A FEW years ago whilst sitting at the now defunct Bury magistrates court I had a case in front of me where two youths from Yorkshire where caught having a race on the M62. They achieved speeds of up to 155 MPH, which at the time was one of the fastest speeds recorded on our roads.

The two youths solicitors argued that the case should be heard at the magistrates court as the six month sentence that we could impose was adequate.

We thought otherwise and the case was sent to crown court for a judge to sentence them and I believe the judge gave them a twelve month sentence.

This week there has been a case reported in the Midlands where a similar offence was sent to the crown court by the magistrates.

The judge gave the drivers community orders for speeds in excess of 150mph.

What message does this send out to the racers in our society.

I just hope that the attorney general appeals this sentence as it is not acceptable. This judge really needs to get out on our roads and see what is really happening now that we do not have many police officers left.

Ian G Coates

Eastfields

Radcliffe