I AM disgusted at all the fuss made and the inflated sums that Andrew Mitchell may have to pay in damages after the judge ruled against him. How on earth can this happen in a so-called civilised society?

What started out as a verbal altercation between two people has now grown beards and whiskers and ended up in a court of law ordering Mitchell to virtually bankrupt himself.

I have always believed in the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but angry words can’t hurt me” and it is incredible that grown men can get their knickers in a twist over something said in the heat of the moment.

I expect it is far too late to alter this situation, but I hope it will serve as a lesson to anyone, especially someone well-known, that it is not worth using angry words – the outcome could be overwhelming and could land one in court. What a ridiculous situation.

Heather Causnett, Escrick Park Gardens, Escrick, York.