Ruling against the appeals by Samar Alami and Jawad Botmeh, the two Palestinians jailed for 20 years for the Israeli embassy and Balfour House bombings, Lord Justice Rose said: "Those who, whatever their motivation, place bombs of this kind in the heart of this city cannot expect their conduct to be treated by anything other than very substantial terms of imprisonment" (Balfour bombers lose appeal', Hendon Times Group, November 8).

Those injured in the bombings, and those of us who might have been, may well agree. The trouble is, however, that the learned judge's statement misses the whole point of the defendants' appeal. Not only did they deny any part in the bombings, but the prosecution failed to link either of them to the scenes.

The explosives used were of a type that only a government, or a really professional terrorist organisation would possess, and no evidence was produced that the defendants had such connections, or access to such materials.

Were supposed 'security' considerations given greater weight because of the international situation? If so, it is a sad day not only for these two young people and their families, but for anyone with faith in British justice.

Charles Pottins

Carlyon Road, Wembley

November 14, 2001 17:58