[4] Dear Jo: Readers letters.

Lesson all kids need

IT IS little wonder that so many of today's young are more or less out of control.

Parents refuse to exercise authority, and when teachers bravely try to step in they risk finding themselves in a predicament similar to that of head teacher Marjorie Evans, who faces prison for slapping a disruptive pupil.

I say: Carry on Marjorie Evans, you are doing a good but difficult job.

P Rice, Goole, East Yorkshire 

IN AN age when football hooligans run amok and muggers beat up and rob old ladies for a few pounds, I am amazed that Marjorie Evans should be charged with assault for slapping a pupil who is known to have behavioural problems.

He admitted pushing her so that she fell on to a bench. So what is she supposed to do - lie there and let him continue to attack her?

It is not surprising that we are overrun with criminals when today's kids are not taught the difference between right and wrong.

If this lady is jailed, the law really is an ass.

Basil Gunn, Redcar

IT has become fashionable to criticise Labour. Yet, as far as I can see, the only real criticism that can be levelled against the Government is that the pace of change is not fast enough.

Not much of a reason for setting in motion a wave of anti-Government feeling which would lead to the destruction of all that has been achieved, is it?

Brenda Breslin via email

I THOUGHT I was acting responsibly when I ditched my car after having a pint.

But when I went to pick it up the next day, it had vanished. After initially thinking it had been stolen, I phoned the pound to find it had been towed away in the middle of the night, even though it was parked harmlessly.

To make matters worse, the pound employee seemed to revel in my misfortune, treating my pounds 140 fine as if it was a joke. I assured him that I found the whole experience far from funny.

Barry Paxton Glasgow

I'M sick and tired of seeing faded pop star Jim Kerr's face on the telly. First he was trying to buy Celtic and now he's opening a restaurant. It seems like he's just after the headlines.

Paul Barnett Livingston

HIGHWAY ROBBERY 

M HOLMES (Dear Jo, July 13) is right about the high prices charged at motorway service stations. I stopped at Forton on the M6, which has recently been taken over by Little Chef.

I ordered four bacon rashers, two rounds of toast and a Coke. The bill was pounds 7.13. Next time I will drive straight past.

John Topham Widnes, Cheshire

IN LENNOX Lewis we have a true gentleman world champion. Made sportsman of the year, honoured by the Americans, and he has done so much for the youngsters.

When is he going to receive an award in the Honours List?

B Davey Hinckley, Leics