kevin webbsters been charged with rape

[Redhead84]

Witch-hunt will be in full swing now, public reporting ought to be banned until a conviction. This could be costly if he is cleared.

Agreed. How can they have a fair trial? And even if cleared mud sticks, doesnt it? You will hear all the cliches of no smoke without fire etc

Bear in mind that Chris Huhne recently went down the fair trial route following press reports for months saying he was guilty... He lost his argument with the judges saying he could get a fair trial. (It doesn't make a difference to the point I'm making that he pleaded guilty in the end).

People still take being a juror incredibly seriously, and it weighs heavily on people that they might send an innocent person to jail so they make sure they're sure.

 

[Tasha]

Bear in mind that Chris Huhne recently went down the fair trial route following press reports for months saying he was guilty... He lost his argument with the judges saying he could get a fair trial. (It doesn't make a difference to the point I'm making that he pleaded guilty in the end).

People still take being a juror incredibly seriously, and it weighs heavily on people that they might send an innocent person to jail so they make sure they're sure.

I didnt know that Chris Huhne had tried to go down the fair trial thing. You are right people do take it seriously, I guess though it is hard to seperate the things you read and the things you hear in court, sometimes.

Plus even if found innocent then people still tend to judge and decide that he did it or must of done something to be taken to court. I have read so many times on this forum alone about the CPS must have strong evidence to even take them to court etc etc.

Also you reminded me to go look to see if Vicky got found guilty or not, thanks.

 

[Tasha]

Oh no verdict yet.

 

[Redhead84]

Oh no verdict yet.

At the end of today I predict the judge will ask the foreman if there is the possibility of reaching a 10-2 verdict given more time.. If yes they'll be given one more day, if not its hung jury time and the CPS will have decide on whether to have another go.

 

[Tasha]

Oh no verdict yet.

At the end of today I predict the judge will ask the foreman if there is the possibility of reaching a 10-2 verdict given more time.. If yes they'll be given one more day, if not its hung jury time and the CPS will have decide on whether to have another go.

Quick go put a bet on it

Thanks for your thoughts on that though. I wonder if the CPS would, hmmm.

 

[Redhead84]

Plus even if found innocent then people still tend to judge and decide that he did it or must of done something to be taken to court. I have read so many times on this forum alone about the CPS must have strong evidence to even take them to court etc etc.

Also you reminded me to go look to see if Vicky got found guilty or not, thanks.

You are right, sadly mud does tend to stick somewhat, especially in cases such as these.

I have a hugely cynical view of the CPS - vastly underfunded and underresourced, however that is no excuse for them not reviewing cases properly at times and running things that shouldn't be anywhere near a court in a month of Sundays! (They are too willing to rely on the often very skewed police reports that come their way and don't ask the relevant questions).

I am involved in a case the CPS are running to trial at the moment - their case has more holes in it than Swiss cheese, along with a "victim" that the defence can prove, and I mean prove, is a liar and has done so previously on the stand in Crown court, but because they haven't actually looked at the file properly yet they are proceeding regardless. Needless to say, I am looking forward to a CPS bashing in a few weeks - this is no consolation to the defendant however who is going to be thousands of pounds out of pocket defending something that shouldn't be in court.

Sorry, rant over.

 

[Redhead84]

On the Vicky Pryce thing - the CPS will look at the deadlock of jurors in deciding whether to try again... For instance, if they are stuck at 9-3 in favour of conviction they'll try again, if the other way, they probably won't.

Sorry for the OT everyone.

 

[Tasha]

You are right, sadly mud does tend to stick somewhat, especially in cases such as these.

I have a hugely cynical view of the CPS - vastly underfunded and underresourced, however that is no excuse for them not reviewing cases properly at times and running things that shouldn't be anywhere near a court in a month of Sundays! (They are too willing to rely on the often very skewed police reports that come their way and don't ask the relevant questions).

I am involved in a case the CPS are running to trial at the moment - their case has more holes in it than Swiss cheese, along with a "victim" that the defence can prove, and I mean prove, is a liar and has done so previously on the stand in Crown court, but because they haven't actually looked at the file properly yet they are proceeding regardless. Needless to say, I am looking forward to a CPS bashing in a few weeks - this is no consolation to the defendant however who is going to be thousands of pounds out of pocket defending something that shouldn't be in court.

Sorry, rant over.

Oh my goodness. Normal people (not that you are not normal ) dont get to see this side of it, do they? I mean most people are taught to trust the police and in doing so you trust the CPS. How awful for your client, because as you say its no consolation to him given the money spent and I guess the trauma of it all.

ETA - Thanks for the Vicky Pryce stuff, will be watching for an outcome.

 

[monkee12]

I agree innocent until proven guilty.