I do not agree with Matthew Coxall’s view of the advice provided by CDS Direct (see [2008] Gazette, 4 September, 9).

In his letter, Mr Coxall questioned the advice provided by CDS Direct to his client. I have investigated the case concerned and I am content that CDS Direct acted appropriately.

Mr Coxall stated that his client had been detained by the police on a charge of breach of pre-bail conditions and that CDS Direct was made aware of this.

It is clear from our records that this was not the case. Custody advised CDS Direct that bail conditions had been imposed by the court, not by the police pre-charge.

It is clear therefore that CDS Direct acted correctly according to the information they had been given.

The full case information has been sent to Mr Coxall. I would suggest that if Mr Coxall has an ongoing concern over police treatment of his client, he should contact them directly.

John Sirodcar, Head of direct services, Legal Services Commission