EDITOR, The Tribune. 

I find the comments made concerning the recent apparent lenient sentence imposed on a multiple rapist  whose crimes included the heinous rape of a 83-year-old woman very interesting.

All the emphasis is being placed on the contention that the sentence is not strong enough., and everyone is stressing punishment. No one seems concerned about causation, including the officials of Social Services.

In the last few decades we have been witnessing an alarming increase in violent crime, especially murder and sexual offenses. Various governments have pledged to reduce crime, but despite press releases that crime is down, no one is convinced, especially since violent crime continues to rise.

In the matter of the self confessed multiple rapist, have we asked why he committed so many rapes, have we really searched for the answer to his rape of an elderly woman, or are we only interested in punishing him for his crimes?

With respect this attitude heartens back to the Dark Ages. Admittedly there are times in this country when I think that is where we are. But if we want to eradicate  crime and rehabilitate offenders, we have to look more carefully at causation, and concentrate less on punishment.

JEANNE THOMPSON

Nassau,

September 27, 2024.