18 FEBRUARY 1989, Page 26

Class job

Sir: I am interested by Anthony Howard's barrister friend who restricts her prosecut- ing briefs to 'middle class oafs who had attempted to assault meter-maids' (Diary, 14 January). Presumably she feels that an assault carried out by a member of the working classes is entirely different in character — mere high spirits or a response to the provocations of Thatcheristn. No doubt the unfortunate meter-maid is also sensible of the distinction and mutters under her breath as the fist or boot thuds home, `I`ln hard feelings, brother,' or, 'My friend and I will get you for this, you swine,' as appropriate.

L. J. Olivier

34 Coleherne Court, The Little Boltons, SW5