NEIL Bramwell is wrong on two counts in his article (LET, June 12) concerning the death of Ayrton Senna.

Firstly, his philosophy that the rule of law should not apply to sporting occasions is obviously flawed.

The recent deliberate stamping on a player during a match in the current British Lions tour of South Africa surely shows that participants in sport - even quite hazardous ones - will from time to time need the protection of the law, both criminal and civil.

Secondly, he is wrong to state that intent has to be shown to bring a charge of manslaughter.

I know nothing of Italian law but in this country, were Mr Bramwell unfortunate enough to cause the death of someone by "recklessly carrying out a lawful act" - for example driving a car, he could well be found guilty of the crime of manslaughter.

While it is reasonable to suggest that those indulging in dangerous sports must accept extra risk - the legal maxim of "volenti non fit injuria" - that is not to conclude that whatever happens to them is hard luck!

KEITH REYNOLDS, Hindle Street, Darwen.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.