Did Gollum deserve death?

[Macalaure]

Originally Posted by Mansun

In the real world Gollum would be put to death.

I'd say this depends largely on the 'where' in the real world.

Concerning whether servants of Sauron deserve death or substantial punishment:

'You think, as is your wont, my lord, of Gondor only,' said Gandalf. 'Yet there are other men and other lives, and time still to be. And for me, I pity even his slaves.'
~The Siege of Gondor

I think it is one of the key elements of the LotR, that even though one might indeed deserve death, he should still be pitied, if this is possible.