THE egg throwing incident in Wales involving Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott proved without doubt that man's first reaction is one of defence and retaliation, then think of the consequences after the event.

This incident made me think of a man living in an isolated farmhouse who confronted three burglars. If he had shouted out a warning to them, his position in the farmhouse would then have become known to them and I am sure the three would have been able to overpower him, beat him, if not murder him, as today's thugs think nothing of handing out such treatment.

So our home owner did as John Prescott has done -- he defended his property and in the panic one of the burglars was killed and the home owner responsible is still in jail, possibly regretting his actions as John Prescott does.

But both men, knowing now how easy it is to defend and retaliate, perhaps Mr Prescott could now have a word with the Home Secretary Jack Straw to release the home owner who was in his own home at the time of the incident, unlike the burglars who had not been invited in. Considering this government's policy is in favour of releasing prisoners early, Mr Tony Martin, our home owner, should be at the top of the list.

Jennifer Roberts (Mrs),

Norbreck Road, Little Bispham.