Sir, – County Coun John Blackie may have emerged from court “with his reputation intact” but your leading article (D&S Nov 20) was wise in not attempting to define just what this reputation might be.

Nor does Spectator cover himself in glory by using this case to make gratuitous swipes at two other publications. Pot, kettle and black are words that spring to mind. And consider three more words: integrity, dignity and (above all) humility. Is each of these a characteristic too far for those clearly driven by the desire for a high public profile?

At the end of the day, such people are merely big fish, if big at all other than in their own estimation, in a very small pond.

ANDREW BENNETT Yorebridge, Thoralby.