Since the tragic death of John Smith, there have been several other horrific deaths of children in different parts of the country where the loophole in the law has been exploited and the adults concerned have been unable to stand trial for manslaughter or murder because it could not be established which one of them inflicted the final blows.

I am campaigning for a new law of "killing a child through neglect" with a maximum sentence of 14 years, at present under consideration by the Home Secretary, to be introduced as soon as possible.

I am aware that last year a petition was launched by The Argus and the campaigners then met with Jack Straw, the Home Secretary at the time, but feel another campaign introduced after the trial from another area of the country would show there is still a lot of concern about this matter.

If anyone was unable to sign the petition then and wishes to do so now, please call me on 01604 715686 or write.

If anyone has any ideas as to how we can try to prevent this never-ending cycle of violence to children continuing or how we can persuade the Department of Health to undertake a radical review of the child protection policy in this country, please let me know.

Your suggestions would be very welcome

-Mrs B Anne Meade, 197 Boughton Green Road, Kingsthorpe, Northampton NN2 7AF