OPINION: John Terry's punishment

The fact the maximum penalty John Terry can receive for his race hate is a fine of £2,500 highlights a couple of issues which parliament need to address.

1) Race hate crimes need to have more serious punishments. A fine of £2,500 is simply not sufficient.

2) Fines need to be as a percentage of income/worth NOT a flat tariff for everyone. £2,500 is a month's salary for many. For John Terry it is less than a morning's work. This is wrong.

3) Court cases cost a lot and, currently, this is paid by the tax payer. Court costs SHOULD be recouped from the guilty.

4) Any crime which has an anti-social element, as the race hate charges Terry has been accused of, must have a custodial sentence. Anti-social behaviour means you should give up your place in society for a fixes period of time.

5) This isn't Terry's first scrape with the legal system. Clearly his previous punishments were insufficient. Two strikes and you're out, now matter what the crime is.

COMMENT: It's been three months since the riots... have any lessons been learnt?

Three months ago riots erupted in London and spread across the country causing millions of pounds of damage and many injuries to people, but, in that time, what has really happened?

Sure, politicians have expressed concern at the fact the riots have happened, they've pointed fingers, blaming one group or another, hundreds have been up in court and many have received punishments - but what has been done to prevent a repetition next week, next month or next year?

To me it seems like the government (and opposition) have virtually forgotten about the riots. They may well be inquiries happening but, let's be honest, by the time that reports, the riots will be history, last week's chip wrappers.

I know it's difficult to do anything about the riots without establishing the causes but why not act on some of the suggestions?

Many rioters already had criminal records - let's make crime less attractive, increase sentences, stop releasing prisoners who are considered likely to re-offend. I'd hold that no-one should be released if they are considered to be at risk of re-offending.

I'd support the Tory policy of three strikes and you're out. I'd make it two.

Many argued that the riots were a result of poverty or unemployment. Personally, I think this is a minor factor, it's an excuse. yes, they may be poor and they might not have work but how many are genuinely doing something to try to rectify that? How many are doing voluntary work or getting work experience?

Let's not forget that the trigger for the riots was a march about the death of a known drug dealer and criminal. Is there simply a criminal underclass who refuse to take part in society? Is there a completely feral strata of society?

It's scary how quickly, when looking a the riots, you get back to people who are opting out of mainstream society, operating for themselves by any means and the involvement of organised crime underpinning this class of society.

Drink and drugs are also a major factor in the poor behaviour of many in our society. This needs urgent action and a significant increase in resources for the authorities to clamp down on the illegal trade.

I'm sure some rioters simply joined in because it seemed fun, they didn't think ant the effect of their actions.

Three months might not be long but I am concerned that, in Westminster, those running our society are being ostriches and hoping that the problems will just go away.

If nothing is done soon 2012's riots could well be worse. 2012 could be the year of total anarchy.