The wrongful attempt to hide allegations against Sir Philip Green
SIR – You have published details in regard to allegations against Sir Philip Green of harassment and abuse, and of sexual and physical assault, many of which appear to be, prima facie, criminal offences in English law (reports, February 9).
The people of this land are protected by the Crown, and cases of a criminal nature are prosecuted by the Crown, not the individual.
Any attempt to prevent such allegations being properly presented before a criminal court is classed as “perverting the course of justice”, a criminal offence that carries a sentence of life imprisonment and or an indeterminate fine.
I am at a loss to understand why such proceedings have not been brought against those who have sought to hide criminal conduct behind a civil process – non-disclosure agreements – and their lawyers.
Det Ch Supt Michael Burdis (rtd) Doncaster, South Yorkshire SIR – I am not a lawyer, but is it not the case that any agreement which seeks to stifle revelations regarding alleged illegal actions, such as sexual assault and racial discrimination, is unenforceable and, perhaps more pertinently, could be regarded as seeking to pervert the course of justice?
Bedlington, Northumberland
SIR – “Banter” involves light-hearted, even exchanges. Bullying fails to qualify on both counts.
Stoke-on-trent, Staffordshire
SIR – I used to work for a very large London organisation and one of my roles used to be investigating claims of harassment.
My training specifically stated that phrases such as “It was just banter” or “I was only joking” were no defence, and were in fact admissions of guilt.
Kettering, Northamptonshire SIR – Non-disclosure agreements are not the exclusive preserve of billionaires. In the NHS, for example, they are a convenient method of avoiding sanction from regulators such as the GMC.
The difference is the low price paid by alleged perpetrators (often affluent doctors) to their victims, who are generally low-paid administrators.
Is it not time for all “compromise agreements” to be registered with a suitable body, such as the Employment Tribunal, so that victims may be assured fair compensation and repeat offenders might be identified and have their behaviour addressed?
Bo’ness, West Lothian
SIR – I had wondered for some time why Philip Green was ever knighted. Then I read the profile by Robert Mendick (February 9).
It seems the honour was given by none other than Tony Blair.
Bury, Lancashire Dr Andy Ashworth Professor Chris Barton