I read with horror your article and editorial in relation to the scheme to allow journalists access to family court proceedings.

Although I have not practised family law for more than 10 years, I recall the difficulties associated with that particular area of work – not least the sensitivity with which individual cases had to be handled. Emotions are running high anyway, so who in their right mind would seek to invite members of the local press into the court room, to witness the continuing breakdown of that most personal of relationships, or issues regarding the children of the family?

The government and HM Courts Service need to appreciate that the right to deal with such matters privately, and sensitively, overrides the ‘right’ of the general public to know the most intimate of details, for their own gratification. This is not an appropriate forum for whetting the appetites of the ‘reality TV’ audience.

Edward R Foster, Fosters Law, Broadstairs