Roger Smith's analysis of the shameful killing of Baha Mousa overlooks the significance of acquittal following trial under due process of law. The Labour politicians who sent the army into Iraq required a senior officer to appear in the dock alongside non commissioned soldiers. Like other courageous and honourable servicemen before him, Lt Colonel Jorge Mendonca underwent court martial and was acquitted.

Mr Smith's respect for Sir Mike Jackson's political shrewdness is well judged. Formerly adjutant of 1st Para and witness to the events of Bloody Sunday, Sir Mike employed that shrewdness to reach the pinnacle of the soldier/politician's career. With no disrespect to his achievements in zones of conflict, Sir Mike will have learned well when political responsibility for military failures can be diverted up the chain of command from the battalion commander, and when it can be diverted down. No longer a serving officer, he would dignify himself by now refraining from further public comment on the Baha Mousa affair, if all he can contribute is to the search for subordinate fall guys.

Mr Smith, speculating on whether 'glitz’ and ‘glory’ goes to barristers or solicitors, does nothing in this context to dignify the legal profession either. Against the background of Saville having added little of substance to Widgery, at a cost of £190m, and now promoting in the name of justice the continued pursuit by extra judicial means of an outstanding officer acquitted at law, Mr Smith should remind himself of some fundamental principles of British justice.

Simon Flett , solicitor, Norwich