Whatever happened to respect for neighbours, respect for the environment, just basic respect for each other?

Time and time again we read reports of gangs of youths intimidating pedestrians, of noisy neighbours, of vandalism, of unlawful tipping . . . the list goes on.

Life has become a misery for too many people simply because of the inconsideration shown for others - and the lack of support those who speak up often receive.

Take the case this week of the man who asked a noisy group outside his home to move on.

The response? A beating which left him off work for weeks, suffering flashbacks and his wife fearing she was going to be a widow.

The punishment? A four-month prison term for just Common Assault - after the case was reduced from two more serious charges.

As the victim's wife points out, the defendant will not serve four months and will be back on the streets in no time.

What message does that send out to those who want to live their lives peacefully?