I was appalled at the sentencing on reading the Tele’s court reports on Friday March 12.
Three separate cases of assault on a doctor at Ninewells Hospital, a teacher and a policeman, given, respectively, deferred sentences for six months for good behaviour, a period of probation (despite this person committing the latest offence whilst on bail) and a fine.
What’s the point of having “zero tolerance to any kind of verbal/physical abuse” notices all over Ninewells Hospital if this is what happens to a person who is prosecuted?
In the same column on another three separate cases of stealing/dishonesty, jail terms were handed out.
Whilst not condoning the dishonesty, I feel a jail sentence should be mandatory for an assault on a person carrying out the type of job where they are actually of assistance to the general public.
This should also be the case for security guards in shops who have the unfortunate task of trying to stop shoplifters who feel they are entitled to commit assault when they are apprehended.
If the reason for this sentencing is because there are not enough jails, let’s start lobbying our politicians to build more — the police must get so frustrated to see the result of their efforts to bring these people to justice culminating in these types of sentences.
Let’s make a concerted effort to be tougher on these types of crimes and let the rest of us law-abiding citizens go about our business without fear of assault. — Justice.
Pride over young pipers
I spent an enjoyable day on Saturday at the Scottish BB Bands competition in the Caird Hall, Dundee.
It was very refreshing to see so many talented young men and women playing so well. I encourage mums and dads to allow their children to go along to these companies, whether it be the BB/Scouts or Girls Brigade, as it instils in them a sense of pride and achievement and something positive to do with their lives.
I have had an interest in the 6th/8th Lochee Boys Brigade Pipe Band for many years, as my brother was a drummer with them in the 1950s, and always enjoyed watching them march through the streets of Lochee.
Although they didn’t manage to win back their championship this year, I am sure they will try all the harder next year. As we read so many negative issues about Lochee every other week, I know the positive spirit will always be in this company, as it has been for the last (almost) 100 years.
This spirit has lived on through two of my brother’s grandchildren, as one plays drums and the other plays pipes with the Methil and District Pipe Band in Fife. I was very proud of them on Saturday, as they played live before the Scotland/England rugby game at Murrayfield. Well done Niall and Conner Hutchison, I know your Granpa would have been very proud. — Proud Great Auntie.
Speed survey call for street
Letter writer Drive With Care highlights concerns about the speed of some drivers in Windsor Street, Dundee.
Many residents have raised this with me as a concern and I have asked the City Council to undertake a speed/safety survey in the street. I would be pleased to discuss the matter further with any resident if they contact me at Tayside House on Dundee 434985. — Cllr Fraser Macpherson, Councillor, West End, Dundee City Council.
Great images — pity about the location
I was disappointed by the Iain Macmillan exhibition at Discovery Point, Dundee.
As a life-long Beatles fan, I had been looking forward to this exhibition since I first heard about it around Christmas time.
I went on the opening day with a couple of friends and was left really disappointed. Not by the work on display — the photos were absolutely stunning.
I just found it incredibly disrespectful to put these great photos of one of “Dundee’s forgotten sons” on display in a cafe.
I literally had to squeeze past a couple sitting eating soup to read about one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. — Ross.
Japan war experience
Having recently read in the Press about Alistair Urquhart’s experiences in a Japanese POW camp during World War 2, it reminded me of what our dad suffered in Japan.
Although he died 20 years ago, I still remember how he told us how they beat the men every day with a stick. He also told us before being captured he was separated from his friends.
Sadly his ship sank. He was very emotional. He told our mum some of the bad things he had to endure, but not everything.
I don’t think anyone could imagine what hell these men had to go through. They certainly were the forgotten army. — Mrs P. Coombs.
Spring fayre
Longhaugh Primary School, Dundee, is having a Spring Fayre on Saturday, from 10am to noon.
Tickets are 50p each or a family ticket is (1 adult and 3 children) £1.50. All welcome. — Pam McEwan.
Dog’s life for Erin
Congratulations to our friend Erin Logie who has just come back from a successful time at Crufts in Birmingham.
She won Heel Work to Music with Ace the Border Collie and Young Kennel Club Show Handling with Paws the Large Munsterlander.
Also well done to her little brother Jason on coming 4th in the YKC Grooming section. — Erin’s Friends, Rowanlea Riding School, Barry.
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