It is time for a policy of "zero tolerance". The softly softly approach clearly does not work. National service and borstals where there are no electronic games, televisions or adventure holidays should be the punishment for boys like these.
Some would say that "punishment" is not the way to go but to find out why they acted the way they did. I say they know why they did it - for their idea of fun! They need to be punished, and their parents re-educated.
These boys probably have never had the word "no" said to them and meant. They have never been taught respect for others and their belongings.
I am the mother of girls and boys, the youngest still a teenager. I am fortunate that my children turned out well, not by chance, but by hard work from my husband and I teaching them right from wrong and respect. They never knew cruelty ever, just love, guidance, and a good home life. We are not saints just ordinary people who put their kids first and were there for them.

Lesley, BANGOR, CO. DOWN,

This is the risk we run when legitimise intolerance - of the fat, the thin, drinkers, smokers. The anti-smoking "charity" ASH call it "denormalisation". The problem is, some people don't stop at dirty looks.

Jonathan Bagley, manchester, uk

no wonder vigilatism is on the increrase. I hope the scummy parents are punished as much as mch as there sons are (hopefully) over the years.....

You only have to see the swaggering louts answering there bail conditions at a police stations to feel your blood boil....
Vermin.

steve, worcester, uk

Its been argued back and forth but we really do need a more drastic punishment system. Not rehab but punishment.If it has to be capital punishment then so be it.

Pat Doran, Carne,Wexford, Rep of Ireland

Hardest of all is to know that these scum and their scummy parents have no comprehension as to the gravity of the crime. To them, it is a badge of credibility to be worn with pride: they should not be allowed to do so.
Prison will not make any impact upon them in which, it is hoped, a feeble spark of conscience will ignite in them something resembling remorse and understanding of what they have done. These are sociopaths bred from a sociopathic genetic chain; even the parents thought it all to be quite humorous, and something to gain laughable entertainment from...they ARE as much to blame! Their only contribution to society was to breed and spew out toxic slimes whom went on to murder a girl before they are out of their teens. What point does the prison sentence make to them?
Every single member of that gang, that awful night, is a killer by complicitness, and should be behind bars. The parents of each gang participant should be sentenced to undergo social citizenship understanding.

Glenn, Blackburn, Lancashire

And to think that I, as a taxpayer, have no doubt financially brought these stinking people up.

Is it any wonder that these people think that they can do what they like to who they like when they get every basic human need taken care of without the consequence of hard work?

I have socialist values but something really needs to be done to these people (and i'm not thinking nice holidays!) to stop them destroying our society.

Kim, London,

There is only a few hours left, can I please ask anyone reading to consider singing this petition to see attacks on people because of how they are dressed categorised as a hate crime.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/goth-hatecrimes/

Thanks

Martin, Colchester, Essex

How about charging the parents as accessories to murder, for that is what they are. Those children were out after midnight, drunk and out of control, with parents who not only allowed this behaviour but condoned it. No doubt they will say that their sons were only "expessing" themselves.
Poor parenting skills are to blame for so much of this increase in drinking and violence - now is the time for our Government to make parents responsible for the actions of their children before this tragedy happens again.

Helen Henderson, Stafford,

The murderer of Sophie Lancaster has forfeited the right to live himself - he does not value life or respect life. I am fast becoming a great believer in capital punishment being allowed by judges in certain cases and to hell with being under age - if Brendan Harris was my son I would welcome a severe punishment. His parents are as much to blame - they have no decency. I would rather come face to face with a pack of wolves because at least they only kill for food not fun. Democracy in this country has gone too far - hit these mad thugs where it hurts - send them off to army camps to learn discipline because obvioulsly their parents couldn't be bothered.

Pat Rennix, Belfast, Northern Ireland

When is our legal system going to promote parental responsibility? When will irresponsible parents like the Harrises and Heberts be made to pay for their indolence? These people have no shame and there is no consequence to them for their appalling behavoir and the bestial spawn that they unlease on society. I wonder how pathetic the sentences will be?

Peter, Hermitage, UK

There is only one fitting punishment for crimes of this nature. A mad animal is put down.

Eric, Bristol, UK

The parents of the children involved should be persued by the law for failing to control them.

Michael , Leighton Buzzard, UK

Although this incident is incredibly sad & awful, I can't say I'm surprised. I dress "alternatively" and have been viciously attacked twice for no reason & often have abuse screamed at me in the street, usually by children no older than 18, who are often visibly drunk or stoned.Most 'Chavs' pride themselves on their ignorance, intolerance, and inane acts of agression & are encouraged by their parents and friends to act this way.
I agree that the perpetrators should be put away for LIFE (by which I mean imprisoned until they die, not given parole after a few years) because people who think it's justifiable to take another human life based on their victims appearance don't deserve to walk free.

Alex, Leicester, UK

I give you my view of what is a fitting sentence for the brutal and deliberate murder of, Sophie Lancaster. How about a nice round figure, of one hundred years. Much better and more ruthless than any death sentence. That young girl has gone forever. The killer should be seperated from society for the rest of "his" life.

Tony Cox (Mr), Liverpool,