IN A week when the criminal justice system has come in for a barrage of criticism, the sentences handed down to the two homophobic thugs who killed Jody Dobrowski are to be welcomed.

The streets of the capital are a safer place now these worthless cowards are behind bars, where they will remain for at least 28 years.

And in a week when courts were blasted for soft sentences it is encouraging to see that Judge Brian Barker was able treat the homophobic motive behind this attack as an aggravating factor when sentencing.

But the case still raises concerns.

Scott Walker was released early from a 15-month jail term for assaulting his mother, making threats to kill and criminal damage.

In fact his licence expired the day before Jody's life was so cruelly and pointlessly ended that fateful night - raising further questions about the judgement of parole boards and the rules on early release.

It seems that every week another case comes to light where a prisoner released early has gone on to re-offend.

This can only cause added anguish for families of victims.

It often emerges that offenders have a string of previous convictions - leaving the public wondering why nothing is done to stop these criminals merrily breaking into our homes and nicking our car stereos.

Last week, it was revealed that the two burglars who killed artist and meditation teacher Lawrence Hart had around 50 previous convictions each.

Surely it doesn't take a genius to work out that our communities would be safer with people like this locked up.

Why can't we have a system where second, third, fourth offences etc bring stiffer jail terms on a rolling scale?

The Government has been accused of panicking after it announced a review of sentencing.

But rather than criticise the Home Office we should welcome this as the start of something this country needs badly - a thorough shake-up of our criminal justice system which places the safety of our neighbourhoods at its core.