WITH reference to John Phillpott's comment in Seven Days (Saturday, October 8) regarding a police state, regrettably we are but a smidgen away from that.

Recent laws such as Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 that can put a 12-month ball and chain around your neck are examples of this. This rule allows the imposition of a threat of an ASBO on the whim of a policeman.

Add to this a proposal to insert a microchip into the number plates on your car so the authorities know where you are at any time of day or night.

The list is becoming endless. What more is needed? Perhaps a microchip number in your left forearm.

JOHN W PEDLEY,

Worcester.