibility to help such people. I believe alienating them from one will push the problems on to another community.
One can only trust and hope that a relevant and suitable rehabilitation programme willbe instigated for him while in custody.
The main thought that occurred to me in all of this was that I felt for his family and their friends. They have suffered enough tragedy in the past.
Some young people consistently go "off the rails" through no particular or identifiable fault of their parents and carers.
Mental instability and ill health has no respect of class or family circumstance and such families need our support.
Anti-social behaviour is not readily attributable to stereo-typical poor parenting, broken homes, being brought up in a "bad" environment or school. When it occurs, it is not easily (or readily) diagnosed.
Publishing Christopher's photograph in a sensational way, therefore, would only serve to add to his family's grief.
-Mrs W Faulkner, Freefolk, Whitchurch.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article