Call for capital punishment for terrorists splits internet – where do you stand?
A FLAWLESSLY argued letter published in the Daily Express today was fast becoming an internet phenomenon after fans and detractors argued fiercely over its merits.
Streatham: Buckland to stop early release for terror offenders
The four-paragraph letter contained the verbally elegant and logically indisputable phrase: “Older statistics show that criminals who were hanged for murder never reoffended.”
The author, Ian McNicholas, of Ebbw Vale, Gwent, was writing in the wake of the Streatham terror attack which saw convicted terrorist Sudesh Amman shot dead after he launched a knife attack in Streatham High Road just days after early release from prison.
Mr McNicholas's uncompromising line on capital punishment split social media with many mocking the his claim while others backed his call for the return of the ultimate sanction.
He signed-off his letter saying: “It is high time the Government considered the re-introduction of this effective penalty for murder and terrorism.”
Not everyone was convinced.
Amid some predictable ill-mannered leftist impotent rage were some thoughtful and witty tweets including:
“I’m betting that ‘Ian McNicholas’ is really Priti Patel.”
and
“Are you sure that this did not appear in @vizcomic?”
But others seemed more supportive of Mr McNicholas and added:
“You can't argue with their logic.”
and
"Please find attached my application for the role of hangman."
Amman's rampage on Sunday afternoon was swiftly dealt with by plain clothes police who were tailing him and shot him dead within seconds of him grabbing a knife.
The 20-year-old had been convicted a the Old Bailey after a jury heard he possessed bomb-making manuals and a document called Bloody Brazilian Knife Fightin’ Techniques.
He was jailed for three years and four months but was automatically released half way through his sentence despite concerns he was a clear risk.
He had been under surveillance and strict licence conditions but still managed to stab two shoppers before he was taken out by police gunmen.