Two sisters allege I interfered with them

[diana_holbourn]

Bending the rules? Which one are you concerned about? There isn't a rule against people posting in more than one thread, as long as their not just posting the same topic twice.

It's interesting what you say about your friend's experience of jury service. Describing that in the jury service thread and explaining your reasoning for thinking juries should be put through psychometric tests or something would hopefully be seen as a valuable contribution.

[diana_holbourn]

Maria,

Sorry to hear that things aren't going well for you and Shane. It's possible that NACRO could give Shane some advice on employment, even though he isn't actually an offender. You could always ask them anyway. Their email is helpline@nacro.org.uk

[satansoft]

Juries should meet criteria of objectivity. Maybe a one-day training course and a psychometric test to uncover personal prejudices

I have been on jury service for a handful of various cases, and always considered it an honor to serve my country this way, and always treat it with the gravity it deserved, alas not all jurors see it this way.

One of the things that really shook my faith in the "12 good men" justice system, was the total apathy of the majority of the jurors, half of which just wanted to be away as quick as possible. . . and I would estimate that at least half of the members of juries I served on did not have the intelligence to understand even the basic concepts of the case that they were asked to deliver a verdict on. . . I would shake in my boots if I thought I was relying on a "jury of my peers" to establish my innocence.

Sorry to paint such a gloomy picture, but in reality thats how it is

It is my considered opinion that Jurors should be inducted for at least 6 months at a time, fully trained to undertand the nuances of court proceedings, and be tested to ensure they were intelligent enough to deliver an unbiased verdict based on the evidence before them. .

[Saffron]

Originally posted by Hoobaloo@6th July 2005 - 10:45 AM


Can anyone point me in the direction of web sites that analyse the psychology of false allegations? I feel that to defend myself, I need to know more about why people do these things and how successful defences have been gained in other cases.

Quoted post

Hello Hoobaloo

Sorry to hear of the charges.

Have a look at Val Lavender's website www.kotae.co.uk and click the JGC button. There is loads of information on there about the motives for false allegations. It might also be worth doing some research into Borderline Personality Disorder - just type it into google and see what it comes up with - it can be very enlightening.

Let us know how you get on. Good luck.

Saffron

[Hoobaloo]

Hi, everyone.

Here's a brief update on my situation. To recap, two girls, both best friends and now students of about 20 years old have accused me of indecently assaulting them in the 1990s. I have to face trial starting in March and am currently on police bail.

It might help some others in this kind of situation to know that life has not been too bad. I spend weekends in the south with my parents and the week in the Midlands where I work. I have retained all my most valued friends and have been able to have a full and varied social life in both locations. I have retained my place on a charitable committee where all the other members know of my ordeal.

So far, there is some good news. I have had my computers returned to me after being 'forensicated' (it's a real word) which means they're clean - no dodgy emails, no dirty kiddy pictures, no newsgroups or URLs, and my dear goddaughter (the little sister of one of my accusers) has been interviewed and also found unmolested. I wonder if her big sister was pleased or pissed off by that?

There has been nothing to corroborate their stories although a one-time ladyfriend has made a statement against me which is malicious but based on opinions that she never expressed when we were friends. Fortunately, I have her emails so can prove a lot of what she says is untrue.

It is, of course, very worrying. I stopped visiting these sites because they are full of unhappiness and the frightening stories of people who have been grievously wronged not only by their accusers but society as a whole that has failed to apply reason and has convicted out of caprice, it seems.

Please, we need more information. In your case (whoever is reading) what swayed the jury? Why was the person you love convicted? Did they give a bad account in the witness stand? Were the accusers convincing even though they were lying? Why did your barrister not show the court they were lying?

Those that have been wrongly convicted have the experience to help those in the same position. I accept that juries can be dim, but it would be of enormous benefit if you would share the courtroom experience with us - particularly the 'evidence' that got you or your loved one convicted.

Can anyone point me in the direction of any records or web sites devoted to successful defences? Has anyone out there been on a jury that returned a conviction? What convinced you?

Hoobaloo

[maria]

hi hoobaloo in my son's case he was ball barded into taking a plea bargain they decided they could not pin rape on him as this girl had never been touch proven by 2 forensic reports so they decided to try him on sexual assault 4 charges of which started out as 3 .... but the barristor thought that because this girl was very convincing the jury no matter what would find him quilty and why ....... because why would a 14 yr old girl make something like this up even tho she had accused before yes i can see you saying but how would a jury beleive her il tell you why because the other cases and accusations were not allowed to be mentioned in court sick i no f...up someones life but don't mention the fact what this girl has done it before, at a guess if your barristor decides its going to court and not offer you a plea bargain id say you have a good case of proving your innocents but i would never want to bring you false hope let us know how you are doing my best wishes and luck go out to you take care maria x

[Saffron]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hoobaloo &#064; 23rd November 2005 &#045; 08&#58;32 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>

Please, we need more information. In your case (whoever is reading) what swayed the jury? Why was the person you love convicted? Did they give a bad account in the witness stand? Were the accusers convincing even though they were lying? Why did your barrister not show the court they were lying?

Those that have been wrongly convicted have the experience to help those in the same position. I accept that juries can be dim, but it would be of enormous benefit if you would share the courtroom experience with us - particularly the &#39;evidence&#39; that got you or your loved one convicted.

Can anyone point me in the direction of any records or web sites devoted to successful defences? Has anyone out there been on a jury that returned a conviction? What convinced you?

Hoobaloo
[/b][/quote]
Hi Hoobaloo

I understand your reluctance to visit this board - there is a lot of anger and sorrow here, but frequently this is a very good way for those affected by false allegations to "let off steam".

As for your questions, I will do my best to answer them.

In my husband&#39;s case, I have pondered endlessly why the jury believed his accuser and not him. there was no proof other than her word, much as in your case. I can only surmise that the jury automatically believed what she was saying because of the "victim" status she was shrouded in: she refused to enter the court until the public gallery had been cleared, and sat behind screens while giving her testimony. I think there is also an innate human belief that no-one would make up such a vile allegation. They cannot understand the notivation behind it, and therefore believe the accuser.

Of course, she wept copiously while giving evidence, which always helps. The judge directed the jury not to be swayed with sympathy, but it is a human emotion, and unavoidable. Of course, the judge&#39;s direction would have helped if all of the jury had been awake whilst he was summing up.

additionally, our barrister was not allowed to ask her anything about her sex life, while the prosecution asked my husband every detail.....she came across as a virgin, he was painted a a sexual predator.

finally, my husband conducted himself in a dignified manner, and did not sob, or shout or cry. the jury had no sympathy for him. and we had appallingly bad legal representation.

I hope this gives you some insight. good luck.

Saffron