EAMONN Anderson says judges should hand down longer jail sentences for violent criminals. And he should know.

He has spent 24 of his 51 years in prison for armed robberies and firearms offences.

Now Mr Anderson says his experiences are having an effect and he is on the straight and narrow and studying for a better life.

They contrast starkly with critics of prison who say locking people away does little to break the cycle of re-offending.

But Mr Anderson says: “The starting range should be five to seven years at the very least.”

Justice secretary Kenneth Clarke, said by some to be a soft touch on hard sentences, should take note.

He published a green paper in December proposing more hard work in prisons, more innovative rehabilitation programmes and a greater emphasis on reducing reoffending.

Oxford residents will have little truck with such warm words if they see another lenient sentence splashed across the front of The Oxford Mail.

Positive results must be shown, both in handing down the right sentences and cutting reoffending. Be assured, we will let you know if they are not.