SIR – Wouldn’t it be interesting if Doctor Who transported Mr Bumble from Oliver’s Dickensian time to the present day, via the Tardis?

I think his comments on our judicial system may be a bit more colourful than his original assessment.

What sort of iniquity does one have to commit nowadays to merit a prison sentence?

It was reported recently that a young man stole a woman’s car and ran over her, leaving her for dead in the road. This young man has admitted to manslaughter, and the judge has told him to “expect” a prison sentence.

We have so many categories nowadays for the same crime – unlawful killing, murder, manslaughter, what’s the difference? The results are the same.

It would appear that the weapon used in a murder makes a difference to the judiciary, but why? The net results are the same.

If a gun is used in the crime, the perpetrator can expect a good few years jail, if a knife is used, they can expect a year or two less. If a vehicle is used, they could end up with a fine and a few penalty points on the licence for driving without due care and attention.

Terry Tordoff, Calderstone Avenue, Buttershaw