I know this is not strictly to do with this thread, but after the shooting of an 11 year old in Liverpool last night, I asked my son as a 16 year old what he would do to try and stop all this terrible violence which seems to have taken over our streets - his answer - army training for anyone not at college, in full time education, working, or in an apprenticeship. He said its the only thing that will work. These teenagers are not worried by the police, have no time or respect for teachers or parents and see any form of 'punishment' as something for the friends to admire.

He's no goodie-goodie himself, and has got into his fair share of scrapes but luckily he and his mates knew when to stop. Perhaps its time for those in authority to start seeking a solution elsewhere - try the teenagers ?