In a news report, I heard a bomber pilot remark the problem with dropping bombs from 30,000ft was he could not see the result of his actions. “I’d like to see the whole thing,” he said, casually, as if he were shooting ducks on a pond.

With this in mind, I approach Rupert Smythe’s use of the term “innate evil” with caution and suggest he compares the hideous deed committed by Mary Bell with the pilot’s wish to see the “whole thing” (He Says/She Says, May 28).

I believe a comparison is important when dealing with the issue of the destruction of human life.

Without wishing to diminish the horror of the crime, we should understand the possibility there is a “killer instinct” in all of us — an instinct most of us are able control.

Where, however, I do sympathise with Mr Smythe is, if correct, the attempt by Mary Bell to sell her story.

This is an abominable disregard for the feelings of the families involved. It is, unfortunately, a sign of the times we live in. You can see in any bookshop the results of villains cashing in on their violent deeds.

The question of whether Mary Bell should be exposed is irrelevant — she has already been exposed and that is why she lives incognito.

Perhaps Mr Smythe should reflect on the other innocent involved in this matter — namely, Mary Bell’s child and the effect such a disclosure would have upon her.

The Rev Samson Caine Swanscombe