17 JANUARY 1998, Page 26

Sir: Kelvin MacKenzie has discovered that crime is being covered

up as a result of self- interest. He may also be interested to know that many of the more horrible crimes today remain unreported, presumably in the public interest but more likely because they could be shown to be a reflection of the society that we live in.

There appears to be a fast track through the courts for these individuals, who often end up in Broadmoor. The doctors involved have to sign a document akin to the Official Secrets Act and are thus unable to talk or write about these matters in their lifetime.

Dr D.A. Valentine

The Low Barn, Muston Road, Hunmanby, North Yorks