CONCERNED Mum's rational but cogent letter (Hereford Times, May 20) has encouraged me to write in support.

I applaud you for taking the time to address an issue which needs support from a third party because, ostensibly, the current British system prevents Mr Cohn from putting his case.

I would not attempt to deny Miss Jepson the right to express her views because, thankfully we in Britain still enjoy 'freedom of speech', nonetheless I consider her action misguided.

Once more the press has jumped on the bandwagon of someone who feels injured and has a personal interest.

Is this another occasion when the media feed on the blinkered views of vociferous 'issue groups' who simply wish to further their own point of view at whatever cost? But as often occurs the event loses sight of the anguish of the parties directly involved: the mum concerned and the professional, neither of whom should be dragged into the public gaze.

Certain elements of the media are too quick to seize the chance to sensationalise what is essentially a private and personal matter - indeed no business of anyone other than the parties involved - too much publicity perhaps forcing the authorities to be seen to take such an issue seriously and 'do the right thing'; which is invariably in no one's interest and a waste of public funds.

I consider myself one of the 'silent majority' and rarely make the effort to respond to issues which I feel strongly about, however I could not allow your endeavour, to support Mr Cohn, to pass without offering unreserved support.

I hope this terrible experience will not unduly affect a dedicated professional man - it would be a travesty if this meant we could lose him.

Greg Ralph,

Llanveynoe.