I write further to the letter from Jonathan Fuchs concerning members of the legal profession sitting on juries (see [2004] Gazette, 8 January, 12).

I started my legal career sitting behind counsel in Crown Court, and it was my experience that, without fail, when the defendant was of good character, this came to the jury's attention by whatever means the defence could manage.

The conclusion was that if the defence didn't raise the issue of character then the defendant inevitably had previous convictions.

If it is therefore that if I am called for jury service and the defence does not raise the issue of character, then I will be telling my fellow jurors that in all probability the defendant has previous convictions.

I would imagine that no defence lawyer would want me on their jury.

Simon Pass, Wilsons Solicitors, Leeds