Dear editor,

Repeat offenders, drug and alcohol abuses and violence - is it time to re-visit these age old problems, hoping to find a solution?

"Sixty days will hopefully give you the opportunity to go through alcohol treatment; then hopefully, you will go through treatment in the community," said Judge William Jack while sentencing a repeat offender described as a lost soul.

Local officials were waiting for Lawrence Speck to reach the North Island, so they could help him after his release. It seems all recognize help lies in the community, rather than in jail or other outside treatment, but how best to provide the much needed help?

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