- 2 days ago
Crown Court: the gripping courtroom drama from the 1970s and 1980s.
Irene Rutland faces charges of theft, criminal damage and wounding a police officer.
The defendant is played by Katharine Blake (later to be known as stern Governor Helen Forrester in Within These Walls). Other familiar faces are Shirley Cheriton (EastEnders), William Marlowe (Doctor Who, Gentle Touch) and David Troughton (Doctor Who and a ton of other things!)
Irene Rutland faces charges of theft, criminal damage and wounding a police officer.
The defendant is played by Katharine Blake (later to be known as stern Governor Helen Forrester in Within These Walls). Other familiar faces are Shirley Cheriton (EastEnders), William Marlowe (Doctor Who, Gentle Touch) and David Troughton (Doctor Who and a ton of other things!)
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TVTranscript
00:00:30Irene Rutland is 45 years old, a widow with one daughter.
00:00:43She's a successful public relations officer with a large publishing firm,
00:00:47a respectable member of the community.
00:00:49In fact, she never put a foot wrong until one evening in November,
00:00:52when, after a long and tiring day at the office,
00:00:55she decided to eat out with disastrous consequences.
00:01:00Irene Mary Rutland, you stand indicted on four counts.
00:01:04On the first count, you are charged with wounding with intent,
00:01:06contrary to Section 18, Offences Against the Person Act, 1861,
00:01:11in that on the 16th of November, 1973, at Fulchester,
00:01:15you wounded Raymond Arthur Mugridge with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.
00:01:19How say you? Are you guilty or not guilty?
00:01:21Not guilty.
00:01:22On the second count, you are charged with wounding with intent,
00:01:26contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861,
00:01:31in that on the 16th of November, 1973, at Fulchester,
00:01:34you wounded Raymond Arthur Mugridge with intent to resist your lawful apprehension.
00:01:39How say you? Are you guilty or not guilty?
00:01:41Not guilty.
00:01:43On the third count, you are charged with theft,
00:01:45contrary to the Section 1 of the Theft Act, 1968,
00:01:49in that on the 16th of November, 1973, at Fulchester,
00:01:52you stole a handbag and 15 pounds contained therein,
00:01:56the property of Linda Margaret Brightson.
00:01:58How say you? Are you guilty or not guilty?
00:02:00Not guilty.
00:02:01On the fourth count, you are charged with damaging property,
00:02:05contrary to Section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act, 1971,
00:02:07in that you, on the 16th of November, 1973, at Fulchester,
00:02:12without lawful excuse, damaged an ornamental table lamp,
00:02:16a table, a chair, four glasses, four plates, two cups and saucers,
00:02:21one Kona set and one Kruitt set,
00:02:23belonging to Spiros Plotanos,
00:02:25intending to damage such property
00:02:27or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.
00:02:30How say you? Are you guilty or not guilty?
00:02:32Not guilty.
00:02:35Members of the jury, to these four counts,
00:02:37the defendant has pleaded not guilty,
00:02:39and it is your charge to say, having heard the evidence,
00:02:41whether she be guilty or not.
00:02:44You may sit down.
00:02:48Mr O'Connor?
00:02:49My lord, members of the jury,
00:02:54I appear for the prosecution in this case,
00:02:56and my learned friend, Mr Lotterby, represents the defence.
00:03:00This is a somewhat complicated case
00:03:02in that the offences took place on two separate venues,
00:03:07but on the same evening.
00:03:08The train of events came to light when a police officer was called to the
00:03:13Kyrenia restaurant in Bridwell Road, Fulchester,
00:03:16to investigate a complaint by the owner,
00:03:19Spiros Plotanos.
00:03:21I call Constable Mugridge.
00:03:23In what condition did you find the defendant?
00:03:29The defendant was sitting at a table in a distressed state.
00:03:32Was she drunk?
00:03:34Well, that's difficult to say.
00:03:35She was certainly flushed and emotional,
00:03:38and there was a smell of whiskey.
00:03:40And what about the restaurant itself?
00:03:42That was in a most disorderly condition.
00:03:44Chairs and tables upturned, broken glass and crockery everywhere.
00:03:47Who else was present?
00:03:48The proprietor, Mr Plotanos, and a waitress.
00:03:51Is that all?
00:03:52Yes.
00:03:53And, of course, it was their complaint to the police
00:03:55which had resulted in your going to the restaurant.
00:03:58Yes.
00:03:59As a result of my investigations,
00:04:00I asked the defendant to accompany me to the police station.
00:04:03She became angry and made as if to hit Mr Plotanos.
00:04:06As a result, I told her I was arresting her.
00:04:09Then what happened?
00:04:10As we were about to leave,
00:04:11the waitress handed me a lady's handbag, which...
00:04:13Oh, may we be sure on the handbag?
00:04:15It's marked as a bit one.
00:04:17Is that it?
00:04:17Yes, sir.
00:04:18Go on, Constable.
00:04:19I asked the defendant if the bag was hers,
00:04:22and she said it was not.
00:04:24The waitress said she had found it under the accused's table.
00:04:27I again asked the defendant if the bag belonged to her.
00:04:30She denied it and became angry.
00:04:32And how did this anger manifest itself?
00:04:34She hit out with the shoulder bag she was carrying.
00:04:37Perhaps it could be shown the other bag.
00:04:38It's marked too.
00:04:39Is that it?
00:04:40Yes.
00:04:41Go on, please.
00:04:42Then she made for the door.
00:04:43But before she did that,
00:04:45what happened when she swung the shoulder bag?
00:04:46It hit me, coming into contact with my face and drawing blood.
00:04:51What was your reaction to this?
00:04:52I was surprised.
00:04:53It's a big bag, but the force of it was out of all proportion.
00:04:57What sort of injury did it inflict?
00:04:59My nose was cut and bruised.
00:05:01I was stunned.
00:05:02Were you able to continue your inquiries?
00:05:04Oh, yes.
00:05:05At my suggestion, the waitress brought some ice cubes in a towel,
00:05:08and that helped stop the bleeding.
00:05:09And later?
00:05:10At the station, the police surgeon was called,
00:05:13and I was sent to hospital.
00:05:14What happened there?
00:05:15They x-rayed my nose and put three stitches in it.
00:05:18Was it broken?
00:05:19Yes, sir.
00:05:20My lord, as Exhibit 3,
00:05:22I introduced an agreed document,
00:05:23a medical report confirming those injuries.
00:05:26You have a copy in front of you, I believe.
00:05:28To return to the restaurant,
00:05:30what happened after you'd recovered?
00:05:32I opened the defendant's shoulder bag
00:05:34to see what could have given it such force.
00:05:36And amongst the contents, I found a bottle of wine.
00:05:40That's it there.
00:05:41Exhibit 4, my lord.
00:05:42I then took Mrs Rutland to the police station,
00:05:45where I cautioned her and charged her with
00:05:47wounding and damage to property.
00:05:50She made no reply.
00:05:52Later, she was released on bail.
00:05:53Did you search the defendant?
00:05:55I searched her bag, yes, sir.
00:05:57Amongst the contents on her,
00:05:58I found a purse containing £12.80.
00:06:02I see.
00:06:03How was this made up?
00:06:05Two £5 notes,
00:06:06two £1 notes,
00:06:07and the rest in £80 in silver and copper.
00:06:10Right.
00:06:11And what happened about the handbag found in the restaurant?
00:06:14As a result of further investigations,
00:06:16I again interviewed Mrs Rutland the following day.
00:06:18She accompanied me to the police station,
00:06:20where I cautioned her and charged her
00:06:21with the theft of the handbag.
00:06:23She said she had never seen it
00:06:25until the waitress had produced it the night before.
00:06:28Thank you, Constable.
00:06:30You say the defendant was in a distressed and emotional state
00:06:34and there was a smell of whiskey?
00:06:36Yes, sir.
00:06:36Were there any other signs of drunkenness?
00:06:38Well, er...
00:06:40Was her speech slurred, for instance?
00:06:42No, no, not really.
00:06:44And she was fully in control when she came to the police station?
00:06:46Yes, sir.
00:06:47So you couldn't really say that she was drunk?
00:06:49I mean, apart from being emotional in distress,
00:06:51but not entirely surprising under the circumstances,
00:06:54there were no real signs of drunkenness, were there?
00:06:56I suppose not.
00:06:57I couldn't really say there were.
00:06:59No, thank you.
00:07:00Now, Constable,
00:07:01you must have been in a bit of a state yourself.
00:07:04Blow on the nose, blood everywhere.
00:07:06Yes, sir.
00:07:07Did Mrs Rutland show remorse
00:07:09for what, albeit it accidentally, she'd done to you?
00:07:12She apologised, sir.
00:07:13She was most upset, in fact.
00:07:15She was sorry for what she had done.
00:07:17Yes, I'm sure she was.
00:07:19She didn't admit any of the charges, did she?
00:07:22No, sir.
00:07:22She frequently and strenuously denied them, in fact.
00:07:25She denied them, sir.
00:07:26And, of course, you were not present
00:07:27when the alleged damage to property took place.
00:07:29No, sir, but the place was in a most disorderly condition.
00:07:32But you had no proof as to who had caused the damage?
00:07:35There was no one else there.
00:07:37How long did it take you to get to the Kyrenia
00:07:39from the time you received the call?
00:07:41About five minutes.
00:07:42Five minutes.
00:07:43Time for someone to leave without your noticing.
00:07:46Possibly.
00:07:47Did you search the premises on arrival?
00:07:49Sir?
00:07:50Did you search the rest of the premises?
00:07:54No, sir.
00:07:55Now, when did you tell the defendant you were arresting her?
00:07:58The precise time, sir.
00:08:00At what point are the proceedings?
00:08:01Refresh my memory for me, will you?
00:08:03It was after she had made as if to hit Mr Platanos.
00:08:06Now, you're sure it was Mr Platanos and not yourself?
00:08:09Sir?
00:08:10Mightn't you be mistaken?
00:08:12You said yourself that you were in great pain, stunned.
00:08:15Mightn't you have confused the timing?
00:08:17Definitely not, sir.
00:08:20The police quite rightly take a very serious view of attacks
00:08:23upon their colleagues, do they not?
00:08:25Upon anyone?
00:08:26But particularly against their own people.
00:08:29We are in a more vulnerable position.
00:08:32Agreed.
00:08:32And they are inclined to award commendations
00:08:35to those people who prove vulnerable
00:08:37during the course of their duty and are attacked.
00:08:39Is that not so?
00:08:41In certain cases.
00:08:42In your case, constable, in March of last year
00:08:44when you sustained an injury whilst in pursuit of a suspected thief.
00:08:48Later convicted.
00:08:49Oh, exactly.
00:08:51Congratulations.
00:08:52But then conviction is, of course, essential, is it not?
00:08:55And you received a commendation from the chief constable?
00:08:58Yes, sir.
00:08:59Very helpful to a young officer on his way up the promotion ladder?
00:09:02No, sir.
00:09:03No?
00:09:04Well, you're not going to tell us it would hinder your chances, are you?
00:09:07To be promoted, you first have to pass your exams.
00:09:09I have not passed mine yet.
00:09:11But when you do, surely a commendation or two will help you on your way.
00:09:15I would not go out of my way to get injured, sir.
00:09:17Just for that.
00:09:18Hmm.
00:09:20Or commit perjury.
00:09:21So, you say you arrested Mrs Rutland before your injury was incurred.
00:09:27Why?
00:09:28Because I had reason to believe that the defendant had caused a breach of the peace in threatening
00:09:32Mr Platanos.
00:09:34Tell me, how exactly were you hit by that shoulder bag?
00:09:37Er, the defendant swung it round.
00:09:39Perhaps you might use the actual bag.
00:09:52Something like that, my lord.
00:09:54It's a bit low, isn't it?
00:09:56How did it hit your nose?
00:09:58I was bending down.
00:09:59Oh, were you?
00:10:01Why?
00:10:02Well, I'd lost my cap coming through the bead curtains.
00:10:05Oh, I see.
00:10:06And, of course, it was of paramount importance for you to regain your cap.
00:10:11Tell me, you believed Mrs Rutland intended to wound you?
00:10:15She must have known it would do some harm, yes.
00:10:17And yet, faced by this emotional woman, you bend down to pick up your cap, thereby giving
00:10:21her ample opportunity to attack you.
00:10:24Well, I find that most difficult to believe, my lord.
00:10:26My lord, of course it is not necessary to prove intent to wound if the defendant was
00:10:30intending to prevent or resist arrest.
00:10:31But we know that she had already been arrested and was going quite willingly to the police station.
00:10:36Perhaps my learned friend can explain why she ran to the door.
00:10:39Well, I have pondered on that point myself, or rather why she has been accused of so doing.
00:10:44My lord, perhaps I might be allowed to continue my cross-examination?
00:10:48Of course.
00:10:50Mr O'Connor, you can make your speech later, you know.
00:10:54Yes, my lord.
00:10:55I am obliged, my lord.
00:10:59Now, constable, when you entered the restaurant, do you recall the door being locked behind you?
00:11:07I don't think so.
00:11:08Well, I'm afraid you must be more definite than that.
00:11:11I cannot be sure, sir.
00:11:13Well, my client will say it was not locked.
00:11:15Now, you say you were stunned by the blow.
00:11:17How long do you think you were semi-conscious?
00:11:20Not really semi-conscious, sir, just stunned.
00:11:23You were saying you were still aware of what was going on?
00:11:25Yes.
00:11:26Blood everywhere, in great pain.
00:11:29Well, you would agree you were somewhat distracted.
00:11:32A bit, perhaps.
00:11:33Yes.
00:11:34Now, you say the waitress had gone to the kitchen for the ice.
00:11:37What was Mr Plattenhouse doing?
00:11:39He had fetched a clean towel and was making a pad of it to staunch the flow of the blood.
00:11:44So, everybody was busy.
00:11:46Everybody except Mrs Rutland.
00:11:49You see, if the door was not locked, and if she had been contemplating evading arrest,
00:11:55she had the perfect opportunity, did she not?
00:11:58She could have escaped if she'd wanted to, couldn't she?
00:12:02There was no one to stop her, was there?
00:12:05And yet she stayed in the restaurant, helping to staunch the flow of your blood.
00:12:14Now, this handbag, did you notice it in the restaurant before the waitress handed it to you?
00:12:41No, sir.
00:12:42So, you took the waitress's word for it that the handbag had been found by the table
00:12:46at which Mrs Rutland had been sitting, still there,
00:12:49although, in your own words, the place was in a most disorderly state.
00:12:53There was no one else there.
00:12:55Oh, we have already been into that.
00:12:56It means nothing at all.
00:12:58Anyone could have left that handbag in the restaurant at any time that evening.
00:13:02Constable, I'm sure we all of us sympathize with you over this painful injury,
00:13:07but you must admit that the rest of your evidence is,
00:13:11to put it mildly, somewhat circumstantial.
00:13:14My lord, really.
00:13:15Thank you, constable, that is all.
00:13:19Does your lordship have any questions?
00:13:23I call Spiros Platanos.
00:13:25Spiros Platanos, please.
00:13:27What religion are you?
00:13:41Greek Orthodox.
00:13:42Take the Bible in your right hand and repeat the words on this card.
00:13:46I swear by almighty God
00:13:50that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth,
00:13:54the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
00:14:00You are Spiros Socrates Platanos?
00:14:05Yes.
00:14:06And you are the proprietor of the Cairenia restaurant,
00:14:09Bridwell Road, Forchester,
00:14:10and you live above the premises.
00:14:12Will you tell us what happened on the night of the 16th of November?
00:14:18Well, I'm in the kitchen cooking
00:14:21when my girl comes in and she tells me that...
00:14:23We will hear your waitress's version later.
00:14:26But as a result of what she told you,
00:14:28you went out into the restaurant.
00:14:30Yes.
00:14:31There is this woman going off about the bill.
00:14:34She says it's too much.
00:14:36Was it?
00:14:37Two pound thirtyp for a big steak, chip, salad, everything.
00:14:41And two big whiskies.
00:14:43Thank you, Mr. Platanos.
00:14:45My lord, I introduce as Exhibit Five the bill.
00:14:48You have a copy in front of you?
00:14:49Yes.
00:14:51Is that the bill?
00:14:52Yes, yes.
00:14:53You explained the charges to her?
00:14:55Of course.
00:14:55And then what happened?
00:14:56She goes mad.
00:14:58She starts to break the place, smashing everything.
00:15:01So my girl calls the police.
00:15:03Then when the policeman arrives, she goes mad again.
00:15:07She tries to hit me, he stops her, and she hits him.
00:15:11You should have seen him.
00:15:12What a mess.
00:15:13Curiously.
00:15:14Well, it didn't happen exactly like that, did it, Mr. Platanos?
00:15:16My lord, really.
00:15:17Leading witnesses is against the rules, Mr. O'Connor,
00:15:20even if they happen to be foreign by birth.
00:15:23With respect, my lord,
00:15:24if I left the witness's evidence as it was,
00:15:28it'd be far more damning for the defendant.
00:15:30Very well.
00:15:31Perhaps a little rephrasing?
00:15:37Why do you think the woman tried to hit you?
00:15:39Because she's angry, she's drunk,
00:15:41she does not like me for calling the police.
00:15:43And after she tried to hit you, what happened then?
00:15:46My girl gives the handbag to the policeman and she hits him.
00:15:49Her, I mean.
00:15:50How did she do that?
00:15:51With a handbag.
00:15:52May we see Exhibit Two?
00:15:54That's it.
00:15:56Please stay where you are, Mr. Platanos.
00:16:01Mr. Platanos,
00:16:02why, if Mrs. Rutledge had made such a fuss,
00:16:03why do you think she paid the bill?
00:16:05She got to pay the bill.
00:16:06Oh, really?
00:16:06Anyway, she make that fuss after she pays the bill.
00:16:08She was still objecting.
00:16:10Then why had she paid?
00:16:11Did you perhaps threaten her?
00:16:14Oh, threatened?
00:16:15No, no, no.
00:16:16Was anyone else in the restaurant at the time?
00:16:19Not when she makes the trouble.
00:16:21Was when she came in.
00:16:22Was when she came in?
00:16:24Yes, but they leave before she start to make all the fuss.
00:16:26How many meals did you serve that evening?
00:16:29Oh, I don't remember.
00:16:30Oh, come on, 10, 20, 30?
00:16:32Maybe 10.
00:16:33And your restaurant seats how many?
00:16:3612 tables.
00:16:3712 tables.
00:16:38That's maybe 50 people if squeezed in.
00:16:40Maybe.
00:16:40Yet on Friday night, for most places, a busy night.
00:16:43You only serve 10 meals.
00:16:46Is your business doing well, Mr. Platanos?
00:16:47Now, what is that supposed to mean?
00:16:51That must have been a good boy.
00:16:53Nobody can afford to eat out anymore.
00:16:57Three-day week, unions, no electricity.
00:17:00People cannot afford to eat out anymore.
00:17:01Thank you, Mr. Platanos.
00:17:04In fact, you need every penny you can get, do you not?
00:17:06Everybody need every penny they can get, even you.
00:17:10But it does make it that little bit more tempting to overcharge, doesn't it, Mr. Platanos?
00:17:14Just that little bit more tempting to add those extra pennies to the bill.
00:17:18I am an honest man.
00:17:21I do not do that.
00:17:22I run a good restaurant.
00:17:24I serve good food.
00:17:25Oh, I'm sure you do, Mr. Platanos.
00:17:27Platanos.
00:17:28So no one witnessed the incident?
00:17:31My girl witnessed it.
00:17:33Yes, you keep referring to my girl.
00:17:34So whom are you referring?
00:17:35Shirley, my waitress.
00:17:36I see, your girl.
00:17:37She works for me.
00:17:38But no independent witness.
00:17:39She is independent witness.
00:17:42One last question.
00:17:43When the policeman entered the restaurant, did you lock the door behind him?
00:17:48There is no need.
00:17:50I only lock the door to keep her there until he arrived.
00:17:52So whilst you and the waitress were attending to the policeman's bloody nose,
00:17:56she could have escaped if she wanted to, couldn't she?
00:17:58Thank you so much, Mr. Platanos.
00:18:03Well, she come in and I took her order,
00:18:06served her a scotch while she was waiting,
00:18:08then a steak, then another scotch.
00:18:10So when did she make the fuss?
00:18:12Oh, my lord.
00:18:13When did you realize that something was wrong?
00:18:16Well, after I gave her the bill, she called me back,
00:18:17said it was too much.
00:18:19What did you do?
00:18:20Well, I totted it up again, but it was right.
00:18:23She said she wanted to see the manager,
00:18:25so I went up back and told him and he come out.
00:18:27Would you tell us what happened then?
00:18:29Well, she told him it was too much too,
00:18:32and he said it wasn't.
00:18:33Did she seem angry?
00:18:34Yeah, very.
00:18:36Now, did you ever hear him threaten her?
00:18:39No.
00:18:40He's harmless, really.
00:18:42Now, after a defendant paid the bill,
00:18:44what did you see then?
00:18:46Well, he'd bring back her change,
00:18:48and they'd start arguing again
00:18:49about the tip or something, I'd know.
00:18:52Then she starts knocking everything about.
00:18:54So I called the police.
00:18:55Yes, we've heard what happened
00:18:56when the policeman arrived in the restaurant,
00:18:58and how you handed him a handbag that you'd found.
00:19:01Is that it?
00:19:02Yeah, that's it.
00:19:04Where did you find it?
00:19:05By the table where she was sitting.
00:19:07I thought it was hers.
00:19:08When did you first notice it there?
00:19:11Just then, when they were going out.
00:19:13Thank you, Miss Flint.
00:19:18Miss Flint, you're not married, are you?
00:19:22If I was, I'd be Mrs., wouldn't I?
00:19:25But you do have a child.
00:19:27Yeah.
00:19:29You live with your parents?
00:19:31Yes.
00:19:32Would you tell us how much you earn?
00:19:33About £18 a week, and then there's tips.
00:19:37Yes.
00:19:37How much did you make in tips in the week in question?
00:19:40Don't know, not much.
00:19:41Weeks previously?
00:19:43Not much.
00:19:44No, it would be true to say, would it not,
00:19:46that the amount you earn in tips
00:19:47had fallen off so drastically in recent weeks
00:19:49that you'd been forced to take another daytime job.
00:19:52Yeah.
00:19:53So like Mr. Platymos,
00:19:54you needed every penny you could get.
00:19:58What are your relations with Mr. Platymos?
00:20:01What do you mean?
00:20:01I mean, has he ever made advances to you?
00:20:04Advances?
00:20:05Has he ever asked you to sleep with him?
00:20:08Well, he, er,
00:20:09hinted at it, you know.
00:20:11So he is quite fond of you.
00:20:12Oh, I don't know about that.
00:20:13He might seek to ingratiate himself with you.
00:20:16What do you mean?
00:20:16Well, I mean to the extent that he might lie for you
00:20:19to carry favour with you,
00:20:21perhaps, er,
00:20:22cover up for your overcharging of a customer.
00:20:24What do you mean, overcharging?
00:20:25You say Mrs. Rutland seemed angry with your employer.
00:20:28Now, what about him?
00:20:29Was he angry with her?
00:20:30Well, he just got a bit aerated.
00:20:35They do, don't they?
00:20:36Aerated?
00:20:37Would you please explain aerated?
00:20:39Well, you know.
00:20:40No, I don't.
00:20:40That's why I'm asking you to explain.
00:20:42Well, sort of upset.
00:20:44Well, up in the air a bit.
00:20:47Up in the air a bit.
00:20:48I see.
00:20:49Now, you said they do, don't they?
00:20:52Now, what did you mean by that?
00:20:53Well, they're not like us.
00:20:55They don't mean it.
00:20:56Who?
00:20:56Who is they?
00:20:58Foreigners.
00:20:59You don't want to take any notice.
00:21:01You know a lot of foreigners, do you?
00:21:03In the restaurant business.
00:21:05They nearly all are.
00:21:06You'll be used to them, understand their ways.
00:21:09Yeah, they're all right.
00:21:10Other people might not be used to them,
00:21:12might not understand their ways,
00:21:14might not realise that you shouldn't take any notice,
00:21:16might perhaps get a little frightened
00:21:18when one of them gets a bit aerated.
00:21:20Yes?
00:21:21He's not bad.
00:21:22Here, you're twisting it.
00:21:24You see, you thought the handbag you found
00:21:25belonged to Mrs Rutland.
00:21:27Why?
00:21:27It was where she was sitting.
00:21:28But she already had one.
00:21:30Well, that's more like a shopping bag.
00:21:31All right.
00:21:32Did you notice the handbag when she first came in?
00:21:34I wasn't looking.
00:21:35Oh, the restaurant was almost empty,
00:21:36but you didn't notice?
00:21:38I was serving the other table.
00:21:39I see.
00:21:40Where exactly was the bag placed?
00:21:43Under the table.
00:21:44Well, might it not have skidded there during the scuffle?
00:21:46Well, leaning up against the leg.
00:21:48Oh, so it was still balanced up
00:21:50against the leg of the table
00:21:51at which the whole incident occurred.
00:21:54In the midst of chaos,
00:21:56this one object remained undisturbed.
00:22:00The telephone call you made to the police,
00:22:02why did you do that?
00:22:06Did Mr Platonoss ask you to?
00:22:08No, he didn't.
00:22:09Did it quite independently?
00:22:11Yeah.
00:22:12It's hardly your place to do that, was it?
00:22:14Well, it's always best to.
00:22:15Always?
00:22:16Well, when people cut up rough.
00:22:18You get a lot of trouble in the restaurant, then.
00:22:19Well, no, not a lot.
00:22:21More drunks and things.
00:22:23So you're used to it?
00:22:24Yeah.
00:22:24You always call the police?
00:22:26They can handle it.
00:22:27Handle what?
00:22:27One woman arguing over the bill.
00:22:29I should have thought you and Mr Platonoss
00:22:31could have handled that.
00:22:31She was raving.
00:22:33Stuff was flying everywhere.
00:22:34Why did Mr Platonoss make the call?
00:22:36He couldn't, could he?
00:22:37He was dealing with her.
00:22:38Oh, so she wasn't doing all the knocking about herself?
00:22:40He was trying to stop her.
00:22:41You were frightened, were you?
00:22:42Yeah, a glass nearly hit me.
00:22:44You've always been used to calling the police
00:22:46when trouble started and you did it this time.
00:22:48Yes.
00:22:48It was too late to back down then, wasn't it?
00:22:50You had to have a good story ready
00:22:52for the police when they arrived, didn't you?
00:22:54Otherwise they might not come another time
00:22:56when you would really need them.
00:22:59Bloody hell.
00:22:59Oh, senate with me.
00:23:14Oh, man.
00:23:14Oh, and I'll take except for the police that, of course.
00:23:17Oh, my God.
00:23:18One other time.
00:23:21Oh.
00:23:23Oh, my God.
00:23:24Oh, my God.
00:23:25Oh, my God.
00:23:26Oh.
00:23:27Oh, my God.
00:23:28Oh, my God.
00:23:30The case of the Queen against Rutland will be resumed tomorrow in the Crown Court.
00:23:47The charges against Irene Rutland include wounding a police officer and damage to property,
00:23:53all arising from a chance visit to a local restaurant.
00:23:56We've heard accounts of her behaviour there from the injured policeman, the owner of the restaurant, and his waitress.
00:24:02Now, we're to hear what happened at a public house earlier the same evening,
00:24:06adding another charge of theft to the list.
00:24:14What is your religion?
00:24:17Church of England.
00:24:18Take the Bible in your right hand and read aloud the words on this card.
00:24:26I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
00:24:37You are Linda Margaret Brightson?
00:24:40Yeah.
00:24:42And you live at 93 Elm Gardens, Fulcherstead?
00:24:46Yeah.
00:24:46Miss Brightson, do you go regularly into the carpenters' arms?
00:24:52I go there once or twice a week.
00:24:55And one of these nights is usually a Friday?
00:24:59That's the good music night.
00:25:02Now, will you tell us what happened on Friday the 16th of November?
00:25:07We got there about seven.
00:25:09We?
00:25:09Me and my girlfriend, Sylvia Bartlett.
00:25:18Why so early?
00:25:21They open half past five.
00:25:23Yes, but I thought the music didn't start until later.
00:25:26Eight o'clock.
00:25:27But you've got to get there early to get a seat.
00:25:30Oh, yes, I see.
00:25:32Would you go on, please?
00:25:33Oh, well, my friend bought the first drinks, then a couple of fellas we knew came over and got us some.
00:25:42I thought I'd buy a round before the music started, but I couldn't find me handbag.
00:25:47Exhibit one, please.
00:25:48Is that your handbag?
00:25:50Yes, it is.
00:25:52When was the last time that you'd seen it?
00:25:56About half hour before, when I went to the ladies.
00:26:00Did you look for it?
00:26:01Oh, everywhere.
00:26:03And the landlord looked too before he phoned for the police.
00:26:06When did you next see the bag?
00:26:09The next day.
00:26:10A policeman, he came to my work and he asked me to identify it.
00:26:16And what did you find?
00:26:18Everything was still there, except for my pay packet with £15 in it.
00:26:24Mrs Brightson.
00:26:26I'm sorry, Miss Brightson.
00:26:28Would you tell the court how this £15 was made up?
00:26:38Two £5 notes and five singles.
00:26:42Two £5 notes and five £1 notes.
00:26:47Will you wait there?
00:26:48Miss Brightson, is Friday your payday?
00:26:54No, Thursday.
00:26:56Oh, you were still carrying your pay packet around with you the following day?
00:26:59I always keep my notes in it, only changing my purse.
00:27:03Oh, I see.
00:27:03You used the packet as a sort of wallet.
00:27:06I suppose so.
00:27:08How can you be so sure of the denominations of the notes that you had in your handbag that evening?
00:27:16I beg your pardon?
00:27:18Will you say you had so many £5 notes and so many £1 notes?
00:27:22How did you know?
00:27:23I always ask for three fives.
00:27:26One I give to me mum and the other two and the odd pounds I keep for spending.
00:27:31I see.
00:27:31But you had five odd pounds.
00:27:34That would have made up another £5 note.
00:27:36I'd lent my friend a couple of quid earlier in the week and she gave it back to me that night.
00:27:43Well, you can ask her.
00:27:44She knew what I had in there.
00:27:46Miss Sylvia Bartlett?
00:27:47Yeah.
00:27:49Now, whereabouts in the carpenter's arms were you sitting?
00:27:52Near the stage.
00:27:53Is that near the bar?
00:27:54No, the other end.
00:27:56Oh, well away from where would be the people who came in just the drink.
00:28:00I suppose so.
00:28:03Do you recognise the lady in the dock?
00:28:07No, sir. Sorry.
00:28:09Please don't apologise, Miss Brightson.
00:28:11That is your handbag, is it?
00:28:14Yeah.
00:28:15Yes.
00:28:16It's a new one, is it?
00:28:19Yeah.
00:28:20What happened to the old one?
00:28:23I lost it.
00:28:25Did you?
00:28:26Thank you, Miss Brightson.
00:28:28My learned friend has raised the question of the geography of the public house.
00:28:34Ah, where is the ladies in relation to the table at which you were sitting and the bar?
00:28:41Um, about halfway between, roughly.
00:28:44So any lady from any part of the lounge could have been in there at the same time as you, seen your handbag and taken it.
00:28:56You are the licensee of the carpenter's arms?
00:29:00I am.
00:29:00On the evening of Friday the 16th of November, a Miss Linda Brightson reported the loss of her handbag to you.
00:29:07Is that correct?
00:29:08Yes, that was just before eight.
00:29:11Well, I searched everywhere, but there was no trace of it, so I telephoned the local police station and reported it missing.
00:29:16Do you see anyone in this court whom you recognise?
00:29:19The lady, over there.
00:29:23Is she a regular customer of yours?
00:29:25Well, she's, uh, she's one of the people from the publishing firm down the road.
00:29:29They usually come in on a Friday, but especially recently.
00:29:32Especially recently?
00:29:33Well, she, the, uh, the accused.
00:29:36Now, she didn't come in until about six months ago, then she started coming with a man.
00:29:41I gather he was, uh, her boss.
00:29:45Did you see her in your public house on the night in question, the 16th of November?
00:29:50Yes.
00:29:51At what time would that be?
00:29:53Well, that'd be early on, uh, half six, seven-ish.
00:29:56Thank you, Mr Gorman.
00:29:59Is Friday night a quiet night for trade, Mr Gorman?
00:30:02It's one of the busiest.
00:30:04Yes, that's what I would have thought, uh, especially being a good music night.
00:30:07And yet you are able to pinpoint timings very accurately.
00:30:11Well, you get used to it, looking after a busy place like that.
00:30:13You've, uh, you've got to keep your eyes open.
00:30:15You say the loss was reported to you just before eight o'clock.
00:30:18How can you be so sure of that?
00:30:20You said yourself you were very busy.
00:30:21Because while I was talking to the young lady above where she might have lost the bag,
00:30:25the group started up.
00:30:27So I, uh, I suggested we go through to my private quarters and discuss it there.
00:30:32Now, the group always starts at eight.
00:30:35I see.
00:30:37Now, when my learned friend asked you if Mrs Rutland was a regular customer,
00:30:41you said they usually come in every Friday night.
00:30:45Why the plural?
00:30:46I beg your pardon?
00:30:46Why they?
00:30:48You were being asked about Mrs Rutland.
00:30:50Oh, she's one of the publishing group and they usually come in on a Friday evening.
00:30:53So you think of Mrs Rutland as one of the crowd?
00:30:56She is now, yes.
00:30:57If you saw them all there at the bar, you would automatically assume that she was there as part of the crowd.
00:31:02My lord, I must object.
00:31:03How could this witness give evidence as to what he would or would not automatically assume?
00:31:07Yes, the question should really be, do you think you may be assuming that Mrs Rutland was part of that crowd when in fact she was not there on that occasion?
00:31:15I am obliged, my lord.
00:31:16And what, of course, I am trying to suggest is that in a business like Mr Gorman's, seeing hundreds of people every day,
00:31:23it's understandable if he might confuse the times at which he is accustomed to seeing his customers with the times at which he actually sees them.
00:31:32Quite.
00:31:33Mr Gorman, can you be certain at what time you saw the defendant, Mrs Rutland, on the evening of Friday the 16th of November?
00:31:42I want you to think very carefully before you reply.
00:31:44It is very important.
00:31:47Yes.
00:31:48At what time?
00:31:49I'm sure it was the usual time, my lord.
00:31:51The usual time.
00:31:54Mr Gorman, you say that this group of people, the publishing crowd as you put it,
00:31:59always come in early and always on a Friday.
00:32:02Why do you suppose this was?
00:32:05Well, I suppose they like to, uh, well, to unwind.
00:32:09You know, a quiet drink to celebrate the end of another week.
00:32:12Quite.
00:32:13And what time do they usually leave?
00:32:15Oh, before eight.
00:32:16They can't stand the noise after that.
00:32:19Did you ever hear Mrs Rutland remark upon the noise?
00:32:22Constantly.
00:32:23They all did.
00:32:25But the kids like it.
00:32:27So it'll be mostly kids there later on?
00:32:30Practically 100%, yes.
00:32:32They're the ones we cater for.
00:32:34So an older customer will be rather more noticeable in that case.
00:32:38Especially one who's always made a point of avoiding that part of the evening.
00:32:42My lord, surely Mr O'Connor is now guilty of the same offense of which I was accused.
00:32:46Yes, my dear, Mr Lotterby, neither of you two learned gentlemen is on trial here.
00:32:51But I agree with the point you are making.
00:32:54Now, remember, Mr Gorman, you are on oath.
00:32:57Can you or can you not tell us at what time you saw Mrs Rutland in your public house on the evening in question?
00:33:04Well, perhaps not the exact time, my lord, but she was there.
00:33:10Then let that be an end to it.
00:33:13Have you any further questions for this witness?
00:33:15No, my lord.
00:33:16Then you may go.
00:33:17That concludes the case of the prosecution, my lord.
00:33:23Mr Lotterby, I call the defendant, Mrs Irene Rutland.
00:33:32I want you to start from the beginning and tell us of your movements on the night in question.
00:33:37Now, what time did you finish work that evening?
00:33:40Very late.
00:33:41There'd been a bit of an emergency and the managing director called a meeting which went on well after office hours.
00:33:46Were you affected by that meeting in any way?
00:33:49You mean upset?
00:33:50Yes.
00:33:51No, not really.
00:33:52And after the meeting?
00:33:53Well, it meant more work for me and I was already behind,
00:33:56so I thought it best to stay on and clear some up before the weekend.
00:33:59So at what time did you leave your office?
00:34:01Just after nine.
00:34:02And where did you go from there?
00:34:04Well, I knew my colleagues would have left the carpenters hours before,
00:34:07but I felt like a drink.
00:34:09I needed one by then, so I went down there.
00:34:11Did you stay long?
00:34:12No, I couldn't stand the noise.
00:34:14Did you speak to the landlord, Mr Gorman?
00:34:16No.
00:34:17I don't even remember seeing him there.
00:34:19It was so crowded.
00:34:20So how long did you stay?
00:34:21Not long, about half an hour.
00:34:23There was another smaller pub down the road, so I went there.
00:34:26Which was that?
00:34:27Oh, the, um, George IV.
00:34:29How long did you stay there?
00:34:30Oh, longer.
00:34:31Nearly an hour.
00:34:33It was quiet and I gradually unwound.
00:34:35And then?
00:34:35Then I was hungry, so I went to my usual restaurant, Jacoby's.
00:34:40But it was closed.
00:34:41A private party, they said.
00:34:43I knew there was another place, the other end of Bridwell Road, so I went there.
00:34:46The Kyrenia?
00:34:47Yes.
00:34:48Had you ever been there before?
00:34:49No.
00:34:49Was there anywhere else within easy walking distance where you could have gone to eat?
00:34:53No, it's not a very good area for restaurants.
00:34:55So you went in and ordered a meal?
00:34:57Yes, a steak and I had a whiskey to drink while I was waiting.
00:34:59What happened when the food arrived?
00:35:02Well, I'd ordered a sirloin steak, but that was certainly not what I got.
00:35:06It was very tough and overcooked.
00:35:09Did you complain?
00:35:10Yes.
00:35:11When I got the bill, I could see that I'd been charged for a filet steak instead of a sirloin anyway.
00:35:16And there was a cover charge.
00:35:18Goodness knows what that was for.
00:35:20And 10% for service.
00:35:22Exhibit five, please.
00:35:23Is that the bill which was given to you?
00:35:27No.
00:35:28No, it's not.
00:35:28The one I had was for £3.25.
00:35:48Will you please tell the court in what way that bill differs from the one you were actually given?
00:35:53Completely.
00:35:54Well, this is the sort of bill I should have had.
00:35:56There's no cover or service charge, and the amount charged for the steak is less.
00:36:01Mr O'Connor, who furnished you with this bill?
00:36:05The constable Muggeridge, my lord.
00:36:07It was given to him by Mr Platanos at the restaurant.
00:36:10Mr Platanos gave it to the constable?
00:36:12That is correct, my lord.
00:36:13When you first arrived?
00:36:15Er, no, my lord.
00:36:17Well, when?
00:36:17As we were leaving, my lord.
00:36:20Mr Lotterbeard.
00:36:22So, Mrs Rutland, to whom did you complain?
00:36:24To the waitress.
00:36:26She took the bill away, and then came back and said it had been checked and was correct.
00:36:30So, I asked to see the manager.
00:36:32Now, what happened then?
00:36:34Well, he came out and started ranting and raving.
00:36:36I couldn't make much sense of it, except that he kept saying I had to pay.
00:36:40What was your reaction to this?
00:36:42Well, at first I was rather annoyed, but then I got frightened.
00:36:45Now, why frightened?
00:36:46Well, he came very close to me, and he started pushing me and poking at me.
00:36:50Now, what did you do?
00:36:52I paid the bill.
00:36:53What else could I do?
00:36:54Then I got up to go, but he was still shouting at me.
00:36:57He was extremely rude, and then he started to manhandle me, and I was terrified.
00:37:01I tried to get away, and we fell against the table.
00:37:04The one at which you'd been sitting?
00:37:06Yes.
00:37:07The whole table went over, and my shoulder bag went with it.
00:37:10And then he got even more furious and said that I was breaking up the place.
00:37:14And were you, Mrs Rutland?
00:37:15No, of course not.
00:37:16I was trying to clear up some of the debris, including the stuff that had fallen out of my bag.
00:37:22While I was doing that, he locked the door.
00:37:25I asked him to open it, but he said I had to stay there until I'd paid for the damage.
00:37:29Now, what happened then?
00:37:30Then the waitress came back and said the police were coming.
00:37:34I could hardly believe it.
00:37:35How did Mr Plattenos react?
00:37:38I must say, he seemed surprised too.
00:37:40But nevertheless, he kept you there until the police arrived.
00:37:42Yes.
00:37:43And when they did?
00:37:43It was just the one, Constable Muggeridge.
00:37:46Now, what did he do?
00:37:47Well, he started to ask me questions, but Mr Plattenos was shouting and interfering,
00:37:51so the constable said it would be better if we went to the police station.
00:37:54I agreed.
00:37:55You agreed?
00:37:56Yes.
00:37:56Anything to get out of that place.
00:37:58But something occurred to stop you?
00:38:00Just as we were leaving, the waitress suddenly produced a handbag, which she said was mine.
00:38:04Was it?
00:38:05No, of course not.
00:38:06You've only got to look at it to see it couldn't be.
00:38:08It's much too young for me for a start.
00:38:10Too young?
00:38:11Well, I wouldn't buy a bag like that.
00:38:13It's a teenager's bag.
00:38:15And you denied it was yours?
00:38:16Yes, I did.
00:38:17But the waitress said it had been found by my table.
00:38:19Could it have been?
00:38:20Not at all.
00:38:22When I went in, I put my own bag down on the floor.
00:38:25I would have noticed another bag there immediately.
00:38:27And in any case, the whole table had been knocked over.
00:38:30It couldn't have remained in the same position.
00:38:32Go on, please.
00:38:34And then Mr Plattenos shouted that I was a liar and a thief.
00:38:38I turned round towards him and...
00:38:41And that's when my handbag hit the policeman.
00:38:44Did you intend to hit him?
00:38:46No, of course not.
00:38:47He was only doing his job.
00:38:50And he'd been quite nice to me.
00:38:52Now, what happened?
00:38:53He was very calm, really.
00:38:55He asked the waitress to get him some ice cubes
00:38:57and he asked Mr Plattenos to get him a cloth.
00:39:00Now, what did you do?
00:39:01I looked out of the window to see if perhaps
00:39:03there was another policeman in the car who could help.
00:39:05You looked out of the window?
00:39:06Yes.
00:39:07You didn't go to the door?
00:39:08I couldn't.
00:39:09I was holding some tissues to the policeman's nose.
00:39:13Now, when Constable Margaret recovered, what happened then?
00:39:17He arrested me.
00:39:18Now, you are quite sure it was at this stage of the proceedings,
00:39:21after the constable had been injured, that he arrested you?
00:39:24Quite sure.
00:39:26Mrs Rutland, how much money did you have in your bag
00:39:29when you entered the restaurant?
00:39:30I don't know exactly, but it must have been about 15 or 16 pounds.
00:39:33Did you count it?
00:39:34No, but I'd been to the bank that day and I'd drawn out a cheque for 18 pounds
00:39:39and I had about five pounds on me, but I'd bought some wine with that.
00:39:43My lord, I submit as Exhibit 6, Mrs Rutland's bank statement,
00:39:46which indicates a withdrawal of 18 pounds on November the 16th, 1973.
00:39:50And it was the residue of this amount which was found on you the following evening?
00:39:55Yes.
00:39:57Mrs Rutland, were you drunk that evening?
00:40:01No, I was not drunk.
00:40:03Thank you, Mrs Rutland.
00:40:04Can anyone confirm the time at which you allege you left your office?
00:40:10Well, the meeting ended at 6.30.
00:40:12No, not when you left your meeting, but when you actually left your office.
00:40:16No.
00:40:18The area of your firm's premises are quite considerable, I believe.
00:40:22Is you telling us that there is no one on duty there at night?
00:40:26Well, no one would have seen me leave.
00:40:28My office is in the small annex.
00:40:30The last one out slams the outer door, locking it.
00:40:33Very convenient.
00:40:36Now, this meeting, how did it go for you?
00:40:39For me?
00:40:40Wasn't it a bit unpleasant?
00:40:42There was some criticism of your work, I believe.
00:40:45Well, some.
00:40:46And you're not used to criticism, especially of your work.
00:40:49Who is?
00:40:50This upsets you.
00:40:51Not really.
00:40:52Come now.
00:40:54You were upset.
00:40:57Well, a bit.
00:40:57Maybe.
00:41:01In the public house,
00:41:03the first one you visited.
00:41:05Did you see anyone there?
00:41:06You knew?
00:41:07No.
00:41:08My colleagues would have left hours before.
00:41:10Had done, as far as I knew.
00:41:11What about the next one?
00:41:13The, uh, George IV?
00:41:15Anyone there?
00:41:15I'd only been there once before.
00:41:17No one would know.
00:41:18But the manager at Jacobi's could tell you that I called in there.
00:41:22At what time?
00:41:23About 10.15.
00:41:24So, in fact, no one can vouch for your whereabouts between 6.30 when you left your meeting and 10 o'clock when you arrived at Jacobi's.
00:41:32So you could have been the carpenter's arms for a lot of that time, including the period when the handbag was stolen.
00:41:37I have told you where I was.
00:41:39But you cannot produce anyone to substantiate your claim.
00:41:42No.
00:41:43Do you usually order large drinks?
00:41:45Not usually, but...
00:41:46At the Kyrenia restaurant, you were drinking double whiskies.
00:41:49I'd had a long, hard day.
00:41:51I needed a boost.
00:41:53Still?
00:41:54How many did you have previous to that?
00:41:56A couple.
00:41:57A couple?
00:41:58Let me remind you.
00:41:59At the carpenter's arms, you had a drink.
00:42:01Was it large or small?
00:42:02I don't remember.
00:42:03And the one at the next?
00:42:04As a matter of fact, I had two drinks there.
00:42:06I had a lager and a whiskey.
00:42:09I was there quite a long time.
00:42:10Were you?
00:42:11Yes, nearly an hour.
00:42:12And the second drink at the Kyrenia, was that a double two?
00:42:15Well, I...
00:42:16Well, the bill shows two large whiskies.
00:42:18You did not dispute that part of it.
00:42:19No, but I didn't finish it.
00:42:21So, by the time you'd finished, you'd had at least six measures of whiskey and a lager.
00:42:27And I'd eaten a steak.
00:42:29I'd had a meal.
00:42:30You ate the steak?
00:42:32You said it was overcooked and tough.
00:42:34Well, it was edible, just about, and I was very hungry.
00:42:38Anyway, it's not the sort of place would do any good to send it back.
00:42:41And you paid the bill, even though you disputed it.
00:42:44Well, I had to.
00:42:45And you said that even after Mr Platonus had got his money, he was extremely rude.
00:42:51What did he say?
00:42:52All sorts of things.
00:42:53Specifically?
00:42:54He said that I was drunk and there was nothing lower than a drunken woman.
00:42:59Well, he had had quite a bit to drink.
00:43:02I was not drunk.
00:43:03Good Lord, I've never been drunk in my life.
00:43:05Really?
00:43:07Never in your life?
00:43:08No.
00:43:09Well, I wish we all had heads as strong as yours.
00:43:13Do you call yourself an emotional woman?
00:43:16I know how to control myself, if that's what you mean.
00:43:18Have you been having any medical treatment recently?
00:43:22Yes.
00:43:23Hospital treatment?
00:43:25As an outpatient.
00:43:26Where?
00:43:27A county psychiatric unit.
00:43:29Why?
00:43:29Just for depression.
00:43:32After my husband's death.
00:43:35He died six months ago.
00:43:37Has this affected your work at all?
00:43:38No, no.
00:43:39Or your emotional life?
00:43:40No, it's just depression, that's all.
00:43:43Wasn't it about six months ago, when you first started to go to the pub with your crowd?
00:43:49One gets lonely.
00:43:51Ah, yes, of course.
00:43:53Did you drink a lot when your husband was alive?
00:43:54No.
00:43:55Now, you say it's not a very good area for restaurants.
00:44:01No, it isn't.
00:44:02Then why'd you go to the Cairenia?
00:44:03I couldn't face making a meal at home, and I was hungry.
00:44:06There was nowhere else.
00:44:07So you should not have been surprised that the service and the quality were not up to your usual standard.
00:44:12I don't mind about the service, but I do mind being overcharged for poor quality, badly cooked food.
00:44:19And that was the reason for your complaint?
00:44:21Of course.
00:44:22No, you said that Mr Platanus was ranting and raving, extremely rude, was pushing and poking at you.
00:44:29Are you telling us that you stayed calm beneath all the abuse that he was heaping on you?
00:44:34I wouldn't say that.
00:44:35No, neither of Mr Platanus.
00:44:37In fact, you lost your temper, didn't you?
00:44:38No, I didn't.
00:44:39It was beneath your dignity to be in such a restaurant in the first place.
00:44:42Then your complaint was ignored.
00:44:44Then the proprietor dared to suggest that you'd had too much to drink, which in some people's eyes you had.
00:44:49I was not drunk.
00:44:49Did you not call Mr Platanus a dirty little foreigner?
00:44:52I'd never say that.
00:44:53Oh, perhaps under normal circumstances you would not.
00:44:56But you said yourself you'd had a long, tiring day.
00:44:59You were a little upset.
00:45:00And you had a number of drinks, too.
00:45:02I was not drunk.
00:45:03You said that Mr Platanus manhandled you.
00:45:05Yes.
00:45:05Would you explain, please?
00:45:06He grabbed me by the arm and he pulled me towards the door.
00:45:11He simply took you by the arm?
00:45:13Very roughly.
00:45:15And he shook me hard.
00:45:17And he was shouting all the time and spitting.
00:45:20Spitting?
00:45:21He spat at you, did he?
00:45:23I don't mean like that.
00:45:24I mean, when he was talking, the way he talks, he sort of spits at you.
00:45:29Well, this spitting could not have caused much damage.
00:45:31No, of course not.
00:45:32Well, then what did?
00:45:34It was because you lost your temper, wasn't it?
00:45:36No.
00:45:36It was your violent reaction to it.
00:45:38You were furious with this dirty little foreigner for getting the upper hand, didn't you?
00:45:41That's not true.
00:45:42So you decided to lash out at him.
00:45:44You wanted to do as much damage as you could.
00:45:46That's not true.
00:46:16The case of the Queen against Rutland will be resumed tomorrow in the Crown Court.
00:46:46There are many doubts in the minds of the people in the Crown Court today.
00:46:59Doubts as to whether Irene Rutland really stole a handbag.
00:47:02No one saw her.
00:47:03And if she intended to injure a policeman who was arresting her for something she denies she did.
00:47:09Although much of the evidence is circumstantial,
00:47:11the arm of coincidence can only stretch so far.
00:47:16Are you completely recovered, Mrs Rutland?
00:47:19I could adjourn the court.
00:47:21No, thank you.
00:47:22I'm all right now.
00:47:23Very well.
00:47:24Do you wish to resume your cross-examination, Mr O'Connor?
00:47:28I do, my lord.
00:47:29Very well.
00:47:30Mrs Rutland told my learned friend that you'd had about 15 or 16 pounds in your bag when you went into the restaurant.
00:47:37Yes.
00:47:38That you only spent seven pounds during the previous day and up to that time on the 16th,
00:47:43in spite of your entertainment in two pubs.
00:47:46Yes.
00:47:47Had you not been shopping at all?
00:47:49No, I always shop at the weekends for the whole week.
00:47:51I don't find time during the day.
00:47:53Except for the wine.
00:47:55I went out to get that at lunchtime.
00:47:57It was special.
00:47:58Oh, yes.
00:47:59So we noticed.
00:48:01Chateau bottle.
00:48:02What year, Mr O'Connor?
00:48:0566, my lord.
00:48:07Must have been a very special occasion to warrant a bottle of wine like that.
00:48:11Yes, it was.
00:48:12I was giving dinner to someone.
00:48:15But you didn't?
00:48:16No.
00:48:17Why not?
00:48:19He...
00:48:19He wasn't able to come.
00:48:22And when did you find out that he wouldn't be able to come?
00:48:25After work at six o'clock.
00:48:27How upsetting for you.
00:48:30Bad meeting.
00:48:31A row.
00:48:33And the man you'd invited to dinner stood you up.
00:48:37Enough to upset anyone, Mrs Rutland.
00:48:39Especially someone who was emotionally disturbed.
00:48:41Oh, really?
00:48:42You've stated that for the last six months you've been an outpatient at the psychiatric department of the county hospital.
00:48:47Yes.
00:48:49The most upsetting period of your life, Mrs Rutland.
00:48:54Six months.
00:48:55Now, you claim that Constable Muggeridge arrested you after he'd sustained his injury.
00:49:01Yes, that's right.
00:49:02He says it was before.
00:49:04I know.
00:49:05Why do you dispute that?
00:49:07Because it's not correct.
00:49:09Well, that's what we're here for, isn't it?
00:49:11To get things right.
00:49:12Oh, yes, indeed, Mrs Rutland.
00:49:14But I put it to you that the real reason that you are objecting and disputing the time at which you allege you were arrested
00:49:20is not because it's not correct, but because you realise it'll lead to the lesser charge.
00:49:26Mr O'Connor, I think it might be as well if I explained that aspect of the case to the jury.
00:49:32I shall be obliged, my lord.
00:49:34Now, you heard in the indictment of four charges, two of which were wounding charges.
00:49:39The first with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and the second with intent to resist lawful apprehension, arrest.
00:49:48Now, if the defendant can prove that she was not told she was being arrested until after she had hit the policeman,
00:49:56she would naturally face the lesser charge.
00:49:59She could hardly be resisting an arrest that she didn't know was coming.
00:50:04I hope that clarifies the situation for you.
00:50:08Mr O'Connor?
00:50:10Thank you, my lord.
00:50:12Are you asking us to believe that you are not aware of this rather important demarcation?
00:50:17I just want to get things right.
00:50:19Mr O'Connor, am I right in believing that neither of the other witnesses in the restaurant
00:50:24traded at what time during the proceedings the arrest was made?
00:50:29I can't find as much in my notes, my lord.
00:50:35I have been looking at my notes, my lord, and in fact no witness has testified to this.
00:50:40If this is the case, they cannot do so now.
00:50:46An important point.
00:50:49Do you have any more questions, Mr O'Connor?
00:50:52No, my lord.
00:50:54Do you wish to re-examine on any point, Mr Lottery?
00:50:57No, thank you, my lord.
00:50:58Very well, then.
00:50:59You may leave the witness box.
00:51:02My only other witness, my lord, is the defendant's employer.
00:51:05I call Mr Brian Hodge.
00:51:10Mr Hodge, what is your position with the firm?
00:51:13Chairman and managing director.
00:51:14How long have you known the defendant?
00:51:17She's been with the firm seven years, and I've known her well for the past three.
00:51:21What is your opinion of her as an employee?
00:51:24She's conscientious, loyal, and very talented.
00:51:27Her work has always been of a high standard, whether in her present capacity as public relations
00:51:34officer or her former one.
00:51:37Which was?
00:51:38Secretary to the man who previously held the post.
00:51:40She applied for the job after he'd tendered his resignation, and I agreed to let her try it for three months.
00:51:46She proved herself, and I've never regretted my decision.
00:51:49And now that was three years ago.
00:51:51That is correct.
00:51:53How is she looked upon by her colleagues?
00:51:55With the utmost respect.
00:51:56She's very popular with the lower orders, too, which speaks for herself.
00:52:03Indeed.
00:52:04What about her honesty?
00:52:06That goes without saying.
00:52:07Oh, we'd rather you did.
00:52:09I would trust her with my life.
00:52:11In her official capacity, she would, of course, have to do a certain amount of entertaining.
00:52:16Of course.
00:52:17On these occasions, how did she conduct herself?
00:52:20Perfectly.
00:52:21She's good at her job.
00:52:22Well, she knows when one entertains one's customers, it's not for one's own pleasure,
00:52:27but for what benefit can be achieved by it, whether custom or goodwill.
00:52:32An impression has to be made, and Mrs. Rutland has always made a very good one.
00:52:37Now, no doubt a certain amount of drinking is involved.
00:52:41She has a trick, as far as that is concerned.
00:52:44At the beginning of a session, she orders a whiskey and dried ginger,
00:52:47and then keeps adding ginger, so she keeps on top of the situation
00:52:50while the others may be, well, um, sinking somewhat.
00:52:55So you have never seen her the worse for drink?
00:52:57Good Lord, no, never.
00:52:59She would never still be in my employ if I had.
00:53:02Do you meet her socially?
00:53:04I have done, yes.
00:53:05There's nothing unusual in that?
00:53:06Of course.
00:53:08Ours is a friendly organisation.
00:53:09We don't stand on ceremony.
00:53:11She is still, of course, in your employ.
00:53:13Of course.
00:53:13She's an invaluable member of my staff.
00:53:16I would be very sorry to lose her.
00:53:18I hope you're not prejudging the outcome of this case, Mr. Hartman.
00:53:21I know whatever happens here has no bearing on my opinion of Mrs. Rutland's employee.
00:53:26It is simply that she told me she wishes to emigrate to Canada in the near future.
00:53:31She has a married daughter living there, I believe.
00:53:33Is this a recent decision?
00:53:34Well, Mrs. Rutland's husband died since months ago,
00:53:37and her daughter is her only family now.
00:53:40Well, soon after Mr. Rutland died,
00:53:43the daughter suggested her mother should join her in Canada.
00:53:46I tried to dissuade her,
00:53:48but she felt she would be happier there.
00:53:50Of course, whether she will be accepted for emigration now depends on the outcome of this.
00:53:55Thank you, Mr. Hodge.
00:53:57Mr. Hodge, have there been any changes in her behaviour since her husband died?
00:54:01No, no.
00:54:02She was upset, of course.
00:54:04But she's coped with it well.
00:54:05Thank you, Mr. Hodge.
00:54:06Um, can I say something else?
00:54:11If it is relevant to the case.
00:54:13Well, I don't know really,
00:54:14but my colleagues and I regularly call in at the carpenter's arms for a drink,
00:54:18usually on Friday evenings.
00:54:19And as I say, I don't know if it is relevant,
00:54:22but I thought I'd mention,
00:54:23there's someone in the court today I've often seen there.
00:54:28Really?
00:54:29Would you identify him, please?
00:54:31Not him.
00:54:31Her.
00:54:32The young lady sitting over there.
00:54:34Thank you, Mr. Hodge.
00:54:38I suggest that you recall that witness, Mr. O'Connor.
00:54:42Of course, my lord.
00:54:43If I may cross-examine this one first, though.
00:54:47You say you usually go to the carpenter's arms on a Friday.
00:54:51That is correct.
00:54:52Were you there on the Friday in question?
00:54:54No.
00:54:54Why not?
00:54:55There'd been a meeting.
00:54:56It ended late, so I went straight home instead.
00:54:59How late?
00:55:00About half past six, something like that.
00:55:02Do you know if any of your colleagues went to the pub?
00:55:06I don't think so.
00:55:07We all have homes to go to.
00:55:09Mrs. Rutland hasn't.
00:55:11Pardon?
00:55:12She lives alone, doesn't she?
00:55:13There's nothing to prevent her going.
00:55:16I believe she's stayed behind working.
00:55:18Do you know that?
00:55:19She mentioned as much.
00:55:20Yes.
00:55:21But do you know as much?
00:55:22Yes.
00:55:24Well, she was still there at 6.30.
00:55:25Did you speak to her?
00:55:27Yes.
00:55:28You say you went home?
00:55:30Yes.
00:55:30You're divorced, are you not?
00:55:34Yes.
00:55:34And you were on very good terms with the accused?
00:55:38Yes, I was.
00:55:39And still are?
00:55:41Yes.
00:55:42Yes.
00:55:43But on the day in question, would you tell the court how you felt about her then?
00:55:47Is it not true that the row mentioned earlier was in fact a direct conflict between yourself and the accused?
00:55:54We had an argument, a discussion, nothing more.
00:55:58And it was you who was going to Mrs. Rutland's for dinner, for whom she bought an extremely expensive bottle of wine.
00:56:05As a matter of fact, it was.
00:56:07And you saw her, did you not, and cancelled dinner?
00:56:09Yes, but I don't see...
00:56:12I do, Mr. Hodge.
00:56:15Was she upset by this?
00:56:17Naturally.
00:56:19I suppose it might have upset her, but it wasn't that important.
00:56:22Really?
00:56:24Mr. Hodge, why did you try, prior to this meeting, to dissuade Mrs. Rutland from going to Canada?
00:56:31My firm, I...
00:56:33We didn't want to lose her.
00:56:39Wouldn't it be more accurate to say that you didn't want to lose her?
00:56:42For your own personal reasons?
00:56:44For the same reasons as you painted such a perfect picture of her just a few minutes ago?
00:56:49Thank you, Mr. Hodge.
00:56:51Very well, you may stand down.
00:56:54Thank you, Malone.
00:56:57I recall Miss Shirley Flint.
00:57:03I would remind you that you are still on oath.
00:57:09I tender the witness for cross-examination.
00:57:12I am obliged.
00:57:14So, Miss Flint, you regularly frequent the Carpenters Arms public house, do you?
00:57:19Sometimes, not regular.
00:57:21You heard Mr. Hodge saying he remembers seeing you there.
00:57:24I said, I go there sometimes.
00:57:26Usually on a Friday?
00:57:27Not particularly.
00:57:28Well, Mr. Hodge only goes there on Fridays.
00:57:31Well, he's lucky to catch me then, isn't he?
00:57:34Extremely.
00:57:35You happen to be there on the Friday night in question?
00:57:38I was working that night, wasn't I?
00:57:40I take it you work most nights.
00:57:42Yeah.
00:57:42And how did you manage to go to the pub at all?
00:57:45Well, Spiracy lets me come in later sometimes.
00:57:49Oh, I see.
00:57:49So you would only be at the pub early in the evening?
00:57:53When I do go, yes.
00:57:55You could have done so on this particular Friday, could you not?
00:57:58Visited the Carpenters Arms early in the evening,
00:58:00gone on to work at the Cadreanier later, say at eight o'clock.
00:58:03I could have, but I didn't.
00:58:06Didn't you, Miss Flint?
00:58:07Wasn't it you who removed the handbag from the pub?
00:58:10No.
00:58:11No, I wouldn't.
00:58:12Wouldn't you, Miss Flint?
00:58:13No.
00:58:14I did go in early.
00:58:15Spiris will tell you.
00:58:16I did.
00:58:17Oh, I'm sure he would tell me.
00:58:20We could then be independent witnesses for each other, couldn't you?
00:58:24Thank you, Miss Flint.
00:58:25That's all.
00:58:26Do you want to re-examine, Mr. O'Connor?
00:58:29No, my lord.
00:58:31You may go.
00:58:33My lord, in an attempt to clear this matter up,
00:58:35I would like to ask for the public and Mr. Gorman to be recalled.
00:58:39Indeed.
00:58:41I call John Gorman.
00:58:42May I remind you, too, Mr. Gorman, that you are still...
00:58:49Um, yes, sir, thank you.
00:58:51Mr. Gorman, you've heard Mr. Hodge say that he remembers seeing Miss, uh, Shirley Flint at the carpenter's arms.
00:58:57Now, you have seen Miss Flint in the witness box.
00:59:00Do you remember seeing her at your pub?
00:59:02Yes.
00:59:03Would you call her a regular customer?
00:59:05Well, not regularly, exactly.
00:59:07She's been in quite a few times.
00:59:09Enough times for you to recognise her here, anyway.
00:59:12Can you remember seeing her on the night of Friday, the 16th of November?
00:59:16The night when Miss Brightson lost her handbag?
00:59:20No, I'm sorry, I can't.
00:59:21It's, uh, it's going back a while now.
00:59:23Hmm.
00:59:24And you said yourself it was very crowded that night.
00:59:27Yes, it certainly was.
00:59:28Even earlier on, I suppose.
00:59:30Well, Fridays always are.
00:59:31It's hard to know who's there and who's not.
00:59:33Indeed, Mr. Gorman.
00:59:34On Friday night, it's hard to know who's there and who's not.
00:59:40Thank you very much.
00:59:53Members of the jury, let us consider the facts of this case.
00:59:57First, the accused was at both the venues concerned.
01:00:01She admits that herself and there are witnesses to prove it.
01:00:05Now, she says that she arrived at the carpenter's arms after the handbag had been stolen.
01:00:11But no one can support her story.
01:00:14Remember that she was usually there at 6.30pm.
01:00:17But on this night, on this single occasion, she says that she decided to go later.
01:00:23Even though, she has admitted, she hated the noisy music.
01:00:28She knew her friends would not be there.
01:00:30And she knew of a quieter pub nearby.
01:00:33She cannot produce one witness to say that she was not there from 6.30pm.
01:00:40Now, I put it to you that she was at the carpenter's arms at the time that the handbag was stolen.
01:00:45Which was later found in a restaurant, under a table at which she was sitting.
01:00:52Can we be expected to believe such a coincidence?
01:00:58Consider the money involved.
01:01:00There were 15 pounds missing from the recovered handbag.
01:01:04Two five-pound notes and five one-pound notes.
01:01:07When Mrs. Ruckland was searched at the police station,
01:01:09she had in her possession two five-pound notes and two one-pound notes.
01:01:14There was also 80 pence change.
01:01:17Now, the bill in the restaurant amounted to two pounds and 30 pence.
01:01:21So, prior to paying the bill,
01:01:24the accused had in her purse almost the exact amount that was missing from the handbag.
01:01:30Is this also a coincidence?
01:01:34Irene Ruckland went into that restaurant as a last resort.
01:01:39We have established that she is under psychiatric care.
01:01:42Depressed because of the death of her husband.
01:01:46And on the evening in question, considerably upset.
01:01:49Firstly, because of the criticism levelled at her by her employer.
01:01:54And then by his rejection of her invitation to dinner.
01:01:58She was an unbalanced and emotional woman.
01:02:01You yourselves saw how prejudiced she was against the type of restaurant it was
01:02:08and the kind of man that she considered the owner to be.
01:02:13The defendant has admitted to drinking.
01:02:16What normal people would call an excessive amount of alcohol.
01:02:20When she was asked to leave by the proprietor.
01:02:23Which was his right.
01:02:24But, she lost her control completely.
01:02:27She lashed out at him.
01:02:29Doing considerable damage to his property.
01:02:32And it was this behaviour which led to her attack on the police constable shortly afterwards.
01:02:39Now, while I have no wish to minimise the seriousness of the other charges in this case.
01:02:44The first two, the wounding charges, are the prime concern.
01:02:49Violence in any form is abhorrent in a civilised society.
01:02:54Even more loathsome when it is inflicted upon those officers who are there to uphold the law.
01:03:00This woman had already attacked the proprietor.
01:03:03So her assault on the police constable could not be excused as uncharacteristic.
01:03:09Or done on the spur of the moment.
01:03:11She had every reason to evade arrest.
01:03:14She had stolen a handbag.
01:03:16She had stolen a purse with money in it.
01:03:19She had wreaked havoc on an innocent man's property.
01:03:21And she was obviously drunk.
01:03:24Now, you've heard her employer's testimony.
01:03:29Are we really to believe it?
01:03:31Coloured as it is by his feelings towards her.
01:03:37Ladies and gentlemen.
01:03:39You see before you a woman.
01:03:42A woman who, quite frankly, should know better.
01:03:46Know better than to behave in this manner.
01:03:50Her personal difficulties are no excuse for the deplorable behaviour on this night.
01:03:55I put it to you that you have no alternative
01:03:57but to find her guilty on every count.
01:04:00My lord.
01:04:05Members of the jury, I want you to take a good look at this lady who is accused of these absurd charges.
01:04:12Mrs Irene Rutland.
01:04:13And I want to ask you whether you can believe she is the hellion described by the prosecution.
01:04:18You've come to know Mrs Rutland here in this court.
01:04:21And I'm confident that you will have assessed her character very much as I have.
01:04:25And as her employer, Mr Hodge, has.
01:04:28And as her colleagues have at her place of work.
01:04:30And I'm confident that, like myself, you will be finding it impossible to believe,
01:04:34Mrs Rutland capable of the violent acts described by the prosecution.
01:04:39However, let us look at the prosecution's charges one by one
01:04:42and see if we can't show them up for the empty accusations they are.
01:04:46Now, my lovely friend has suggested that Mrs Rutland has lied
01:04:50about the time that she was in the Carpenter's Arms Public House.
01:04:54Well, let's face it, she had no reason to admit she'd been there at all.
01:04:57She saw no one she knew and as far as she was concerned, no one had seen her.
01:05:00So she could have denied being there at all and saved herself a lot of bother.
01:05:03But that is not Mrs Rutland's way.
01:05:06She has...
01:05:07She has promised to tell the truth here in this court.
01:05:10And that is what she has done.
01:05:13Now, the publican has said he saw her that evening
01:05:16but he couldn't pinpoint the actual time.
01:05:18Indeed, when I asked him whether he'd seen the restaurant waitress,
01:05:21Miss Shirley Flint, in his pub that night,
01:05:23he said that on a Friday night, it's hard to know who's there and who's not.
01:05:29So can we expect him to remember a particular Friday night
01:05:32in November of last year?
01:05:35Well, let's look at Shirley Flint's evidence.
01:05:38She grudgingly admitted that she does go to that particular pub on Fridays
01:05:42and, significantly enough, you may think,
01:05:46it was she who discovered Miss Brightson's lost handbag
01:05:49leaning up against the leg of the table.
01:05:52The table at which Mrs Rutland had been sitting
01:05:54and which, according to other prosecution evidence,
01:05:56had by this time fallen over.
01:05:59It's a most remarkable handbag, this,
01:06:01to remain propped up against the leg of an upturned table.
01:06:04I submit, ladies and gentlemen, that it is just as likely
01:06:09that Miss Flint stole that handbag as that my client was responsible.
01:06:13Indeed, you may think more likely.
01:06:16However, be that as it may,
01:06:18at no time was that handbag seen in the defendant's possession.
01:06:21At no time.
01:06:22Well, I don't think we need dwell on the evidence of Mr Platanos,
01:06:26the restaurant owner.
01:06:27It is, I am sure, sufficiently clear to you
01:06:29that his evidence, like that of his girl, Miss Flint,
01:06:32is, to put it mildly, somewhat biased.
01:06:35As to the money involved,
01:06:36the prosecution has compared the amount missing
01:06:38from the stolen handbag with that found on Mrs Rutland
01:06:41when she was searched at the police station.
01:06:43But what's there to compare?
01:06:44No match numbers.
01:06:46Indeed, members of the jury,
01:06:47if you were to look at your own wallets,
01:06:49your own handbags,
01:06:50you would most likely find the same sort of notes
01:06:53in your position.
01:06:56And you've all seen Mrs Rutland's bank statement,
01:06:58which indicates quite clearly
01:06:59that she withdrew £18 on that particular day.
01:07:04Well, now let's consider the claim
01:07:06of the young police constable
01:07:07that Mrs Rutland deliberately assaulted him.
01:07:10Now, why should she do this?
01:07:13It's been established that she was going willingly
01:07:14to the police station with him
01:07:16before the incident occurred.
01:07:17Why should she suddenly turn on him
01:07:19like a cornered animal,
01:07:21savagely beating him across the face?
01:07:23I mean, is it at all likely?
01:07:27No, members of the jury,
01:07:28however much we quite rightly sympathise
01:07:30with the young constable for his painful injury.
01:07:34It is obvious that it was an unfortunate accident.
01:07:39As for attempting to resist her lawful apprehension,
01:07:42well, the door was unlocked,
01:07:43and yet my client made no attempt to run away.
01:07:46No, she was much more concerned for the young policeman
01:07:48to whom she was administering help,
01:07:51and act hardly in accordance with a picture
01:07:53by learned friend of sort of paint
01:07:54of a violent, disturbed drunkard.
01:07:57Ladies and gentlemen, my client's greatest wish,
01:08:03indeed her only hope for happiness, she feels,
01:08:05is to rejoin her daughter and son-in-law in Canada.
01:08:09Well, members of the jury,
01:08:10that depends upon your verdict here today.
01:08:13And with the overwhelming doubts
01:08:16that I'm sure are in all your minds,
01:08:19your verdict can only be not guilty on all counts.
01:08:23Now, although compassion is allowed,
01:08:28and indeed it is encouraged in these courts,
01:08:32it must be employed after you have made up your minds
01:08:35as to the guilt or innocence of the accused,
01:08:38and not before.
01:08:39It must be based upon the evidence
01:08:41as it's laid before you,
01:08:42and your assessment of it.
01:08:44What happens after the outcome of this trial
01:08:48is of no interest to you,
01:08:49and you must erase from your minds
01:08:51any consideration that may have wrongly been implanted there
01:08:55by the defence.
01:08:57Now, I've explained, I think,
01:08:59the demarcation of the two wounding charges,
01:09:02but you still might be confused
01:09:03about the verdicts that you may bring in.
01:09:07Now, if you think Mrs Rutland
01:09:09did not intend to evade arrest,
01:09:12you must dismiss that charge against her
01:09:14but still consider the first charge
01:09:17wounding with intent
01:09:18to cause grievous bodily harm.
01:09:21And, in that case,
01:09:22you must make up your minds
01:09:24whether or not she intended
01:09:26to injure the constable.
01:09:28Now, if you find, or you think,
01:09:31that Mrs Rutland was trying to evade arrest
01:09:35and find her guilty,
01:09:36you must still consider
01:09:38the grievous bodily harm charge.
01:09:41They are not alternatives.
01:09:44Now, the other two charges, I think,
01:09:46are quite straightforward
01:09:47and need no further exposition from me.
01:09:49But remember,
01:09:51it is for the prosecution
01:09:52to prove its case
01:09:53beyond reasonable doubt.
01:09:56And should you think
01:09:57that there was a reasonable doubt
01:09:58about any one of the four charges,
01:10:01then it would be your duty
01:10:02to return a verdict
01:10:04of not guilty on that charge.
01:10:07Now, members of the jury,
01:10:08I will ask you to retire
01:10:10to consider your verdict.
01:10:12All stand.
01:10:23Just answer this question,
01:10:24yes or no.
01:10:25Have you reached verdicts
01:10:26upon which you are all agreed?
01:10:28Yes.
01:10:28On the first count,
01:10:30do you find the defendant,
01:10:31Irene Mary Maitlet Rutland,
01:10:33guilty or not guilty
01:10:34of wounding with intent
01:10:35to do grievous bodily harm?
01:10:37Not guilty.
01:10:38On the second count,
01:10:39guilty or not guilty
01:10:40of wounding with intent
01:10:42to resist her lawful apprehension?
01:10:44Guilty.
01:10:44Is that the verdict of you all?
01:10:46Yes.
01:10:47On the third count,
01:10:48guilty or not guilty
01:10:49of the theft of a handbag
01:10:50and 15 pounds?
01:10:51Not guilty.
01:10:52On the fourth count,
01:10:54guilty or not guilty
01:10:55of damage to property?
01:10:56Guilty.
01:10:57Is that the verdict of you all?
01:10:58Yes.
01:10:59Mr. Justice Campbell
01:11:20sentenced Irene Rutland
01:11:22to 18 months suspended prison sentence
01:11:25for wounding with intent
01:11:26to evade her lawful apprehension
01:11:28and a fine of £40
01:11:29for damage to property
01:11:30plus £28.40 restitution.
01:11:34Next week,
01:11:34a chance to join the jury
01:11:35in assessing another case
01:11:37in the Crown Court.
01:11:38of the
01:11:41and a chance to join the jury
01:11:43in the works.
01:11:44To be continued...
01:11:45of the jury
01:11:46in the
01:11:59and the
01:12:00and the
01:12:01and the
01:12:01and the
01:12:03and the
01:12:04and the
01:12:05and the
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