Identity crisis

It is clear from Adrian Dalton's letter that people think the wigs for solicitors issue is just silly (see [2002] Gazette, 28 March, 16).

I am to appear for a defendant at the Crown Court who is charged with robbery and personating a police officer, and who will have to be advised to plead guilty.

As he has previous convictions, he is looking at a substantial sentence of imprisonment.

My only reason for being reluctant to represent him when the court is addressed in mitigation and he is sentenced is that as I do so he may reflect that all those taking part in his case, apart from his representative, were wearing wigs, and whether he might wonder if in some way that person were less qualified than the other practitioners present in court.

There should be parity of appearance so far as all advocates are concerned.

Brian Woodhams, solicitor-advocate, E Rex Makin & Co, Liverpool