AS a criminal defence lawyer who spends his time thinking up all sorts of legitimate mitigation for those who have committed crimes I'm certainly glad not to have been involved in the Heather Nicholson case (Post, January 24).

Yes, some murderers might get a lesser sentence, but remember most of them will have killed only one person, perhaps in a momentary loss of temper. Heather Nicholson was involved in a deliberate and very nearly successful campaign to terrorise a large number of people who — whatever you may think of the subject — had committed no crime and their families who were obviously innocent of any involvement in animal testing.

Clearly the judge found no mitigation present, and clearly this lady received no credit for a guilty plea. The rule is that if you go to trial and lose, then you can expect no reduction in sentence, nor should you.

The sentence reflects the despicable actions of her group, the terror felt by those who were affected by their actions, and the complete absence of remorse shown by her.

Reading her parents' comments, it is not surprising that their daughter could not see the tragic consequences of her actions.

Eleven years is a long time — tough!

Clive Rees

Talycopa Farm

Llansamlet, Swansea