I WAS appalled to hear of the immigration tribunal judgement that the murderer of headteacher Philip Lawrence is to be allowed to stay in the UK after his release from prison.

This is the kind of decision that can only further alienate the public.

Human rights legislation must take into consideration the rights of the offender, but also the rights of those offended against.

Common sense tells us the murdered man's wife and family have suffered horribly and their rights must take precedence over the dubious human rights of the murderer.

It seems that common sense and justice are far from the minds of some people. Let's hope the Home Office successfully appeals against this perverse decision.

Hugh Pender, Darlington.