The jailing of Paris Mayo (Teenager Paris Mayo sentenced to at least 12 years for murder of newborn son, 26 June) should bring us up short. What on earth are we doing when current penal policy suggests that this is an appropriate sentence for a child offender who killed her newborn child but who, in the judge’s words, was “vulnerable” and “ill-supported at home”? What purpose does such a lengthy minimum sentence serve?
Prof Rod Morgan
Former chief inspector of probation; ex-chairman, Youth Justice Board
• In Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, it is said that hardly any MP is worth painting, though many “would be better for a little whitewashing”. This Tory party would need gallons of the stuff (Partygate: Rees-Mogg and Dorries likely to be named in ‘contempts of parliament’ report, 28 June).
Fred Lowe
Furbo, County Galway, Ireland
• Adrian Chiles (28 June), who bemoans the grey colours of cars, would be pleased to know Fiat are to stop making grey cars and will produce cars “inspired by the Italian sea, sun, earth and sky”.
Rosemary Bentley
Egham, Surrey
• Following other letters about deaf awareness (27 June), I just wanted to say that I have rarely seen anything more beautiful than the talented people signing the songs at Glastonbury while moving to the music. Amazing.
Karen Foster
Frome, Somerset
• Last Friday’s Wordiply allowed “lifeboatmen” as a valid answer, but not “lifeboatwomen”. Just saying.
Moira Biggins
Derby
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