16 AUGUST 1997, Page 26

An unfair cop

Sir: On returning from a little rural eating in the Touraine on The Spectator's behalf, letters to you from a Mr Sawyer (26 July) and a Mr Duffy (9 August) have come to my attention. I fear you have been `spoofed'.

Mr Sawyer is a man who, though I have known him for many a year, never to my knowledge appeared before me at Wells Street Court (Vine Street has no court, just a nick) on any charge. To my knowledge and relief he is an unblemished character. Mr Duffy is an old friend of Sawyer's and has never, as far as I am aware, served in any police force, north or south of the border.

I try to stickle for accuracy in my writing, and am disappointed that your correspon- dents should try to pass themselves off either as malefactors or officers of the law. David Fingleton

36 Devonshire Mews West, London W1