I AM glad Mark Boyle (Letters, November 15) agrees changes are needed to deal with immigrants who commit serious crimes. Perhaps they should carry out prison sentences in their home country.

I assure him I have no illusions about life in prison – not a place anyone wants to be. However, his response to my letter of November 14 has a tone of sympathy and safety concerns for Samuel Ciornei – which is more than Ciornei had for his 14-year-old rape victim. You are a better person than I, Mr Boyle, as I have no sympathetic thoughts for him. He is young and I know nothing of his background, but I think he has forfeited his chance to live here and I would prefer to spend money on someone more deserving.

There are people outside prison living every day with the threat of someone who "may attack" "without warning" – for example, those in sub-standard temporary accommodation, B&B or hostels, and the homeless. They have not committed serious crimes and may just be the victims or circumstances beyond their control.

In ever-changing times we need much more open discussion on how to deal with problems such as this – both in Scotland and abroad.

Sue Wade,

5 Lindston Place, Alloway, Ayr.