Can there ever be real justice for little Poppi?

MY WIFE and I were appalled at the circumstances surrounding the death in Cumbria of 13-month-old Poppi Worthington and find it hard to believe that in 2016 we live in a society which seems to support such atrocious actions. Two issues that must be addressed quickly and without interference: firstly, if the father of Poppi is unable to prove his innocence of contributing towards her death, he must be made to forfeit his freedom — thus gaining justice for Poppi and her siblings. Secondly, those public servants employed to investigate and manage the unfortunate circumstances should be made fully responsible for their inaction and should be dismissed immediately. The public is very sceptical of hearing ‘there will be an inquiry’, ‘lessons have been learned’ — such apologies are meaningless.

DON and ANN WALKER, Goole, Yorks. IN THE tragic Poppi Worthington case, one judge seems to have unilaterally declared her father a sexual attacker responsible for her death (Mail). As a subject of this country who might be regarded as Right-wing on crime and punishment, I have a great regard for the rule of law. So when did the principle set down in Magna Carta become defunct? When was the right to trial by 12 citizens in a court of law, to determine one’s guilt, abandoned? Judge Peter Jackson’s statement might be a result of his frustration that a child seems to have been denied justice, but following this process puts us on a dangerous path. It can’t be acceptable that a person can be declared guilty of a crime without due process of law. Allowing this is a short road to tyranny. The blame game is in full swing. That Poppi deserves justice for her suffering cannot be questioned, but we mustn’t allow such a tragic case to undermine the very basis of the law that protects us all.

LINDA KENDALL, Rayleigh, Essex.