I MUST agree with the Echo Comment regarding the respect paid by Gary Foster or at least lack of it.
To turn up at court in those Bermuda shorts as he did is a fashion crime in itself.
He did manage however, to kind of get some colour coordination with his electronic tag, Trinny and Susannah must have been pleased when they cast their eyes over Tuesday's echo. Liking your work girls.
In his defence, albeit flimsy, there is not a sign up outlawing the wearing of shorts in court. This was backed up by the security guards (witness A).
I might add that there is also no signage outlawing the wearing of clown suits and squirty flowers. Try that one at the next hearing Gary, get the magistrate on your side, everyone loves a clown.
If only his mum had given him the responsibility of a house key he could have nipped home, popped on his (track) suit and this wouldn't have whipped up such a media frenzy.
What would Gary's employer say when he returned to work post-hearing, in Bermuda shorts!
It was heartening to see the magistrate make a stand against this distinct lack of common sense/respect and give Gary short shrift.
NF,
South Hylton,
Sunderland

Victim of road rage
I WAS a victim of road rage on Sunday July 13 at around 3pm. I was driving along the sea front having passed Morrisons en route to South Shields. The driver in front of me slowed down at the camera at Whitburn and drove along the road at 20 mph, leaving a long tailback.
I flashed my lights once to indicate we were in a 30mph area. Then the driver stuck his third finger up and a few seconds later leapt out of his car like a raging bull and ran to my car using filthy language and shouting like a man possessed.
When I quietly said to him he was holding everyone up by driving so slowly he screamed that if he wanted to drive at that speed he could. I didn't argue with him.
What is it with these young men? This was one about 21 and alone in his car. And why are they so angry with life?
Although I have read a lot about thugs like him, I have never ever witnessed such venom at close quarters in all my 40-odd years of driving.
Motorist

Second-rate Dave
IN response to the Tory MEP's letter (Positive Case, July 3), I'm not scared of the Tory Party. I am, however, scared of what they may do to Sunderland and its people.
The Tory Party's record across the North East isn't exactly something to be proud of, but we never hear them admitting or better still apologising for the suffering the Tory Government caused to so many families here in Sunderland and the North East during their last term of office.
I refute the claim of "Labour's dismal failures to make inroads in Sunderland". Sunderland is a better place now than it was in 1996, we have more jobs now than we had in 199. Sunderland's future is more positive now than it was in 1996.
The real truth is that David Cameron is a second-rate imitation of Tony Blair. Hopefully, before he gets the power to wreak any damage across Sunderland, people will see through the thin veneer and see the real picture of a "painted by numbers" leader.
He may be more photogenic than some, he may be very articulate, but have we seen him deal with a real crisis? No, and that is what worries me.
Bob Price,
Rydal Mount,
Fulwell,
Sunderland

Let's get together
OVER the years I have seen most of my friends marry, have kids or get into serious relationships and I'm sure this is happening to many, young, single women out there, stuck at home with not a lot to do.
I would like to start a friendship group of women aged 20 to 30something, women who enjoy more than just clubbing (something I do enjoy), friends to go to the cinema with, shopping, holidays, pubs, days out or just meeting for a coffee and a gossip. I am a straight, 30-year-old woman in the Washington area.
If you're interested give me a txt on 07958 130647
Louise

Record walkers
A RECORD amount has been raised by Billingham Branch of Sunderland Supporters' Club annual sponsored walk and we thank Echo readers, the public, the Mayor of Sunderland, our sponsors and Sunderland Football Club for all their support.
With your help we've managed to smash last year's record of £8,600, by raising a massive £11,895. Thank you all very much for making a huge difference to people's lives.
Barney Warren,
Billingham

I ENJOYED the wonderful Joseph show at The Empire last week but was disappointed that the children did not take a bow at the end. They were excellent and I congratulate them for their excellent performance.
Chris Gardiner,
Chester-le-Street

CAN anyone help me with a problem concerning cavity wall insulation? Apparently you can't get it if you have brick wall ties. You may get the grant, but it can't be done. So how many people are in this situation, who are living in property built between 1890 to 1930? Looks like we will never get our energy performance certificate.
J Graham,
Elwin Terrace,
Sunderland

CAN we just say to Mrs Quill, Mrs Grey, Deb Mullen, Karen Gill and Kathy Worthy, a big thank you from Year 6 for the brilliant leavers' prom you gave us. We hope that we made you proud because you did to us. We had a brill night. We'll miss you.
From all the Year 6 kids,
Plains Farm Primary

I CONGRATULATE Town End Farm Residents' Association on the grand job they did to get the carnival off the ground on Saturday, July 12. The parade was excellent, the colours of the flags and head-dresses were exotic. Pity a photograph in the Echo was missing as these people do a grand job on this estate.
A Resident