I read with interest your article on naming and shaming the hooligans who cause so much destruction and distress to other contributory members of society (The Argus, May 3).

I was assaulted by one of my neighbours nearly two years ago as I intervened in the neglect of a kitten.

All the other animals they had had died as a result of neglect and even though the RSPCA were called, they have since bought or been given another dog.

She, a 40-year-old, and her 15-year-old daughter and her mother and their friends waged a campaign of harassment and abuse, culminating in the assault.

In that three-year period they consistently terrorised myself, my animals and my elderly neighbours.

After a considerable amount of damage to the exterior of my home, urination on my patio windows and so on, she was finally served with a notice seeking possession of her home.

The housing association dragged its feet in dealing with the matter, even though there was a great deal of evidence as to her anti-social activities.

The witnesses to the assault were terrorised and intimidated. She had also assaulted someone else in the interim.

This was not taken further because of the intimidation of witnesses. I was forced to go to court three times before she was finally convicted of harassment and assault.

To add insult to the injuries I sustained, she was given 100 hours of community service and not fined as she was on benefits and hadn't paid any of her utility bills.

She continually used the fact that she had a young daughter to take care of to excuse her behaviour. What a bad example to give her daughter about negative behaviour.

I think the law should be changed and the victims given more hope of being treated with respect and being able to achieve justice.

What are the victims to do if the police are not able to support law-abiding members of society under the law as it stands at present?

When she was in court she behaved as if she was the victim. Fortunately, she now has a criminal record which may, to some degree, deter her and her daughter from any further anti-social behaviour.

-Name and address supplied