As a former magistrate and retired justice of the peace, it was interesting to watch the recent media contest between John Sweeney of Panorama and members of the Church of Scientology, culminating in Paul Bracchi's tirade in your pages (The Argus, May 23).

From my perspective, as one used to sifting evidence and differentiating lies from truth, although Sweeny pretended to be trying to learn more about scientology, it was clear from his programme that he started in attack mode and determinedly continued in that mode throughout.

It was also clear that the scientologists had no choice but to defend themselves from the barrage of Sweeney's lies, accusations and innuendo and, fortunately for them, they had learned that "attack is the best form of defence".

As a result, Sweeney lost the contest - not just because the were scientologists proved right on so many matters, but because Sweeney - even though backed by the might of the BBC - was unable to prove them wrong and was also too often himself proved wrong, which of course is why he lost it.

Obviously the scientologists have made a bitter enemy who, in an endeavour to get his own back, appears to be now trying to round up support from all his reporter friends.

If I had the same half dozen pages as Paul Bracchi in which to respond to his totally unsupported and unprovable insinuations and innuendo, I would take the time to respond.

But Bracchi knows that if you throw enough mud at a wall, some of it will stick.

So I'll not dirty my hands playing his and Sweeney's game.

E Kenneth Eckersley
Plaw Hatch Lane,
Sharpthorn