I do not believe that we have dealt justice to Peter Elliott after his experience at Manchester’s High Court. He was not asking for, or expecting, legal advice in connection with his case.

It was the procedures he was referring to, and I think that he is right in that litigants in person should be helped along the way with advice as to how it works on the day, and at least how to address the judge. It is a common courtesy that we should offer to people outside their comfort zone, as we do when a stranger asks for local directions on the road.

We should not lose sight of our basic duties to our fellow human beings, as a profession or otherwise.

David Campion, Humfrys & Symonds, Hereford