I am sure the people who have been suspended and face the sack as a result of John Smith's death are decent, caring individuals who will always have his demise on their conscience.

But if trained social workers are gullible enough to believe the excuses and lies of manipulative adults and fail to recognise the needs of a terrified, battered child, they should not be in a position where the actions they take may result in a child losing his or her life.

-Mrs B A Meade, Kingsthorpe, Northampton