JACK Straw has promised to examine the case of a husband and wife who were viciously beaten after they tried to stop vandals damaging a car.

Lisa Smith, 41, (pictured with husband Tony) stormed out of court after the sentencing of the men who attacked her and her husband Tony, 46, in Radcliffe-on-Trent.

Thomas Hamilton, 21, of Penrith Avenue, Radcliffe, received 21 months in a young offenders' institution, while a 16-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons was given two years of community service.

Mrs Smith then wrote to the Justice Secretary. When questioned by the Evening Post, Mr Straw said he was not aware of the case, but he would look into it.

He said: "I understand the anger of the two victims. Sentences for violence have gone up and not down overal, but that won't do anything to satisfy this couple's anger.

"I worked at the criminal bar a long time ago and there has always been some element of plea bargaining, but not in respect of charges of violence.

"At least people are convicted of crimes rather than getting out of them."