And so the trial begins...

[scaredwife]

One more question guys, ahead of today.

Will the character witness be cross examined to try and make him look bad, or is it more just a general statement being made? Our witness is very well respected but just wondered how much sway he might have overall.

Thanks guys, also as before, anyone know how long it takes to sum up?

Will update later as not due in until late morning today :/

[myhome]

Thinking of you.....with regard to summing up, I went to some days of billy's trial and so can only say what happened there. The barristers took about half a day to sum up then the judge sent everyone home (it was a Friday). On the Monday, the judge took about 3 hours to sum up - but was being rather pedanctic about it all and read witness statements verbatim and everyone was glazed over by the time he finished. He then sent the jury for lunch and told them no verdict before 2.15 as it was lunchtime. We were called back in about 3.30/3.45 (can't really remember) and the not guilty verdicts were given.......i guess each trial and judge is different though.......all the best .....

[Saffron]

JSU (Judge's Summing Up) varies depending on how long the trial has been and how much evidence there is to consider. My hubby's was 45 minutes for a two-day trial.
I'm not surprised that the "he likes them young" witness wasn't proceeded with - this is Hearsay and is not permitted. if Hearsay were permitted, every trial would have an army of witnesses claiming "Oh, someone told me that he told them...." and so on.
I hope today is OK for you.
Sending you hugs and positive thoughts.

[scaredwife]

Thank you as always for your support and advice. The prosecution has done their summing up bit and now we've broken for lunch. Then it's our barristers turn to try and sum up.

Very upsetting listening to prosecutions summing up, amazing how they can make a whole load of lies sound plausible

Haven't cried or anything, though I wish I could. Just don't know what way this is going to go

[lonley place]

Hi Thinking of you ...keep strong, not long to go now LP

[Saffron]

Thinking of you x

[scaredwife]

Judge finished summing up this afternoon at about 4.30 and then sent us all home. Tomorrow morning at 10 he will send the jury to consider the verdict.

We are devastated this evening - the judges summing up was so negative and focused on the prosecution evidence, with no mention whatsoever of the enormous holes in her stories

Even our barrister said that we've done everything we can and 'its in the hands of the gods now' which doesn't sound at all promising.

Really sad. So is hubby. Nasty bag will be packed ready. Sorry I can't say anything more positive but at this stage it is very much looking like my hubby will be found guilty of something he hasn't done

[myhome]

We are devastated this evening - the judges summing up was so negative and focused on the prosecution evidence, with no mention whatsoever of the enormous holes in her stories Even our barrister said that we've done everything we can and 'its in the hands of the gods now' which doesn't sound at all promising. (

Dear scaredwife - I can only begin to understand a little of what you must be feeling only because I sat with billy's GF for some of the trial, JSU and verdict (not guilty btw). All I can say is we thought the same - that he spent ages summing up the prosecution - which was basically saying the same thing over and over again in different ways, and nowhere near as much time on the defence (possibly because it was so obvious). I know what billy's barrister told him when the jury was sent out, but obviously can't repeat it here as it was confidential. I think that maybe the barristers have to tell you the worst in case it happens. Imagine how you'd feel if barrister had told you they were sure of a not guilty verdict and that turned out to be wrong?
Wishing you so many positive vibes and thoughts and Angels for you to keep you strong tonight and tomorrow. Looking forward to hitting the dancing bananas again .......love and hugs.....

[lawlessone2009]

Thinking of you guys.

Hoping it goes your way.

It could well be a blessing in disguise having the end of the day meaning the jury need to go home.

The judges summing up will pale in comparison to what has been said by those directly involved and giving evidence. As long as you guys have had a fair crack at the whip then I would imagine the result should swing your way. Never, of course, underestimate a jury.....

Prepare for the worst and shout and scream in joy if you get something better.

The prosecution need to prove their case and any doubt means you should get the benefit. Let's hope hubby is going home with you tomorrow.

[scaredwife]

Well the jury have been sent to consider their verdict. They won't be asked if they have reached a decision before 2pm. Barrister is obviously worried, as he's suddenly told hubby that he's concerned that he may have done 'too well' under cross examination. HOW CAN U DO TOO WELL?? He did well because he's innocent and has nothing to hide!!

I'm in pieces inside, keep getting filthy looks from all of her side, not helpful. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared.

[RFLH]

virtually holding your hand here - you're not alone, you have support.

[scaredwife]

Even our barrister says it really really is 50/50

[RFLH]

all trials are that - nothing is a cert.

[myhome]

Hi scaredwife - this time is truly awful for you - but all here are thinking of you and waiting with bated breath - in a few hours that awful wait will be over and you can face the next part of the process - hopefully together and start to rebuild your lives..... hugs and Angels

[billykickass]

I echo myhomes comments. It aint over yet, but i fully understand what your going through. Just keep going my thoughts are with you.