Older people require more protection: Leonard

12.00.00am GMT Mon 14th Mar 2005

Alliance spokesperson for Laganbank, Allan Leonard, has expressed his contempt for the attack on a woman of 84 years of age, while asleep in her home off the Ormeau Road. He has called for further protection from the police service, as well as the greater promotion of the need for all residents to be vigilant against intruders:

"I have nothing but contempt for the person who terrified this older woman and committed the aggressive crime.

"To violently attack any other person is a traumatic ordeal, and I hope that the victim will be able to cope.

"This attack is another illustration of the need to provide greater protection from the police service. I am pleased to know that a man has been charged with this offence.

"It is also an important reminder of the need for individuals to do what they can to make themselves secure in their homes, and for neighbours to be vigilant for each other. Neighbourhood watch schemes, working with the police, are a proven effective measure."