Your article about Judge Anthony Thorpe (The Argus, April 29) highlights the real concerns many people have with the judiciary.

The fact that a public servant could not see the attack was so clearly racially motivated brings into question his ability to make judgments at all.

The fundamental human right to be treated civilly is entrusted to our courts to uphold. Judge Thorpe failed to ensure the victim's right to justice - a clear reason why we need to see more individuals in touch with the real world recruited into this profession.

It is a sad state of affairs that the power able to mete out protection comes from a very insular group of people who have often had a public school education and little or no contact with the victims of society.

Judge Thorpe should reflect on the effect of his comments and ensure that he treats all victims of crime who appear before him with the respect and empathy they deserve.

For the public to have faith in his future decisions, is it not perhaps time for the Lord Chancellor to send him on a crash course to re-educate him about the fundamental rights of the victim that he should be upholding?

-Richard Tassell, East Grinstead