Sir,

Referring to the letter from S. M. Wheeler, the wife of a friend of mine suffered a similar assault while motoring.

On taking out a private summons she and an impartial witness duly went to court. The assailant pleaded guilty, witness was not called, and the plaintiff was told by the magistrate to give a brief account of the assault as a plea of “guilty” had been made.

This was done, and the assailant was asked if he wished to make a statement, which he did, from the dock.

His statement, according to the injured person and the witness, was about 25% fact and 75% complete fiction. But, as this statement was made from the dock, he was not on oath, could not be cross-examined, and cannot be accused of perjury!

The fine? A mere £2.

My friend’s wife was unable to work for three weeks, received extensive bruises and cuts requiring medical attention. The local police, who were called to the scene of the assault by witnesses who remained anonymous, were not interested, and said so too!

R.S.G. Townsend – Sidcup