Nil nisi bonum
From Diana Lamplugh, OBE Sir: Ross Clark (Banned wagon, 2 Septem- ber) is incorrect in his assertion that I have written to the Home Secretary 'demanding a change in the law to prevent the living from defiling the memory of the dead'. In fact, I wrote to let him know that I have contacted Victim Support about the need to include 'dignity in the face of murder' within the proposed Victims' Charter. Our daughter, Suzy, was maligned after her death; she could not fight for herself and we were legally unable to act on her behalf.
The Home Office suggested that it might be possible to include a phrase such as `retaining dignity in the face of murder', ask- ing the media not to use unsubstantiated allegations on the reputation of the victim. Secondary victims include not only the direct family but also their friends and acquain- tances. We feel very strongly that others should not have to suffer additional distress as we did, especially when we were already so affected by the tragedy of her undoubted- ly violent death with no body to bury.
Diana Lamplugh
Director, The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, London SW14
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