I was saddened by your story about the assault on Rattandeep Singh Ahluwalia (Oxford Mail, May 31). Such violence is neither necessary or desirable.

The remarks by Gurdip Singh Saini that up to 40 people stood by and did nothing needs to be addressed. I assume that Mr Singh Saini has been in this country long enough to know that the ordinary citizen is in every way discouraged from defending or aiding friend or neighbour or using self defence. The probabilities if you do are somewhat alarming you could be maimed for life or stabbed to death. Heaven forbid that you injure the assailant in any way.

If you do, the police are likely to arrest you and charge you with assault. You will be locked up and the culprit sent on his way with a police caution.

The answer to all these problems is the immediate return of corporal and capital punishment. The 'do good' brigade should be disbanded under penalty of the law, together with the ridiculous human rights' legislation which causes so much trouble to innocent and guilty alike.

TOM REEVES Apley Way, Witney