I DO know that, in English law, every person is entitled to be defended in a court of law. But some of the solicitors mentioned in recent cases are no better than the dross they plead leniency for.

I would also say that were I on the bench and was forced to listen to some of the ludicrous excuses offered by the solicitors on behalf of their clients, I would ask them not to insult my intelligence with such stories.

I can only surmise that the legal profession has a guide book to use for various offences.

One of the most common used goes: "Yes, my client admits striking Mr X but did not realise he had a glass/bottle in his hand at the time."

The latest and, possibly, the most dangerous is: "My client suffered abuse as a child." This, sadly, may be true, but it would be very hard to prove or disprove.

I lack the basic intelligence to hope to become a legal practitioner, but when I read of the clients they plead for in court, I'm happy with my lot - because when some of these animals are released back into society, the members of the legal profession are safe in the knowledge they don't live next door to them.

And most certainly don't use the same lodges or golf clubs in their leisure times.

So pat yourselves on the back for a job well done and remain cocooned in your safe little environment and to hell with the rest of us who have to live among the scum you plead for.

NAME AND ADDRESS RECEIVED.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.