First day of trial over...

[billykickass]

This must be torture for you, I wish you the best of luck

[lonley place]

Thinking of you both and praying for the best outcome.....banana's. LP

[So angry and hurt]

So hurt and angry

If I ever get chosen for jury service ,one thing I promise,to stay awake at all times and pay very close attention to the whole case! What a disgrace to the justice system, they can't even be bothered to listen when your lives depend on it.be interesting to interview the jury after a case,I wonder would you have grounds to appeal if you could prove that they hadn't understood the case?

[just married]

Thoughts and prayers as always, AG.

[Hopeful]

We are gutted at your current position and can't believe the stress you must be going through right now. The judge should at least ensure the jury know what they are supposed to be doing, these are people's lives in their hands. At my trial (hubby of hopeful) I saw many of them daydreaming and staring into space but I am so glad that at least a couple payed attention and can only pray that some of your jury members did the same and are strong enough to inform the others of their life impacting task. What they don't realise is that one day it could be one of them in your shoes... Sorry if I'm chanting but this really makes me angry at the system. I hope and pray as always for a positive outcome for you and your husband. We will keep checking back..... Good luck and hopefully a positive outcome today...

Paul, Michelle and bananas... : )

[Izzy]

Can't begin to imagine the horrendous stress you are all under.
Have everything crossed for you

[exhausted]

Thinking of you...

I am thinking of you and hope you have good news soon.

[Faith]

Thinking of you today here as well.

[Stunned9]

Thinking of you mate!

[worriedandconcerned]

Been following this thread for a while and so hope you get the news you deserve.

[Saffron]

Worried about you. Hope you are OK. xx

[Absolutely gutted]

Not Guilty on both counts!!!!

Hi everyone,
get your bananas out because my husband has been found not guilty on both counts of rape today after the judge directed the jury to come to a verdict by a majority of 10-2 at least.
I feel so fuzzy right now and the feeling of freedom hasn't really sunk in yet, I don't really feel any different yet - maybe it will take some time:-)

My husband obviously is on cloud 9 right now and cannot believe that it was all over in just a few seconds.

It was a real thriller:
The jury had asked today to see the claimant's interview on video tape again, apparently to clarify WHAT she said which by law is not permitted - when the judge asked them to clarify in what matter they need clarification as to what she said, they apparently gave the judge an indication in numbers already on how many were in favour of husband and how many were not (I thought I was gonna die when the jduge was handed that particular note and he smiled and shook his head but was not allowed to read the note out loud),
so in essence they didn't specify what they needed to see from claimant's statement but already gave the judge a preliminary verdict - husband and I were already in tears at that point and I was really breaking down!

The judge then called jury back in, husband had to stand up and clerk was asking the jury foreman whether a verdict had been reached unanimously to which foreman said no - everything felt so unreal at that point, I was shaking uncontrollably at that point, I really thought this is it, he is going to jail...

The judge then directed them to reach a verdict based on a majority of 10-2 at least, knowing that a verdict is very likely to be reached when giving them this option. It was 3.40pm at this point (judge always finishes at 4pm).

The jury went back upstairs and we had to leave court room and it was the most agonising wait of my life, this whole bening called into the court room then leaving again, it was taking its toll.
Husband was holding up better than I did, he was even able to comfort me, incredible.
10min. later we were called back in, the jury had reached a verdict and the foreman asked them about the verdicts on both counts.
I only heard NOT GUILTY but I didn;t really remember which count was which....when they said NOT GUILTY again for the 2nd count, I was in tears, I couldnt' believe it to the point where I thought I might have misunderstood. Only when the judge said defendant discharged, did I realise it's finally over!
When my husband came out of the dock we just hugged and cried, a moment of relief.

From my husband and I (he asked me to write on his behalf) I want to take this opportunity and thank EVERYONE from the bottom of our heart on this forum for all your support, time to read my rants and complaints, your compassion and for being there when others (from our side) were not - you have no idea how much strength and hope we were able to get from you all!!! I certainly would have gone insane without you all!
Even though my husband was not contributing at the later stage (he might post later) he wants to thank all of you for your support and being there for me as well!!! He has certainly learnt his lesson in life as I am sure many others have as well on here:-)
We are really grateful that such a forum exists as it is mostly the 'victim' who gets all the support - I will certainly make sure to be an active member on here in the future, seeing as I have received so much and not really given back in return:-)
And to all those who are still in a limbo, be strong and have some faith in the jury (everyone who has read my previous posts about our jury will know that I had massive doubts about their ability/interest to do the job;-)), justice will be done!!!!!

[So angry and hurt]

So hurt and angry

Yippppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you can have them ,you certainly deserve them
Wow you must be feeling on top of the world have some more
And a big one of these
Oh and ..................
Have a wonderful life xxxxxxxxxx

[Faith]

Woooooooooooooooooo-hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The wait was bloody well worth it
WELL DONE, I am so happy for you both.

Narna time:

It is always so uplifting reading these threads...and goes to show that very often these things DO turn out right. I am going to work on a Sticky that lists all Not Guilty and NFA verdicts for new members to see that hope need never die.

[Absolutely gutted]

Thanks So angry and hurt

And Faith, I think this is a very good idea - it will certainly help in easing the initial panic that falsely accused experience