The Editor, Sir:

The reported attempted hijacking of an aeroplane at one of the island's airports recently has generated much discussion. The alleged hijacker is said to be from a middle-class background. One Caribbean newspaper in Britain described him as a spoilt, rich kid and suggested that if he were from a lower social class the police would have chosen a violent approach to bring closure to the stand-off.

A human rights campaigner in Jamaica used this case to make a contrast with a different case in which the suspect was from a lower social class. It was stated that the latter suspect was on bail and was killed by the police in circumstances suggesting it was extrajudicial.

Spoilt rich kid

As someone who has benefited from a Chevening scholarship for human rights, and also as a human being, I am disturbed that anyone should lose his life in a hail of bullets - regardless of the context or his social status. However, just as the deceased, the alleged hijacker is entitled to a fair trial in the court of public opinion and a court of law. Neither man chose the social class in which he found himself. To accuse one man of being a spoilt, rich kid - without ever meeting him, knowing his story or his mental status - is unfair. The suggestion that, if he were a poor man, the police would have shot him dead at the airport, or at his home one dark night, is a non sequitur.

The prime minister was also derided for his response to the outcome of the reported hijacking incident. However, no one has suggested an alternative statement that would have been more appropriate in the circumstances.

Unfortunate cases

Human rights and justice are essential to every civilised society. However, seizing on the wide exposure of the alleged hijacker to demonstrate the apparent disparity between rich justice and poor justice could be seen as opportunistic. In these two unfortunate cases, it is likely that there are innocent family members and friends - including children - who are trying to cope with the trauma of their situation. We should be considerate of this reality, resist the temptation to cast judgement on others, and allow the facts of each case to be assessed on their own merit.

I am, etc.,

Dr CAROL MCDANIEL

Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist

Birmingham, England