The Rev. Richard Rosoman in Thought for the Week (November 14) asks us to "imagine spending five years in prison. How old would you be on your release?"

I ask your readers and the Reverend to think of the innocent victims of criminals that are in prison - think of those families permanently deprived of their loved ones by those serving time in prison; those victims that are permanently disabled and unable to look forward to any improvement in their lifestyle.

I also think of those people held for over two years by the US Government without any prospect of a fair trial or in most cases any idea as to when they will be tried.

Those prisoners in Guantanomo Bay appear to have been treated in this way at least partly because they are non-US citizens and non-Christians. The government imposing these conditions is headed by a devout Christian and supported by the UK government which is also headed by a devout Christian. It is hardly surprising that many former Christians are engaging in alternative religions such as paganism.

Brian Dandy, Lodge Drive, Malvern.