delete mail from preview pane

Bill,
I assume you're using Mail? Just click "Delete" on the top toolbar or simply press the backspace key with the message selected.

Thank you for the response but the problem is when a selection is made in the upper pane it automatically opens in the message area and that's what I'm trying to avoid.
This happens in both Mac mail and Thunderbird.
MSN Live Hotmail has check boxes on the left of mail to select them without opening the mail message.

Is there a reason why it cannot be opened? Load times shouldn't be an issue...

In order to delete email without opening it, you'll probably have to go to the server and delete from there. For example - if GMail is your provider you can access the server on line and delete directly without viewing.

Actually you can delete email without opening it in Mail in at least two different ways:

1. (this takes a little practice) Don't select the suspicious message, just click on it and DON'T RELEASE, and smoothly drag it to Mail's trash, THEN release. This needs to be a smooth motion.

2. If you can't manage the method above, just close the preview window (double-click on the bar separating the preview from the mail list), then delete away. You can restore the previous setting of that "bar" by double-clicking on it again.

Thank you, Chas_m, both of your suggestions worked. I prefer the drag to Trash method.

Bill