THERE is no satisfaction for anyone from the results of the re-investigation into the murder of Wendy Sewell.

Derbyshire Police do not have a successful conviction. And 30 years after her death, Mrs Sewell's family cannot find comfort in the sure knowledge that her killer has been brought to justice.

Also, there is no satisfaction for Stephen Downing. Although he was freed by the Court of Appeal, the judges did not address whether he was guilty or innocent of the crime. They ruled that his conviction was unsafe because of procedures at the time of his arrest and subsequent questioning.

After 30 years, it is unlikely that this matter will ever be resolved.

But saying yesterday that Mr Downing remains the only suspect, his innocence is clearly being doubted by Derbyshire Police.

It is doubtful whether such a public statement can be in the interests of justice. It smacks too much of the police acting as both judge and jury in a case where their past investigation has already been found to be flawed.

Common sense in the classroom

WE give top marks to David Bell, chief inspector of the schools watchdog Ofsted.

His contention that there is excessive attention to targets in our schools is a dose of common sense that the Government will do well to take on board.

There is a general acceptance of the need to assess the performance of schools and teachers. But surely this can be achieved without a seemingly endless stream of tests and league tables.

The pressure on teachers and children from the present regime is counter-productive.

Continuous assessment entails strict coherence to a narrow national curriculum, which is often denying children the broadly-based education they need and deserve.

Crucially, it is also discouraging teachers from being innovative and experimental in the classroom.

Far from helping to improve standards, this fixation with targets is having a detrimental impact on levels of education.