SURCHARGE TAX

RE your article "Magistrates brand new fine surcharge immoral",
(April 10).

I am writing in support of a decision by magistrate Alan Williams not
to apply a UKP15 victim surcharge to a 19-year-old man, who pleaded
guilty to possessing a small amount of cannabis.

Surely, common sense alone dictates that for such a surcharge to apply
there has to be at least one victim?

Where is the victim in this case (besides the man charged with this
offence)?

I suggest that this surcharge is no more than a tax on those who fall
foul of the law. If it is any more than that, then I for one would be
interested in hearing the explanation.

Antony Stringfellow

Great Corby

Carlisle