Your “Opinion” column (TMIS, 11 June) was what it says it is, just an opinion, and, as is often the case, based on theory and thought but little fact.

Although I can agree with a lot of Ms Caruana Galizia’s feelings in the latter half of the article, I must protest at her assumptions of a man’s attitude to the wealth, health and well being of his children. I feel particularly annoyed because her implication was that John Bowdler had similar inadequacies.

It has been my pleasure to know John and his family since we were both children. Of all the people I have know in my life I have found John to be the most honest and trustworthy of men and, most importantly, a dedicated father and husband.

From the outset of these tragic events he has sought only one thing and that is the truth. This finally has been found. His statement to the court was not just spoken from the heart, but was made in the most honest of ways that only a good parent can tell.

Your correspondent’s assumption that all men think that if you “sort out the logistical problems, then the emotional problems will fall into place and sort themselves out” is just not true. As a father I know this, and so does John. To cast us all in the same mould is as ridiculous as assuming that every mother with a son would behave as Mrs Decelis did.

One thing is for certain however. John Bowdler and his family will pray for the Decelis family. One wonders if, in return, they will pray for the lost soul of poor Rachel.

John D. Parkes

ABERDEEN

SCOTLAND