Jeremy Summers' otherwise reasoned article on intercept evidence falls at the first hurdle by mentioning the seized letters said to have been sent by Mary Queen of Scots, to Bothwell (see [2008] Gazette, 21 February, 12).


It is now generally accepted that these were in fact forgeries - an earlier court of enquiry in 1568 failed to establish their authenticity yet they were still introduced to her final trial for treason in 1587, leading to her demise.



Perhaps we would be wise to learn the lessons of history, not  least when considering the value of proper evidence.



Neville Whitton, Derby