- 1 day ago
Crown Court: the gripping courtroom drama from the 1970s and 1980s.
Harry Bryant has been identified as one of four men who carried out an armed bank robbery. However, Harry has plans to prove his innocence, starting with dismissing his legal aid and conducting his own defence.
Mark McManus stars as the defendant. Yes, it's Taggart!!! Watch out for appearances from Glynn Edwards and Diane Keen.
Harry Bryant has been identified as one of four men who carried out an armed bank robbery. However, Harry has plans to prove his innocence, starting with dismissing his legal aid and conducting his own defence.
Mark McManus stars as the defendant. Yes, it's Taggart!!! Watch out for appearances from Glynn Edwards and Diane Keen.
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00:00On July the 6th of this year, four masked men snatched £30,000, which was being transferred
00:00:20to the Frampton branch of the British United Bank.
00:00:24Wearing balaclava helmets and wielding pickaxe handles, they threw ammonia into the eyes
00:00:29of the bank staff and got away with the money, none of which has been recovered.
00:00:34After intensive inquiries, only one man has been arrested and today 35-year-old Harry George
00:00:41Bryant stands trial, charged in connection with the raid, with robbery with violence
00:00:46and with assaulting the police.
00:00:59And my lord, for my first witness, I would like to call...
00:01:17Wait a minute.
00:01:19May I say something before we continue, my lord?
00:01:21No, you may not.
00:01:23Sit down.
00:01:24Your chance to speak will arrive in due course.
00:01:26Until then, you will remain quiet.
00:01:28I have a right to be heard.
00:01:29At the proper time.
00:01:31Until then, anything else you wish to convey to this court will be done through the offices
00:01:35of your counsel, Miss Tate.
00:01:36No, it won't.
00:01:38Miss Tate, I suggest you speak to your client and advise him on court procedure before I am
00:01:43forced to punish him for contempt or have him removed.
00:01:47As you say, my lord.
00:01:48I don't wish to take her advice, my lord.
00:01:51I'm sacking her.
00:01:53Your what?
00:01:53I wish to dispense for the services of my legal representative, my lord.
00:01:58Did you know anything of this, Miss Tate?
00:02:00No, my lord.
00:02:01That is, my client and I had a disagreement on how his defence was to be conducted, but
00:02:06I thought the matter had been settled.
00:02:08Apparently not.
00:02:09No, my lord.
00:02:10Is the accused represented under legal aid?
00:02:12He is, my lord.
00:02:13Then he will continue to be.
00:02:14If I may remind his lordship, the accused is not bound to have legal, have a counsel if
00:02:19he's under legal aid.
00:02:20If he insists in acting on his own behalf, he is entitled to do so, and refusal to allow
00:02:24him is a ground of appeal.
00:02:26The authority for this, my lord, is to be found in R.
00:02:28Yes, yes, yes, yes, of course, Mr. Logan.
00:02:30You're quite right.
00:02:31I'm obliged to you.
00:02:33Thank you for reminding me.
00:02:36Who are the solicitors acting for the accused?
00:02:39Eldon and Christie, my lord.
00:02:40Is either of them in court?
00:02:42No, my lord.
00:02:42I see.
00:02:44Why did you not inform the court earlier than this, that you intended to dispense with the
00:02:49assistance of counsel?
00:02:50Well, I intended to, my lord, but I didn't quite know when to do it.
00:02:54Well, are you not?
00:02:55That Miss Tate is not without experience as an advocate, and to dispense with her services
00:03:00at this stage would be ill-advised, to say the least.
00:03:03I didn't choose her, my lord.
00:03:05The trouble with the legal aid system is that you...
00:03:07I am not interested in your opinion of the legal aid system.
00:03:11Just consider yourself fortunate that you live in a country where the opportunity to
00:03:16be defended by learned counsel in a court of law at the taxpayer's expense is open to
00:03:21you.
00:03:21I'm innocent, my lord.
00:03:23I shouldn't be here in the first place.
00:03:25Well, I don't consider that fortunate.
00:03:26You are here, Mr Bryant, because the magistrates committed you for trial.
00:03:31It will be for the jury to decide your guilt or innocence.
00:03:34You are, of course, entitled to defend yourself.
00:03:37But my advice to you is that you reconsider your position.
00:03:41Well, I've been reconsidering it for the last week, my lord.
00:03:45I wish to defend myself.
00:03:47Are you saying that you do not wish for any legal representation?
00:03:51That's it.
00:03:51Or simply that you do not wish to be represented by Miss Tate?
00:03:54Yes, that's it.
00:03:56Which?
00:03:56Well, I don't want to be represented by anyone.
00:03:59So be it.
00:04:00Miss Tate?
00:04:02I don't think there is anything I can usefully say at this point, my lord.
00:04:05Very well, Miss Tate.
00:04:07You may consider your duties at an end, and you are excused.
00:04:11My lord.
00:04:16If I could just explain why I've taken this course, my lord, I...
00:04:20If you insist on defending yourself without the assistance of...
00:04:23But I would like to explain why...
00:04:25I repeat.
00:04:26If you insist on defending yourself, it is my duty to see that you abide by the rules of evidence and procedure.
00:04:33But I'd like to tell you why...
00:04:34In your own interest, don't.
00:04:37Before you need open your mouth, the prosecution has to prove the case against you.
00:04:41If you open your mouth at this stage, it may help them.
00:04:44Who knows?
00:04:45I will do all I can to assist and direct you, as well as I am able.
00:04:51But I warn you that I will not tolerate for long any procedure, any interruptions in this court,
00:04:59which might interrupt the procedure of this trial.
00:05:02Is that clear?
00:05:03Yes, my lord.
00:05:04I hope it is.
00:05:06Are we now ready to continue?
00:05:07Well, there is one thing, my lord.
00:05:09What is that?
00:05:10May I sit in the well of the court?
00:05:12Oh, very well.
00:05:13In these exceptional circumstances, I will give you permission to do so.
00:05:17But the prison officers will remain with you.
00:05:19I see you've come well prepared.
00:05:32Now, before we start, Mr. Brown, is there anything else?
00:05:40Yes, there is just one thing, my lord.
00:05:42I'd like that man removed from the court.
00:05:44Well, who is that?
00:05:46It's Inspector Collins, my lord.
00:05:48The arresting and principal officer in this case.
00:05:51Is he to give evidence?
00:05:52He is, my lord.
00:05:53Then he will leave the court until he is called to give his evidence.
00:05:56Now, are we ready to proceed?
00:06:03Well, I certainly am, my lord.
00:06:06Very well.
00:06:07You may call your first witness, Mr. Logan.
00:06:10I'm grateful, my lord.
00:06:11Now, for my first witness, I would like to call Alfred John Mason.
00:06:16Alfred John Mason, please.
00:06:34Church of England.
00:06:36Take the Bible in your right hand, please, and repeat the words on the card.
00:06:39I swear by almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth,
00:06:45the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
00:06:49Your name is Alfred John Mason, and you live at 16 Mayhew Court, Peel Street, in Frampton.
00:06:54Yes, that is correct.
00:06:56And you're an employee of the British United Bank,
00:06:58with a position of counter clerk at their sub-branch in Drayton Road, Frampton.
00:07:01Yes.
00:07:02In your own words, Mr. Mason, would you tell the court about the events
00:07:05which you found yourself involved in on the morning of Thursday, the 6th of July,
00:07:08of this year?
00:07:10Yes, sir.
00:07:10Well, on that morning, I called at our main branch, as I do most mornings,
00:07:14before going on to the sub-branch where I work.
00:07:17It's to collect any papers, documents, that we may have to deal with.
00:07:20Except Thursdays, that is, when I also collect the money, and then with Mr. Rowan.
00:07:23Just stop there a moment, please, Mr. Mason.
00:07:25You say that you collect the money.
00:07:27Would you explain to the court what money, precisely?
00:07:30Well, it's the money we always take to the sub-branch every Thursday morning.
00:07:33Yes, but why? Who for?
00:07:36Well, it's mainly for the, I mean, local building contractors.
00:07:39It's their weekly payroll.
00:07:41They collect it later in the day.
00:07:43You sign for it, I suppose, when you take delivery at the main branch?
00:07:46Of course, we both do.
00:07:47Both?
00:07:48Mr. Rowan and I.
00:07:50Is Mr. Rowan being the bank guard?
00:07:52Yes.
00:07:52Mr. Rowan will be giving evidence, my lord.
00:07:54How much money did you sign for on this occasion?
00:07:57£30,000.
00:07:59Exactly?
00:07:59Yes.
00:08:00None of which has been recovered, I believe.
00:08:02That's rather a lot of money, Mr. Mason.
00:08:05Was it usual for you to collect that amount each Thursday?
00:08:08Yes, sir.
00:08:08Hmm.
00:08:10Now, please proceed, Mr. Logan.
00:08:11I'm glad, my lord.
00:08:12What happened after you and Mr. Rowan had collected the money?
00:08:16We drove to the sub-branch with him.
00:08:18And how far is that?
00:08:19About five miles.
00:08:21I see.
00:08:21You arrived at the sub-branch, presumably without incident.
00:08:24Yes.
00:08:25And then what happened, Mr. Mason?
00:08:27Well, we got out of the car, and Mr. Rowan went round to the boot and unlocked it.
00:08:35Then I took the case out, and we started towards the bank.
00:08:39You didn't park directly outside the bank, then?
00:08:41Well, we couldn't.
00:08:42There was this transit van parked there.
00:08:44We parked just behind it.
00:08:46Go on.
00:08:47Well, suddenly the rear doors of this transit van burst open,
00:08:51and a bunch of masked men jumped out brandishing these pickaxe sandals and screaming.
00:08:55Screaming?
00:08:56Yes.
00:08:58Well, yelling like...
00:09:00Like what?
00:09:02Well, like red Indians on the warpath, I suppose.
00:09:05I see.
00:09:06And then what happened, Mr. Mason?
00:09:10Well, they leapt straight for us.
00:09:12It was terrifying.
00:09:13I'm sure it was, Mr. Mason.
00:09:18What did you do then?
00:09:21I didn't do anything.
00:09:23I couldn't.
00:09:24I was so surprised, I sort of just...
00:09:28stood there.
00:09:29It would be fair to say, would it not, Mr. Mason, that you were paralysed with fear.
00:09:35Well, you needn't reproach yourself for that.
00:09:36I'm sure that any one of us would have acted in a similar way in the same situation.
00:09:41How many of these masked bandits were there, Mr. Mason?
00:09:44It seemed like hundreds.
00:09:46Answer counsel's question correctly.
00:09:49How many men did you see jump from the van?
00:09:51I'm not sure, sir.
00:09:53About four, I think.
00:09:54They were all big men.
00:09:56And then what happened?
00:09:58Well, I'm not too sure, because one of the men squirted ammonia in my eyes,
00:10:01and I didn't see anything after that.
00:10:03I dropped the case.
00:10:05Well, I thought I'd been blinded, you see.
00:10:07Well, the pain was terrible.
00:10:09All I could hear was a lot of shouting and fighting going on around me,
00:10:13and I was pushed to the ground.
00:10:14But I didn't really think about what was going on.
00:10:17All I could think of was my eyes.
00:10:19You subsequently went to hospital for treatment, did you not?
00:10:22Yes.
00:10:23I see that you're wearing dark glasses, Mr. Mason.
00:10:25Does that mean that your vision has suffered as a result of this attack?
00:10:28Well, I can see you all right now, but they do trouble me now and then.
00:10:34It would be a miracle if they didn't.
00:10:37Thank you, Mr. Mason.
00:10:38I have no more questions for this witness, but I'll do.
00:10:39Just a minute, Mr. Mason.
00:10:45You haven't finished yet.
00:10:47Mr. Bryant, you may now, if you so wish, cross-examine this witness on his testimony here
00:10:53and anything else relevant to the issues of this case.
00:10:57Do you so wish?
00:10:58I do, my lord.
00:10:59Very well.
00:11:00Mr. Mason, you were asked by the police to attend an identification parade.
00:11:06Yes, I was.
00:11:06Did you attend it?
00:11:07Yes.
00:11:08How long after the robbery was this?
00:11:10Well, a few days, actually.
00:11:12What, two?
00:11:13Three?
00:11:14Four, I think.
00:11:15Did you see me on that parade, Mr. Mason?
00:11:18I don't remember.
00:11:19You may have been.
00:11:20I didn't pick anyone out.
00:11:21Well, of course not.
00:11:22You didn't recognise anyone, did you?
00:11:24No, as I said, the men were masked.
00:11:26Masked.
00:11:28Now, did the police show you any photographs before the parade, Mr. Mason?
00:11:31I was shown a book of photos to see if I could recognise anyone.
00:11:35Mugshots, they call them.
00:11:35But, of course, I didn't recognise anyone.
00:11:38Did you write a statement?
00:11:40Yes.
00:11:41In your own hand?
00:11:42Yes.
00:11:42Immediately after the robbery?
00:11:44Well, a couple of days later.
00:11:46Mr. Bryant, would you mind telling us where all this is leading?
00:11:49The witnesses said that he didn't recognise anyone, including you.
00:11:53Well, I just want it made absolutely clear, my lord.
00:11:55It is.
00:11:56Lucidly so.
00:11:57Yes, my lord.
00:11:59Now, the robbery took place on the 6th of July.
00:12:02That's over two months ago, isn't it?
00:12:04Yes.
00:12:04And your eyes still trouble you?
00:12:06Yes.
00:12:07I suppose they were really bad for weeks after the robbery.
00:12:10Yes, they were.
00:12:10My vision was quite blurred.
00:12:12I wasn't able to work for several weeks.
00:12:14And yet, four days after the robbery, you were able to study photographs,
00:12:18attend an identification parade, and write a statement in your own hand.
00:12:23Well, I...
00:12:24Did the police suggest you wear those glasses in court, Mr. Mason?
00:12:27Or are you expecting a favourable view from the criminal compensation?
00:12:30My lord.
00:12:31Quite, Mr. Logan.
00:12:32That is an extremely improper remark, Bryant.
00:12:35And I must instruct you, members of the jury, to disregard it.
00:12:39I must also warn you, Bryant, that questions which affect the credibility of a witness
00:12:43that have no bearing on the actual inquiry must not be asked,
00:12:48unless you have reasonable grounds for thinking that the imputations conveyed by that question
00:12:53are well-founded or true.
00:12:55Well, my lord, I would have thought my imputations, as you put it,
00:12:58do have some substance, considering the witness's answers to my questions.
00:13:03And, er, I refer, my lord.
00:13:06The weight of evidence given by a witness depends upon his knowledge of the facts
00:13:10and his truthfulness.
00:13:12Yes, I don't know what point you are attempting to establish in any event.
00:13:16Nothing that the witness has said so far implicates you in any way.
00:13:20Well, perhaps not, my lord, but the emotive issues realised by the degree of seriousness
00:13:25of this witness's injuries could act against me.
00:13:29Not if you are innocent.
00:13:32May I continue, my lord?
00:13:34You may.
00:13:35Just one last point, Mr Mason.
00:13:37You said the men that attacked you were all big men.
00:13:40Is that correct?
00:13:41Yes, that's right.
00:13:42Bigger than you?
00:13:43Yes.
00:13:44All of them, all four?
00:13:45Well, yes.
00:13:46How tall are you, Mr Mason?
00:13:47I'm five foot nine.
00:13:48I'm five foot eight.
00:13:51Thank you, Mr Mason.
00:13:53No more questions, my lord.
00:14:10Mr Rowan, you have been working as a security guard for this bank for three years,
00:14:14and this is the first time that you've ever been attacked and robbed, is that right?
00:14:18Not quite.
00:14:19I have on two other occasions been attacked in this capacity, but that was with my previous
00:14:22employers.
00:14:24Fortunately, we were able to beat off the robbers and nothing was stolen.
00:14:27It must have been a particularly violent and vicious attack on this occasion for you
00:14:31to have failed in protecting the money from these thugs.
00:14:34Very vicious.
00:14:35Yes, you received a severe blow with a pickaxe handle to the back of your head and were rendered
00:14:40unconscious.
00:14:41I needed twelve stitches in my head.
00:14:43Yes, indeed.
00:14:44However, before that unfortunate and brutal blow to the back of your head, something happened
00:14:49during the struggle.
00:14:50Would you tell the court what that was?
00:14:52I managed to pull off the mask of one of those thugs and got a look at his face.
00:14:58I would like you to take a look at Exhibit Two, Mr Rowan.
00:15:04Have a good look at it.
00:15:06Do you recognize it?
00:15:08Well, it's a balaclava helmet.
00:15:10The men who attacked us were wearing these as masks.
00:15:13But can you say if that is the actual mask which you managed to pull from the robber's
00:15:16head?
00:15:17It's the same shape and colour.
00:15:19It could be the same one.
00:15:20But you can't be sure.
00:15:22It could be.
00:15:23It's very similar.
00:15:24I think we can safely assume that the witness cannot make a positive identification, Mr Logan.
00:15:30Now then, Mr Rowan.
00:15:30As a result of your actions, you were asked to attend an identification parade at Frampton
00:15:35Police Station to see if you could recognize the man whose face you uncovered.
00:15:39Were you not?
00:15:40Yes.
00:15:41Do you see that man in court today?
00:15:44Yes, I do.
00:15:45That's him there.
00:15:47If it please your Lordship, could the defendant stand?
00:15:50Stand up, Brian.
00:15:50Is that definitely the man whom you identified as one of the robbers?
00:15:57The one whose face you exposed?
00:15:58That's him.
00:15:59That's the bastard.
00:16:00I will not tolerate expletives of that kind in my court.
00:16:03You will apologize this instant.
00:16:05I'm very sorry, my Lord.
00:16:07Not to me.
00:16:08To the accused.
00:16:12I apologize.
00:16:13I repeat my question, Mr Rowan.
00:16:17Are you absolutely sure that is the man whose mask you pulled off during the robbery?
00:16:23Absolutely.
00:16:27You may cross-examine, Mr Bryant, if you so wish.
00:16:30Thank you, my Lord.
00:16:32Mr Rowan, you've told the court that in all your career as a guardian of other people's money,
00:16:37this is the first time that you've failed to protect it from being stolen.
00:16:40Is that right?
00:16:41It wasn't from want of trying, as you well know.
00:16:43The point I'm making is that your inability to protect the money on this occasion
00:16:48could cause your employer, or any future employer, to look twice at your credentials.
00:16:53Isn't that so?
00:16:53No.
00:16:54You're getting on a bit, over the hill.
00:16:55No, look at here.
00:16:56So, as you couldn't exactly prevent the money from being stolen,
00:16:59you did the next best thing, to reinstate yourself, as it were,
00:17:03and made up this story about snatching the mask from the robber's face.
00:17:07That's not true.
00:17:08And then told them, the police, that you would recognize him.
00:17:11Anyone.
00:17:12That's...
00:17:12It didn't matter to you who it was.
00:17:14That's ridiculous.
00:17:14Is it, Mr Rowan?
00:17:16Well, of course it is.
00:17:17I was shown many photographs by the police.
00:17:18My Lord, if I may interrupt the witness at this point.
00:17:21I think I know what you mean, Mr Logan.
00:17:24I was sure you would, my Lord.
00:17:25And, of course, it is in the interest of the defendant.
00:17:27It is indeed.
00:17:28I must protest, my Lord.
00:17:30This is just tactics on Mr Logan's part.
00:17:32I was about to make a point...
00:17:33I'm sure you were going to try to make a point, Mr Brandt.
00:17:36But quite rightly, Mr Logan interrupted you, and for very good reason.
00:17:40If you continue with this line of questioning, you are venturing in dangerous waters.
00:17:45You are in danger of exposing your own character and putting it in issue.
00:17:50Now, that means that you may be asked questions about your character, your past, your antecedents, which might prejudice your chances.
00:17:58Now, do you understand what I mean?
00:18:00Yes, my Lord, but I'm afraid I shall have to take that risk.
00:18:03And I would ask you, my Lord, if I may address the court on this matter of character.
00:18:08Now?
00:18:09Not now, at the appropriate time.
00:18:11When will that be?
00:18:12Well, I'm not sure at the moment, my Lord.
00:18:14Very well.
00:18:15We'll see when the time comes.
00:18:16Thank you, my Lord.
00:18:18You were saying, Mr Rowan, that the police showed you some photographs.
00:18:22Yes.
00:18:22When was this?
00:18:23The day after I was discharged from the hospital.
00:18:25Yes, but when was that?
00:18:27Well, I was kept overnight for observation.
00:18:30That would be the day after that, the 8th of July.
00:18:32Did they show you a lot of photographs?
00:18:34Yes, quite a few.
00:18:35What, five, 20, 100?
00:18:37I don't remember, quite a few.
00:18:39All right, quite a few.
00:18:40But among the photographs you saw, you picked out one of me, right?
00:18:44Yes.
00:18:45Without hesitation.
00:18:46Yes.
00:18:46You knew as soon as you saw that photograph that I was the man whose mask you'd removed.
00:18:50That's right.
00:18:51Now, how could you be so positive?
00:18:53Because I saw you, that's how.
00:18:54For how long?
00:18:55Long enough.
00:18:56Long enough?
00:18:59You were in the middle of being attacked and robbed.
00:19:02Your prime concern, so you would have us believe, was the protection of that money.
00:19:05Well, the clerk who accompanied you has testified that the bandits were screaming like red Indians.
00:19:10Terrifying, he called it.
00:19:12Ammonia was being squirted about.
00:19:14Pickaxe handles were being wielded, as you well know.
00:19:17And in all this uproar and confusion, you say that you snatched the mask from the robber's face
00:19:22and looked at it long enough to give a positive and unerring identification.
00:19:27Is that what you're saying, Mr Rowan?
00:19:29That's right.
00:19:30Three days later, from a simple photo?
00:19:32Yes.
00:19:32No chance of being mistaken.
00:19:34Not in this case.
00:19:37Well, it wasn't me, Mr Rowan.
00:19:39And had it been me, or anyone else in that position who wished to remain anonymous,
00:19:44I'm sure that they would have turned instinctively away, or covered their face or something.
00:19:49Well, that would be natural, wouldn't it?
00:19:50You didn't.
00:19:51I think it would be better, Mr Rowan, if for the purposes of this examination, you referred to your assailant in the third person.
00:19:59But it was him, my lord, am I?
00:20:00I know it was.
00:20:01Nevertheless, you will do as I ask.
00:20:03If you insist, my lord.
00:20:05I do.
00:20:06Mr Rowan, would you say that I've got a distinguished face?
00:20:11Distinguished?
00:20:12Certainly not.
00:20:12Well, I'd better rephrase that.
00:20:14Would you say that my face is distinctive in any way?
00:20:18Oh, no.
00:20:18I wouldn't say that exactly.
00:20:19What I'm getting at is that I don't have any unusual features, like a big nose, cauliflower ears, a scar, anything like that.
00:20:26Well, no, but...
00:20:26But what?
00:20:27I know what you're trying to say.
00:20:28Yes, and so does the court, Mr Rowan.
00:20:31Are you still sure you couldn't be mistaken?
00:20:34Yes, I am.
00:20:36Mr Rowan, I'm sure you're aware that there are many recorded cases of men who've been wrongly convicted because of mistaken identification by some witness or another who, at the time, was as positive as you now claim to be.
00:20:52I don't know anything about that.
00:20:53Well, I'm thinking of people like James Hanratty.
00:20:55My lord.
00:20:56That has never been officially recognised, Mr Rowan.
00:20:59Well, perhaps not, my lord.
00:21:01But you must agree that British legal history is littered with cases of mistaken identification.
00:21:08And for every one recorded, well, there must be 20 that we never hear about.
00:21:12There may be the odd recorded case, but unfortunately the wrong person has been identified.
00:21:16My lord, in 1968, the National Council for Civil Liberties sent a dossier of 15 recent cases to the Home Secretary, in all of which they claimed the wrong man had been identified.
00:21:31I do not intend to argue with you on this matter, Mr Brant.
00:21:34The jury is not concerned with issues of identity in other cases.
00:21:38It is concerned with this case alone.
00:21:40And they will judge whether Mr Rowan is mistaken or not.
00:21:44Very well, my lord.
00:21:45Just as long as they're aware that mistakes can be made.
00:21:49Well, I am not mistaken.
00:21:52What about the photos, Mr Rowan?
00:21:54What about them?
00:21:55You were shown the photos on the 8th of July, and you picked me out, right?
00:21:58Yes.
00:21:59And a day later, you attended an identification parade and picked me out again, right?
00:22:03That's right.
00:22:04And I suppose the police showed you my photograph again, did they?
00:22:07Yes, they...
00:22:09They what, Mr Rowan?
00:22:12It was just shown to me to confirm that I'd picked it out.
00:22:15Just before you were about to attend an identification parade?
00:22:19Well, that was in Inspector Collins' office.
00:22:21Inspector Collins didn't tell you to pick me out by any chance
00:22:25and show you where I'd be standing on the identification parade, did he?
00:22:28No, of course not.
00:22:31No more questions, my lord.
00:22:33Do you wish to re-examine, Mr Logan?
00:22:35If it please, your lordship, it's just a matter of clarification.
00:22:38Mr Rowan, you say you positively identified Bryant from a photograph,
00:22:42one of many you were shown, on the 8th, three days after the robbery.
00:22:45Yes.
00:22:45Well, that was quite soon after the robbery.
00:22:47So the man whose mask you removed, his face would still be quite fresh in your memory.
00:22:52Yes, but it is part of my job to remember faces.
00:22:55When you saw the defendant's photo for the first time,
00:22:58you picked it out without hesitation?
00:23:00Yes.
00:23:01And without any prompting from the police?
00:23:02None whatever.
00:23:04I have no more questions of this witness, my lord.
00:23:06Well, thank you, Mr Rowan. You may stand now.
00:23:08Excuse me, my lord.
00:23:15What is it?
00:23:16I was wondering if I might ask the prosecuting counsel
00:23:19if they intend to call as one of their next witnesses
00:23:22one of the police officers involved in the case.
00:23:24We intend to call Inspector Collins next, my lord.
00:23:27Any particular reason, Mr Brown?
00:23:28Well, if that's so, my lord,
00:23:30I think that now is the time I'd like to address the court
00:23:33on this matter of my character.
00:23:34If I anticipate you correctly, Mr Brown,
00:23:37I suggest that you think about it very carefully before you do.
00:23:57The case of the Queen versus Bryant
00:23:59will be resumed tomorrow in the Crown Court.
00:24:04On July the 6th of this year,
00:24:22four masked men,
00:24:23armed with pickaxe handles and bottles of ammonia,
00:24:26stole £30,000,
00:24:28which was being transferred to the Frampton branch
00:24:30of the British United Bank.
00:24:32The trial of Harry George Bryant,
00:24:35accused of being one of these men,
00:24:37is already in progress.
00:24:39Bryant has elected to defend himself
00:24:41and has shocked the court
00:24:42by suggesting that the police
00:24:44had shown Bryant's photograph
00:24:45to a key witness,
00:24:47one of the bank staff who was attacked,
00:24:49before he took part in an identification parade.
00:24:52I did not show Mr Rowan,
00:25:10I did not show Mr Rowan the photo deliberately.
00:25:23There are very strict rules governing that sort of thing which I wouldn't dream of disobeying.
00:25:27What happened was Mr Rowan arrived at my office a short time before the parade took place.
00:25:32Suddenly I was called from my office on some other urgent matter.
00:25:35Unfortunately I'd left the accused file open on my desk with his photo in it.
00:25:40When I returned a matter of minutes later Mr Rowan was standing by my desk looking down at the file and the photo.
00:25:47He said that's him all right.
00:25:50I asked him what he meant.
00:25:51He pointed to the photo.
00:25:53I told him he had no right to be looking through the file.
00:25:55You're telling us that Mr Rowan was pouring through the file?
00:25:59Oh no my lord the file hadn't been touched.
00:26:01It was still in the same position upside down from where he stood.
00:26:03Nevertheless Inspector it was a very serious mistake on your part.
00:26:07I admit I was at fault my lord.
00:26:10But there was nothing intentional about it.
00:26:14Well intentional or not Inspector.
00:26:18You must agree that my chances of a fair identification parade after that was impossible.
00:26:23Don't know about unfair.
00:26:24Unnecessary perhaps.
00:26:25After all Mr Rowan had picked out your photograph from many others only the day before.
00:26:30He was sure it was you all right.
00:26:31Well I hold the parade at all.
00:26:33It was necessary to formalise the identification.
00:26:34Rubbish.
00:26:35You only hold a parade when there's some doubt.
00:26:38You should know.
00:26:38And so should you.
00:26:41However let's leave the identification farce.
00:26:44You've told the court that you also received a phone call a couple of days after the robbery
00:26:48in which you were told that I was one of the men concerned in it.
00:26:51That's right.
00:26:52Anonymous according to you.
00:26:54Yes.
00:26:54Very convenient.
00:26:56Most tip-offs we get are anonymous.
00:26:58That doesn't mean we can afford to ignore them.
00:26:59Unless of course they're clearly crank calls.
00:27:01Did this anonymous informant give you any other names apart from mine?
00:27:05No just yours.
00:27:06Then he rang off.
00:27:07Didn't you think that's strange?
00:27:08No it often happens that way.
00:27:11It's usually somebody with a personal grudge.
00:27:13Which is quite common in the world of villainy.
00:27:14So on the strength of this convenient bit of information and Mr Rowan's so-called identification
00:27:20you came round to my house to arrest me.
00:27:22Right?
00:27:22To question you at first.
00:27:24Tell me inspector.
00:27:24Do you usually question a suspect by bursting uninvited into his home?
00:27:28I did not burst uninvited into your home.
00:27:30Your wife asked me and my sergeant in.
00:27:32You mean you knocked on the door and she invited you in just like that?
00:27:35That's right.
00:27:37Inspector.
00:27:38I've been married for ten years.
00:27:40My wife let alone me has suffered untold aggravation from coppers ever since she's known me.
00:27:45Now do you honestly think that she's going to invite you people in just like that?
00:27:50Well she did.
00:27:50She didn't.
00:27:52She opened the door and you stormed in shoving her to one side.
00:27:55And when she protested you told her to shut up or you'd nick her as well.
00:27:59My lord that is hearsay evidence.
00:28:00Did you witness all this Mr Brown?
00:28:02I was in the lounge my lord.
00:28:03She told me what happened.
00:28:04You know what hearsay evidence is I'm sure Mr Brown.
00:28:07Er, my lord my wife's not a liar and I know how these people perform.
00:28:11Nevertheless you cannot say what other people have said unless you were present or unless
00:28:16you intend to call a witness who was present.
00:28:19You know that.
00:28:20Now get on with it.
00:28:21Very well my lord.
00:28:23You say my wife invited you in.
00:28:25She will say different.
00:28:26However once you were in you came straight to the lounge where I was right?
00:28:30Yes.
00:28:31Did I invite you to stay?
00:28:33You asked me what I wanted.
00:28:34I told you I was investigating a robbery.
00:28:36I then asked you if you could account for your movements on the 6th, the day of the robbery.
00:28:40No, no, no, no.
00:28:41That was later Inspector.
00:28:43After I demanded that you leave my house.
00:28:46After my wife had come in behind you crying because you'd knocked her head against the
00:28:50wall when you shoved her aside.
00:28:52That's a lie and you know it.
00:28:53It's the truth.
00:28:54And then I asked you if you had a warrant and you said I don't need a warrant for scum
00:28:58like you.
00:28:59No.
00:28:59Yes.
00:29:00All right, Inspector.
00:29:04I say you wouldn't go despite my insistence.
00:29:07And then you asked me where I was on the day of the robbery.
00:29:11Now what did I say?
00:29:12You said you were at home all day.
00:29:15And you asked me if I could prove it.
00:29:17I told you that my wife could verify it, which she did, right?
00:29:20She supported your story.
00:29:22Because it was true.
00:29:23And then you told me you were going to search my house.
00:29:27I asked if I could.
00:29:28Liar.
00:29:28And you said, why not?
00:29:31You'll only go and get a search warrant anyway.
00:29:33I told you you couldn't search unless you got a search warrant, but no matter.
00:29:37You went ahead and searched anyway, didn't you?
00:29:39With your permission and in your presence.
00:29:41Well, that's a laugh.
00:29:43You mean I trailed around behind you while you ransacked the house?
00:29:47My wife did the same with your sergeant.
00:29:49That's not true.
00:29:49Well, this is getting hopeless, isn't it, Inspector?
00:29:55What do you mean?
00:29:55Well, I say you did one thing.
00:29:57You say you did something else.
00:29:59My version happens to be the truth.
00:30:00No, Inspector.
00:30:02It's just that as a professional policeman and a witness for 16 years,
00:30:06your version of the truth rarely gets challenged in a court of law.
00:30:10You and people like you say whatever you want to get a conviction.
00:30:13That's ridiculous.
00:30:14That is not a question, Brant.
00:30:15It's a comment.
00:30:16Stick to the facts.
00:30:17All right, my lord, the facts.
00:30:18Could the inspector have a look at exhibit number two, I think it is, my lord.
00:30:22The balaclava.
00:30:29Recognise it, do you, Inspector?
00:30:30Yes, this is the balaclava I found hidden behind the wardrobe in your bedroom.
00:30:34It's the balaclava you claim to have found hidden behind the wardrobe.
00:30:37I found it there, all right.
00:30:39You were there.
00:30:40Not when you pushed your way behind the wardrobe.
00:30:42I was in the room, all right, but I couldn't see what you were up to
00:30:45short of climbing on top of you or the wardrobe.
00:30:47It wouldn't be the first time you climbed on top of someone or something to get what you wanted.
00:30:51Inspector, would you fold it up and put it in your pocket, please?
00:30:58There.
00:31:11It's not too bulky, is it?
00:31:13It wouldn't have been difficult to have had it hidden there when you arrived.
00:31:17Mr Rohn had given you a good description of the balaclavas the robbers were wearing,
00:31:21the colour, the shape, etc.
00:31:22You had plenty of time to go to some department store and buy one to match it before you came to see me.
00:31:29You appreciate, Inspector, you must answer these questions.
00:31:32The sooner you answer them, the sooner you will get out of the box.
00:31:36You're suggesting I bought a balaclava fitting the description and planted it.
00:31:40I didn't.
00:31:41Inspector, would you tell the court what I'm supposed to have said to you
00:31:44when you confronted me with your conjuring act?
00:31:47Conjuring act?
00:31:48But the balaclava you claim to have found.
00:31:50Oh, well, you denied all knowledge of it, but then that's standard practice with people like you.
00:31:54But I did find it.
00:31:56And you know it.
00:31:58Then after a bit, you said,
00:32:00All right, Inspector, who stuck my name up?
00:32:06Who stuck my name up?
00:32:08What did you understand by that, Inspector?
00:32:10Well, the parlance of villains, my lord, that usually means something like who informed on me.
00:32:14And what did that indicate to you?
00:32:16Well, to me, it indicated he knew something about the robbery.
00:32:18Yes, I thought perhaps it would.
00:32:19I just wanted to be sure.
00:32:21What did he say then?
00:32:23He asked if he could talk to me alone.
00:32:26I said if anything he wanted to say to me, I would prefer he said it in front of my sergeant.
00:32:30And what did he say to that?
00:32:33He said, No, this is business.
00:32:35And what did you understand that to mean?
00:32:36Well, knowing that I do, my lord, the way that villains like Brian think,
00:32:40I presumed he wanted to try and do some sort of deal with me.
00:32:43Well, naturally, I had no intention of doing any kind of deal with him.
00:32:45But I agreed to talk to him alone,
00:32:48because I thought I might learn something about the other men involved in the robbery.
00:32:51So you spoke to him in private?
00:32:52Yes, my lord. We went back into his bedroom.
00:32:54Well, Elmsteady.
00:32:56Why was he caught?
00:32:58Who was that?
00:32:58Who shouted that?
00:33:00I warn you, I will not tolerate interruptions and remarks of that kind in my court.
00:33:05If I find out who it is,
00:33:07I shall have no hesitation in using my powers to punish him for contempt.
00:33:23You were saying, Inspector, that you went into another room to speak alone to the accused.
00:33:29What was the content of that conversation?
00:33:32Bryant asked me if I would accept a drink to forget the whole thing.
00:33:36That didn't mean a cordial, did it?
00:33:38No, my lord. It's villain slang, meaning will you accept a bribe of some kind, usually money.
00:33:43And what did you say to that?
00:33:44I opened the bedroom door and called Sergeant Fisher in.
00:33:48Then I asked Bryant to repeat what he'd just asked me in front of the sergeant.
00:33:51And did he?
00:33:52No, he went berserk, my lord.
00:33:54Shouting, screaming obscenities.
00:33:57Then he struck me rather a heavy blow in the face with his fist.
00:34:00Fortunately, Sergeant Harris and I managed to restrain him after a while.
00:34:03It was a job that wasn't helped by the fact that Mrs Bryant started screaming and swearing
00:34:07and tried to stop us from restraining her husband.
00:34:10It was that animal there who hit her.
00:34:12Bryant, control yourself.
00:34:13If you consistently ignore my rulings, I shall be forced to stop you by other means.
00:34:17My lord, it's time to involve my wife in...
00:34:20Do as I say.
00:34:23With respect, my lord, it is I who is supposed to be cross-examining the witness.
00:34:28And so you shall.
00:34:30But it is I who am in control of this court, not you.
00:34:34I was simply trying to expedite matters and to clarify Inspector Collins' version of what happened.
00:34:41Very well. You may now continue.
00:34:43I'm much obliged, my lord.
00:34:44I don't suppose there's much point now in trying to refute your elaborate fantasy, Inspector.
00:34:52After all, if you're believed, I can only go to jail for God knows how many years.
00:34:56But I deny categorically that I offered you a bribe.
00:34:59Not because I don't think you wouldn't take it, but because I'm innocent.
00:35:02And as for your distortion about my going berserk,
00:35:05I was simply trying to stop you and your sergeant from forcibly taking me to the police station without formally arresting me.
00:35:13And it was my wife and me who got the thumps, not you.
00:35:17However, there is one little item that the jury might be interested in.
00:35:20It's not the first time you've arrested me, is it, Inspector?
00:35:24No.
00:35:24No, in fact, only 15 months ago you tried to do exactly what you've succeeded in doing here.
00:35:29Get me indicted on false and fabricated evidence.
00:35:32You were a prime suspect in a robbery. I simply questioned you about it.
00:35:36That's my job.
00:35:37Prime suspect? Did you arrest me?
00:35:40You were held for questioning.
00:35:41I was held, all right.
00:35:43Incommunicado in a cell for three days.
00:35:45Now, that was against the law for a start.
00:35:48But then I was a known villain, and by your reason,
00:35:50he didn't have the normal rights of an ordinary citizen.
00:35:53Your superior told you to release me because he realised there was no evidence against me whatever
00:35:59and that you were simply holding a personal vendetta against me on your part.
00:36:03And that was when, Inspector, you decided to get me. Isn't that true?
00:36:07No.
00:36:08Didn't you take me in 15 months ago and question me in a cell for three days?
00:36:13Yes, but I'm not a case.
00:36:14No more questions of this witness, my lord.
00:36:16Inspector Collins, do you agree that a senior police officer should be truthful?
00:36:26Of necessity, yes.
00:36:28Honest?
00:36:28Yes.
00:36:29Accurate?
00:36:29Yes.
00:36:30Fair?
00:36:31Yes.
00:36:31And without bias?
00:36:32Oh, certainly, sir.
00:36:33And should he always be careful in his choice of words and emphasis?
00:36:37Absolutely.
00:36:38Should he be, in short, fearless, firm and fair?
00:36:41Fearless, definitely.
00:36:43Fair, definitely.
00:36:45And firm?
00:36:45Well, firmness goes with that, I suppose.
00:36:47But they are the two essentials of a criminal investigation officer.
00:36:51And have you always displayed these characteristics?
00:36:54I think my past record in the police force would support that, sir.
00:36:57Thank you, Inspector.
00:36:58I have no more questions of this witness, my lord.
00:37:11My lord.
00:37:13What is it?
00:37:13I understand that we have now reached the point at which I may address the jury in the matter of my character.
00:37:19The point of no return, as you might say, Mr Brown.
00:37:22I'm well aware of the consequences of the decision, my lord.
00:37:25Very well.
00:37:27My lord.
00:37:29Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
00:37:30Now, throughout the trial so far, you've probably noticed his lordship refer obliquely to matters of character.
00:37:38Now, I'm sure you're aware this refers to my character, good or bad, and that of the witnesses.
00:37:44Now, putting your character in issue, as it's called, means that you allow your character to be openly questioned in court.
00:37:52Now, in my experience, and in the experience of others I've questioned on this, the legal profession have this reply.
00:37:57Anyway, don't attack the police.
00:38:00Say you did something like it.
00:38:02Deny anything that has a tendency to show a guilty answer.
00:38:05But, as far as you can, don't make any suggestions that the police are telling lies.
00:38:11If you do, and you're a man with previous convictions, you're challenging their character,
00:38:17and they will immediately read out your convictions in court.
00:38:21Now, this is what my counsel told me.
00:38:24Well, part of my defence is that the police are telling lies and have, in fact, conspired to fabricate evidence against me
00:38:33for reasons that I hope to make clear later.
00:38:36My counsel didn't want me to take this approach.
00:38:39They never do.
00:38:40But I do because it's the truth.
00:38:44Now, that's why I sacked her.
00:38:45So, I'm telling you now, members of the jury, I have a record of criminal offences, quite a few, and some of them quite serious.
00:38:54I've been convicted more than once, and I've been to prison.
00:38:59Well, now you know.
00:38:59And since you do know members of the jury, I hope that you will not let that prejudice your decision when it comes to reaching a verdict.
00:39:10All I ask is that you listen to the evidence and the witnesses and judge me on that alone.
00:39:18My lord, in my submission, the speech which the accuser has just made ought to be construed as a question to Inspector Collins about the accused character.
00:39:30And the inspector ought to be given the opportunity of replying to that question.
00:39:34Yes, Mr. Logan. We may as well have it now.
00:39:37I must say it is a peculiar, long and appalling record, Mr. Logan.
00:39:41Indeed it is, my lord, but I'll try to be brief.
00:39:43If you would.
00:39:44The defendant's first conviction as an adult was in June 1958, when he was sentenced to Borstal Training, from where he absconded in October of the same year.
00:39:53He was arrested in November 1958 and sentenced to imprisonment for offences whilst at large, and was returned to Borstal Training.
00:40:01Since December 1959, he has served eight terms of imprisonment and was last released in September 1970.
00:40:07Between March 1952 and April 1966, he has been convicted on 14 different occasions for store-breaking, larceny, attempted braking, taking motor vehicles without the owner's consent, unlawful possession, receiving assaults on the police, robbery, shall I read the whole list out, my lord?
00:40:25No, I think that is sufficient for anyone to gauge his character, Mr. Logan.
00:40:29Well, is that right, Inspector? Are those ante-seasons which I just read out correct?
00:40:33Yes, my lord.
00:40:33Well, for my next witness, my lord, I would like to call Sergeant Fisher.
00:40:39Very well.
00:40:41Sergeant, please.
00:40:42Hello.
00:40:50I swear by almighty God that the evidence I should give this court in jury should be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
00:40:56Sergeant Harold Fisher, Forchester C.I.D.
00:40:59Sergeant, is it correct that Bryant, albeit reluctantly, gave you and Inspector Collins permission to search his house?
00:41:06Yes, sir.
00:41:07The inspector wasn't with you when you searched the kitchen, was he?
00:41:09No, sir. We split up to search. It was quicker that way.
00:41:12I searched the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, and one of the bedrooms, the child, sir.
00:41:17And did Mrs. Bryant accompany you at all times?
00:41:19She did, sir.
00:41:20Did she complain about your methods of searching?
00:41:22No, sir.
00:41:22Did you find anything of interest in the search?
00:41:27Yes, sir. In the kitchen, hidden away at the back of a cupboard, I found a bottle of ammonia, sir.
00:41:33Yes. Could the witness please see Exhibit One, please?
00:41:40Is that the bottle, Sergeant?
00:41:42Yes, sir. That's it.
00:41:44Did Mrs. Bryant give any explanation as to why she had the ammonia?
00:41:48Well, she didn't at first, sir.
00:41:50Did she suggest that you planted it?
00:41:52Oh, no, sir, no.
00:41:54Now, when I pressed her, she said she used it for cleaning.
00:41:56For cleaning? Cleaning what?
00:41:57Oh, various things, you know.
00:41:59Floor, tiles, bathroom, things like that.
00:42:01Did you ask her if her husband ever used it for anything?
00:42:04Yes, I did. She said he didn't.
00:42:07I then asked her if her husband knew she had the ammonia.
00:42:10She said she didn't know, but probably not,
00:42:13as he wasn't concerned with what she bought in the way of ordinary household goods, sir.
00:42:16Hmm. I believe you've had the bottle examined forensically.
00:42:20Yes, sir.
00:42:20And the results of that examination?
00:42:22There will be expert evidence on this, my lord.
00:42:24It was found to be undiluted ammonia, sir.
00:42:27Bryant's fingerprints were also on the bottle.
00:42:29Did you confront Bryant with the bottle of ammonia?
00:42:31Yes, I did, sir.
00:42:32And what did he say?
00:42:33Just trying to fit me up.
00:42:35Fit me up?
00:42:37Yes, my lord. It's underworld slang meaning to fabricate evidence.
00:42:40I see.
00:42:42And were you trying to fit him up, Sergeant?
00:42:44Well, certainly not, sir.
00:42:46Thank you, Sergeant.
00:42:48Sergeant, do you know what the verbal is?
00:42:53Verbal?
00:42:54Yes.
00:42:54I think so.
00:42:55You only think so.
00:42:57Well, I would have thought from the testimony that you and Inspector Collins have given,
00:43:01you were both experts on underworld slang.
00:43:04Well, naturally, we're both quite conversant with it.
00:43:07I mean, it's part of our job, isn't it?
00:43:08So, you know exactly what is meant when someone says, they put the verbals on me.
00:43:14Who put the verbals on who?
00:43:16Oh, come on, Sergeant.
00:43:18If a villain says it, he can only be referring to the police.
00:43:21Isn't that so?
00:43:22Well, not necessarily.
00:43:23But more than likely.
00:43:24Well, perhaps.
00:43:25The verbal, as it's called, members of the jury, means putting words into people's mouths they never said,
00:43:32or twisting the meaning by taking words they have said and repeating them out of context.
00:43:38The police are experts at it.
00:43:39Mr. Bryant, please.
00:43:41You will disregard that last and completely insupportable generalisation about the police.
00:43:46Is it not a fact, Sergeant, that convictions against policemen for offences,
00:43:49including brutality, theft, conspiracy and perjury, have shown an alarming increase in recent years?
00:43:56You may disregard that question, Sergeant Fisher.
00:43:58There have been a few isolated cases which have resulted in a policeman being convicted of certain crimes.
00:44:05But these are the exceptions, not the rule.
00:44:07Far from it.
00:44:09Unlike your immediate superior, Inspector Collins,
00:44:12your attitude after my arrest was reasonable, Sergeant.
00:44:15I mean, you didn't show the obsessive signs that you were out to get me at any price like he did.
00:44:21But surely you're subject to the same pressures as most professions.
00:44:26I don't know what you mean.
00:44:27Well, I mean, you have to do what your boss tells you.
00:44:29No, I do my duty, my job.
00:44:31Well, your duty is to protect the innocent as well as apprehend the guilty.
00:44:34I'd hardly call you an innocent.
00:44:36But that is what I do do, to the best of my ability.
00:44:39Sergeant Fisher, I deplore such comments coming from the police.
00:44:42I must tell you I will not tolerate it.
00:44:44Yes, madam.
00:44:46Well, I'm sure you do do your best on most occasions, Sergeant.
00:44:49But it's a little strange, isn't it,
00:44:51how your version of what took place in my house is so exactly similar in every detail to that of your boss.
00:44:58I don't see it so strange, considering it's what took place.
00:45:01That little notebook you've got there that all policemen carry to refresh their memories,
00:45:05the notes in there concerning me.
00:45:07Now, did you write them up separately,
00:45:09or did you compare them with the notes that Inspector Collins made?
00:45:14My lord, tell Inspector Collins not to make signals to the witness.
00:45:18Were you making signals, Inspector?
00:45:20Certainly not, my lord.
00:45:22Answer the question, Sergeant, and turn away from Inspector Collins.
00:45:27I wrote up my notes separately, my lord.
00:45:29Separately, Sergeant?
00:45:30Yes.
00:45:31Well, isn't it a remarkable coincidence that you've both selected exactly the same incidents and bits of verbal to record?
00:45:38It's what you said, not verbal.
00:45:39That's not what I asked, Sergeant.
00:45:41No, it's not such a coincidence.
00:45:43It may appear to be selective, but not in the way you suggest.
00:45:46It's just that it would be impracticable to record everything a suspect says.
00:45:51I mean, an interrogation can take place over several days.
00:45:54It's part of our training as police officers to select those bits which are most relevant, that's all.
00:45:58You mean the incriminating bits?
00:46:00Not necessarily.
00:46:00And if nothing incriminating is said and there's no real evidence, you'll invent a few lines.
00:46:05No, I do not do that.
00:46:07Sergeant, have I or have I not protested my innocence from the very outset of this case?
00:46:12Yes, I suppose you have.
00:46:14Well, then doesn't it follow that as a man of considerable experience in avoiding incriminating myself with the police,
00:46:19I'd be very careful not to say anything that would incriminate me.
00:46:23That is convenient, Mr. Bryant.
00:46:25Perhaps you're not as clever as you'd think.
00:46:26Well, I may not be very clever, Sergeant, but I know the difference between coincidence and collusion.
00:46:34Thank you very much. No more questions, my lord.
00:46:38The last witness for the prosecution, my lord, is Inspector Woolley.
00:46:43Inspector Woolley, please.
00:46:44I swear by my mighty God that the evidence I shall give this court and jury
00:46:58shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
00:47:02Inspector Arnold Woolley, fingerprint officer, attached to Fulchester CID.
00:47:06How long have you served in the fingerprint branch, Inspector Woolley?
00:47:09Seventeen years.
00:47:09And have you ever known Prince not to conform to a sequence of rich patterns?
00:47:13Never.
00:47:13How many characteristics of a fingerprint are needed for certain identification?
00:47:18Well, eight is about the minimum, satisfactory, you might say.
00:47:22Ten is good.
00:47:23Eighteen, beyond any doubt.
00:47:25So you're saying there is no doubt that the accused fingerprints are on that bottle of ammonia found in his house?
00:47:30No doubt at all.
00:47:32Thank you, Inspector.
00:47:35No questions, my lord.
00:47:37Thank you, Inspector. You may stand down.
00:47:40That concludes the case for the Crown, my lord.
00:47:42Thank you, Mr. Dealey.
00:47:44Mr. Bryant, you may now present your case in defence.
00:47:49My lord, I'd like to call my wife, Mrs. Pauline Bryant.
00:47:54The case of the Queen v. Bryant will be resumed tomorrow in the Crown Court.
00:48:04On July the 6th of this year, four masked men, armed with pickaxe handles and bottles of ammonia,
00:48:34stole £30,000, which was being transferred to the Frampton branch of the British United Bank.
00:48:39The trial of Harry George Bryant, accused of being one of these men, is reaching its final stage.
00:48:46Bryant is conducting his own defence and, in spite of his criminal record, maintains that the police are trying to frame him.
00:48:52His only witness, his wife, Mrs. Pauline Bryant, is now being cross-examined by the prosecution.
00:48:57We come now to the bottle of ammonia, Mrs. Bryant.
00:49:11We come now to the bottle of ammonia, Mrs. Bryant.
00:49:26You don't deny, do you, that Sergeant Fisher found it in your kitchen?
00:49:29No.
00:49:29And that he found it hidden away at the back of a cupboard?
00:49:32It wasn't hidden away, it was simply placed at the back of the cupboard for safety.
00:49:36Safety?
00:49:37Yes, I have a six-year-old child. Anything that could cause a harm is naturally put out of her reach.
00:49:42So you do realise, then, that ammonia is harmful?
00:49:45Yes.
00:49:46You told Sergeant Fisher that you use the ammonia as a cleanser, is that correct?
00:49:50Yes.
00:49:51Mrs. Bryant, in this day and age, it's possible to buy a multitude of cleansers for every conceivable purpose, most of which are harmless.
00:49:58Why buy an unusual and dangerous one like ammonia?
00:50:02Well, I don't see the point in buying a multitude of cleaners when one can do the job of quite a few.
00:50:07Anyway, it's cheaper.
00:50:09Have you ever asked Mr. Bryant to bring home a bottle of ammonia?
00:50:12No, I don't think so.
00:50:14I ask because you told Sergeant Fisher that as far as you knew, your husband didn't know you had ammonia, is that correct?
00:50:19As far as I knew, yes.
00:50:21And hadn't used it himself for any purpose?
00:50:24Well, I mean, there wouldn't be any reason for him to.
00:50:27How do you explain his fingerprints on the bottle, then, Mrs. Bryant?
00:50:31I don't know.
00:50:33Well, perhaps he was looking for something else in the cupboard and just happened to move it or something.
00:50:37Or something.
00:50:38Let's see, you say that you were at home all day on the 6th, the day of the robbery.
00:50:42It was a Thursday.
00:50:44Yes.
00:50:44And you didn't go out at all, either of you?
00:50:47No.
00:50:47Does your daughter attend school, Mrs. Bryant?
00:50:50Yes, she does.
00:50:51She's six, you say?
00:50:53Yes.
00:50:53So presumably she doesn't go alone.
00:50:55Someone escorts her.
00:50:56Yes.
00:50:57Who, Mrs. Bryant?
00:50:58Well, I do.
00:51:00And the six was a normal school day, was it not?
00:51:03Yes.
00:51:03And your daughter attended school that day?
00:51:06It'd be a simple matter to check the school records, Mrs. Bryant.
00:51:10Yes, she did.
00:51:11And you took her?
00:51:12Yes.
00:51:12So you weren't in all day?
00:51:14I forgot about that.
00:51:16It's only a ten-minute walk.
00:51:18I took my daughter to school and came straight home again.
00:51:21My husband was still indoors.
00:51:22Did you pick her up from school again?
00:51:24Yes.
00:51:24That's twice you went out that day.
00:51:27Well, it was only for a matter of minutes, and both at times when my husband couldn't possibly have...
00:51:31I mean, the robbery took place miles away.
00:51:35You say you're just a housewife, Mrs. Bryant, but isn't it a fact that you have a part-time job?
00:51:41No, not really.
00:51:43These friends of ours have a shop.
00:51:45Fruit and veg, I sometimes help them out when they're busy.
00:51:48Now, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper may have a shop in the high street.
00:51:51Yes.
00:51:52My information is that you work for them regularly on a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday,
00:51:57and have done ever since your daughter started school.
00:52:00You go straight to the school and then go on to the shop.
00:52:02Is that right?
00:52:03No, not always.
00:52:05I also understand that your husband has an interest in this shop.
00:52:09He's in fact a silent partner.
00:52:10Is that right?
00:52:11He...
00:52:12I think so.
00:52:13Do you know if your husband will be calling Mr. and Mrs. Cooper to support your story that you were not at work on the 6th?
00:52:19No, they couldn't.
00:52:20They've gone away on holiday.
00:52:21They've gone away on holiday.
00:52:23How very convenient.
00:52:25I put it to you, Mrs. Bryant, that you're lying.
00:52:27No.
00:52:28I put it to you that you did go to work on the 6th, that you didn't buy that ammonia for cleaning,
00:52:32and that you've concocted this alibi with your husband when you visited him in prison.
00:52:36No.
00:52:36All right.
00:52:37Why didn't you go to work that day?
00:52:40I...
00:52:40I didn't feel like it.
00:52:42I rang them.
00:52:42I didn't feel very well.
00:52:44You didn't feel very well.
00:52:45You didn't feel like it.
00:52:46No, I had an upset stomach.
00:52:48Caused, no doubt, by anxiety, because you knew your husband was going out that day to commit a serious crime.
00:52:54No.
00:52:55Mrs. Bryant, this isn't the first time you've given evidence on your husband's behalf, is it?
00:52:59In 1963, he was convicted of receiving, and on that occasion, you stood up in court and said it was you, not he, who bought that stolen property without knowing it was stolen.
00:53:08Is that so?
00:53:10Yes.
00:53:10And that, too, was because you loved your husband, didn't want to see him go to prison, right?
00:53:14No.
00:53:15I did buy it.
00:53:17No more questions, my lord.
00:53:20Mr. Bryant?
00:53:25No questions, my lord.
00:53:27Thank you, Mrs. Bryant.
00:53:28You may go.
00:53:29I'm, er, not going to call any more witnesses, my lord.
00:53:40I'll give evidence myself.
00:53:42Very well, Mrs. Bryant.
00:53:43Will you please go into the witness box?
00:53:44What religion are you?
00:53:56See you, me.
00:53:57Take the Bible in your right hand and repeat the words on this card.
00:54:01I swear by Almighty God to the heavens I shall give you a bit of truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth.
00:54:07Members of the jury, everything I've said so far has been the truth.
00:54:11So, there's no point in repeating it.
00:54:14But I am prepared to answer any questions that anyone may, er, want to ask.
00:54:20Mr. Bryant, why didn't you help Inspector Collins to move the wardrobe if you had nothing to hide?
00:54:25Because I'd refused him permission to search the house in the first place.
00:54:30And if I'd have had anything to hide, I'd have thought of a better place than behind the wardrobe.
00:54:33Because you're an experienced criminal.
00:54:36It was.
00:54:37It was an experienced criminal, Mr. Logan.
00:54:39And there was a time I couldn't think of anything better than that.
00:54:42But wasn't it because you assumed you wouldn't even be approached, let alone arrested, for this robbery?
00:54:47Look, it stands to reason, doesn't it?
00:54:48If I was involved in this robbery, what earthly reason would I have for bringing the balaclava home?
00:54:55I'd dump it.
00:54:56An idiot, think of that.
00:54:57And you're not an idiot, are you, Mr. Bryant?
00:55:00Well, I've made my share of mistakes, but I've paid for them.
00:55:03And I've learnt a few things along the way, too.
00:55:05And one of them is never, under any circumstances, bring incriminating evidence into your own home.
00:55:11Now, you set great store by the benefits of experience, do you?
00:55:15Well, it certainly helps.
00:55:17Inspector Collins has been a police officer for 16 years.
00:55:20Do you really expect the court to believe that a man of his experience,
00:55:23even supposing there's a grain of truth in your allegations,
00:55:26would be so amateurish and crude in his attempts to fabricate evidence?
00:55:30He wouldn't be the first.
00:55:31And in any case, they rely on and exploit the myth that so many people believe,
00:55:37that British policemen just don't do that sort of thing.
00:55:40Have you ever pleaded guilty on the numerous occasions you've been before a court, Mr. Bryant?
00:55:45Er, yeah, I think so.
00:55:46Twice as a juvenile.
00:55:49Twice out of 15 appearances.
00:55:52Presumably you hadn't learnt the ropes of your profession at that time.
00:55:54Well, only a fool or a masochist volunteers to be punished.
00:55:57Yet in your address to the court, you said you had been convicted rightly,
00:56:01if so.
00:56:02Yes.
00:56:03But you nevertheless pleaded not guilty.
00:56:05Yes.
00:56:05Why?
00:56:06Well, I just thought that was obvious.
00:56:08Not to me.
00:56:09Man, of your experience.
00:56:10Don't be insolent, Bryant. Answer the question.
00:56:14Well, if you're a villain, as I was at one time,
00:56:17the whole point of the game is to try and get away with it.
00:56:20Like you're trying to here?
00:56:22No.
00:56:23I noticed you use the word game, Mr. Bryant.
00:56:25Is that how you view your unlawful behaviour? As a game?
00:56:28It's just a figure of speech.
00:56:30So you don't think it's a game?
00:56:31I'm not going to fall into that trap.
00:56:33You're wriggling, Mr. Bryant.
00:56:34You're cheating, Mr. Logan.
00:56:35I warn you, Bryant, this trial is not a game.
00:56:39I'm sorry, my lord.
00:56:40I repeat, so you don't think your criminal behaviour is a game?
00:56:44Well, I don't think of it as anything, no.
00:56:45No, it's a serious business, isn't it?
00:56:47What is?
00:56:47Committing crimes and trying to get away with them.
00:56:50It's a serious business trying to defend yourself against this system
00:56:53when you've got the form I got, innocent or not.
00:56:55And in this case, I am innocent.
00:56:57And you say that under oath?
00:56:58Yes.
00:56:59An oath which you clearly hold in contempt?
00:57:01No.
00:57:02But you've already admitted that you pleaded not guilty
00:57:04to charges on which you were rightly convicted.
00:57:07You gave evidence on those occasions, presumably?
00:57:10Well, some of them.
00:57:11Under oath?
00:57:12I suppose so.
00:57:13Maintaining your innocence?
00:57:14If you like.
00:57:15Well, isn't that lying under oath?
00:57:17Well, this is different.
00:57:18Well, why is this case so different from all those others, Mr. Bryant?
00:57:21Because this time I'm innocent.
00:57:23Are you?
00:57:24Are you, Mr. Bryant?
00:57:27Or are you just going through your old routine?
00:57:31Well, there you are, you see.
00:57:32That's what I'm up against, my past.
00:57:34You insist you've given up the life of crime?
00:57:37Since I came out of prison last time.
00:57:39September 1970?
00:57:40Yes.
00:57:41How have you been earning your living since then, Mr. Bryant?
00:57:44Well, I've got an interest in a couple of businesses.
00:57:46Oh, would you tell us what those business interests are?
00:57:48Well, I don't see that that's relevant.
00:57:50I will decide what is relevant, Mr. Bryant.
00:57:53Answer the question.
00:57:54Well, I have an interest in two shops.
00:57:57One my wife mentioned, the fruit and veg shop.
00:57:59And the other one?
00:58:00Well, it's a second-hand shop, actually.
00:58:02Sell furniture, bric-a-brac, electrical goods, anything.
00:58:06Do you own these businesses?
00:58:07Uh, well, you might say I've got the biggest interest in them.
00:58:12So you own them?
00:58:13Well, they're in my name, but I share the profits equally with the men who run them.
00:58:17One of whom is Mr. Cooper, the man who is on holiday with his wife and therefore couldn't
00:58:21be here to support your wife's testimony.
00:58:23That was planned months ago.
00:58:25He didn't know when I'd come to trial.
00:58:27This Mr. Cooper, he gets an equal share of the profits from that shop?
00:58:31Yes.
00:58:32As I understand it, Mr. Bryant, these are not very big shops.
00:58:37Average.
00:58:38Yes, but they could hardly be described as large businesses, could they?
00:58:40But large enough to support me and my family.
00:58:44Not too little shops, but the profits shared?
00:58:47Yes.
00:58:49What sort of car do you run, Mr. Bryant?
00:58:51The maker?
00:58:52Well, it's a Mercedes, actually.
00:58:53Recent model?
00:58:54Last year's.
00:58:55You bought it new?
00:58:56Yes, but...
00:58:57An expensive car, by any standards, wouldn't you say?
00:58:59Now, look, a lot of people run expensive cars they can't really afford.
00:59:03That doesn't necessarily mean anything.
00:59:05No.
00:59:06But you also have and live in a well-situated and well-appointed house.
00:59:11And you and your wife obviously like good clothes, jewellery, etc., go on expensive holidays.
00:59:16Now, would you say that that was in keeping with the extent of your business interests?
00:59:20Yes.
00:59:22All I can say to that, Mr. Bryant, is that the country could do with a man of your acumen
00:59:25to solve its economic problems.
00:59:26What I'm wondering here, Mr. Logan, is how the accused came to be granted legal aid in
00:59:33the light of what we have heard.
00:59:34Which may indeed have some bearing on our economic problems, my lord.
00:59:38Well, there's no mystery about it, my lord.
00:59:41My house is mortgaged, my car's on HP, and when my solicitors had extracted every last penny
00:59:46I could lay my hands on, and still wanted more, I was forced to ask the lower court for
00:59:51legal aid.
00:59:52Well, that's why the barrister I wanted...
00:59:53I don't think the jury is concerned with these allegations, Mr. Bryant.
00:59:58What I'm suggesting, Mr. Bryant...
01:00:00I know what you're suggesting.
01:00:01...is that these so-called business interests are simply a front, so that you can continue
01:00:05your life of crime behind a veneer of respectability.
01:00:07Rubbish.
01:00:08And that your defence, your only defence, is to indulge in the fashionable exercise of
01:00:13attacking the police.
01:00:14No.
01:00:14But you confessed just now, did you not, that you lived by stealing and habitually told
01:00:18lies under oath.
01:00:20You're a self-confessed liar and thief.
01:00:23And there's no denying that, is there, Mr. Bryant?
01:00:25You make the same claim as your wife, do you not, that you stayed in all day on the day
01:00:44of the robbery?
01:00:45Yes.
01:00:46Do you often stay at home all day?
01:00:47Not often.
01:00:49Occasionally.
01:00:49Why?
01:00:50What do you mean, why?
01:00:51Well, why do you stay in all day?
01:00:53Any specific reason?
01:00:54Well, does there have to be?
01:00:56I'm asking the questions, Mr. Bryant.
01:00:58No, there's no specific reason.
01:01:01Well, don't you?
01:01:01Doesn't anyone stay indoors all day just because they feel like it?
01:01:05Well, most people are at work or about their business during the day, especially on a weekday.
01:01:09Well, I wasn't just sitting about, I was writing some business letters, sorting through
01:01:13invoices, I settled a few bills, things like that.
01:01:16You pay your bills by cheque?
01:01:17Yes.
01:01:18So, if you wrote a few business letters and signed cheques to send off to your creditors,
01:01:21you would have dated them?
01:01:22Naturally.
01:01:24Who did you write to?
01:01:25Well, I can't remember offhand.
01:01:27I write quite a few business letters.
01:01:29Do you make copies?
01:01:31Sometimes.
01:01:31Depends how important they are.
01:01:32And were these important business letters?
01:01:35I don't know.
01:01:36I don't honestly remember.
01:01:38I would have thought you would have had a chance to remember every single incident of
01:01:42that day, Mr. Bryant, considering its importance in your life.
01:01:45Why are you asking these questions?
01:01:47I don't see what you're driving at.
01:01:48Simply this, Mr. Bryant.
01:01:49If what you say is true, it would have been a simple matter for you to have produced the
01:01:53cancelled cheques or copies of the letters you purport to have written in order to support
01:01:57your story that you were home that day.
01:02:00Well, the answer to that is, I would have if I'd have thought of it.
01:02:03Well, I'm sure his lordship will allow someone, your wife perhaps, to go home and get these
01:02:08things, if they exist at all.
01:02:11Well, I don't mind, but I don't see what it'll prove.
01:02:13I will give you the opportunity to produce these documents, Mr. Bryant.
01:02:17If you do not, Mr. Logan can comment on it.
01:02:20If you do, it may assist you.
01:02:22Well, if I do produce them, my lord, he'll simply say that I postdated the cheques and
01:02:26wrote any days I wanted to on the letters.
01:02:29Nevertheless, it is something that could substantiate your story, is it not?
01:02:33Well, hardly, my lord.
01:02:34So, that leaves us as we were before.
01:02:37Just you and your wife's word that you were home all day.
01:02:40Yes.
01:02:40And that's hardly enough either, is it?
01:02:42My wife's not a liar.
01:02:44But you are?
01:02:45Well, we all tell lies sometimes, but on this occasion, I'm not lying.
01:02:49Your wife lied about being in all day, didn't she?
01:02:51She didn't lie.
01:02:53She just forgot that she'd taken my daughter to school.
01:02:56Well, anyone could do that.
01:02:57It's a habit, something you do every day.
01:02:59It's unconscious.
01:03:00It's not fair to say that she was lying.
01:03:02And it's not fair to ask her to lie either, is it?
01:03:05I didn't ask her to lie.
01:03:06Oh, come now, Mr. Bryant.
01:03:08If your accusations against Inspector Collins and Sergeant Fisher are possible, isn't it
01:03:13also equally possible that you and your wife could have compared notes?
01:03:16Yeah, anything's possible.
01:03:19Only we didn't.
01:03:20But you and your wife's version of what happened is also exactly similar in every detail.
01:03:25Now, isn't that also rather strange?
01:03:26No, it's the truth.
01:03:27I see.
01:03:28So it's strange that two police officers' stories should match, but not you and your
01:03:31wife's.
01:03:33Very odd.
01:03:36What about the bottle of ammonia, Mr. Bryant?
01:03:38What about it?
01:03:39Well, you knew it was there, didn't you?
01:03:41No.
01:03:41But your fingerprints were on it.
01:03:43Do you remember everything you touch?
01:03:45The bottle's unusual, is it not?
01:03:47If one saw it, one would be curious, would one not?
01:03:49One would look at the label.
01:03:51My obsessions don't lie in that direction, Mr. Logan.
01:03:53No, your obsessions have about them a quality of paranoia, Mr. Bryant.
01:03:57If you mean to I feel persecuted by the police, that's true, but with good reason.
01:04:03Would you say that you were a violent man, Mr. Bryant?
01:04:07No, not particularly.
01:04:09But you've been convicted of violent crimes.
01:04:11One of them a robbery.
01:04:12Very similar to this.
01:04:14I've been convicted, true.
01:04:15Not true that I was personally violent.
01:04:17I was a driver on that occasion, as the records will show.
01:04:20If you were a party to violence, you knew there would be violence, and you went along with
01:04:23it.
01:04:23Is that not correct?
01:04:24That still doesn't make me personally a violent man.
01:04:27But you've also been convicted of personal violence.
01:04:31An assault on the police, to be exact.
01:04:33Oh, look, the police charge people like me with assault if I look at them the wrong way.
01:04:37Inspector Collins says that you punched him in the mouth.
01:04:39Face.
01:04:40The face, while you were resisting arrest.
01:04:42Do you deny that?
01:04:43Certainly.
01:04:44It was me who got the right-hander.
01:04:46Several, actually.
01:04:47You were resisting arrest.
01:04:48I was trying to resist being forcibly dragged from my own home to the police station without
01:04:54being formally arrested.
01:04:57Sergeant Fisher held my arms while Inspector Collins punched me in the stomach.
01:05:01That put me right out of the game.
01:05:03Then he hit me a few more times.
01:05:05When my wife tried to intervene, he just shoved her aside.
01:05:08Really, Mr. Bryant?
01:05:12Really, Mr. Logan.
01:05:14Is there any point in your version of the events that took place that day which coincides
01:05:19with the version of the police?
01:05:20They came to my house.
01:05:22They searched it.
01:05:23They took me to the police station.
01:05:24There's no argument about that.
01:05:26It just didn't happen the way they say.
01:05:29Hmm.
01:05:30And what happened when you arrived at the police station?
01:05:33I was slung in a cell.
01:05:34Just like that?
01:05:35Just like that.
01:05:36Did you ask to see any other police officers while you were there?
01:05:38Yeah, I asked to see an officer of higher rank.
01:05:40Was this request denied?
01:05:43No, but it wasn't until I'd been held incommunicado for six hours in the cell,
01:05:47and without any refreshment, I might add, that someone came to see me.
01:05:51Who was that?
01:05:52Um, Superintendent Carson.
01:05:55What did you say to him?
01:05:56I told him that I wanted to make a formal complaint against, uh, Collins and Fisher.
01:06:01And did you?
01:06:02I tried.
01:06:03Tried?
01:06:04He just laughed at me and said you must be joking.
01:06:08The superintendent?
01:06:09That's right.
01:06:10Now, let's get this perfectly straight, Mr. Bryant.
01:06:12You asked to see a high-ranking police officer because you wished to make an official complaint,
01:06:17and he just laughed?
01:06:20It doesn't surprise me, Mr. Logan.
01:06:22It's typical of many encounters I've had with the police.
01:06:25But an official complaint against the police has to be recorded.
01:06:27That is the law, isn't it, Mr. Bryant?
01:06:29Don't be so naive, Mr. Logan.
01:06:32And even if it were, the police investigate the police.
01:06:35It's just like any other profession.
01:06:36They look after their own.
01:06:38Your paranoia seems to extend to the entire British police force.
01:06:41And your sarcasm won't alter the facts in this case, Mr. Logan.
01:06:44But the police in this case have told a tissue of lies from start to finish.
01:06:48Exactly.
01:06:49Two police officers, three, if we count the superintendent,
01:06:52have all conspired to falsify the evidence against you.
01:06:56Yes.
01:06:58Would it surprise you to know, Mr. Bryant,
01:07:00that Inspector Collins has received eight recommendations during his career in the police force?
01:07:06So did John Reginald Christie, the special constable and mass murderer.
01:07:14No more questions, sir?
01:07:15Mr. Bryant, you will now return to the dock.
01:07:26Members of the jury, it is beyond doubt that a robbery did take place on the 6th of July,
01:07:32in which £30,000 was stolen.
01:07:35What you have to decide, ladies and gentlemen,
01:07:38is whether Bryant was a party to that robbery or not.
01:07:41And let me remind you that,
01:07:42apart from the identification of Bryant by the bank guard, Rowan,
01:07:47there is no direct evidence that he was there at all.
01:07:50None.
01:07:52In a way, this case hinges almost entirely on the credibility of the main witnesses.
01:07:57Let us have a look at some of them.
01:07:59I don't think we need concern ourselves over much with the testimony of Mr. Mason.
01:08:03He was merely relating what took place on that unfortunate day.
01:08:06Then we have Mr. Rowan, the bank guard.
01:08:10He could say definitely that the balaclava was very similar to the one he tore from his attacker's face.
01:08:18On the matter of identification, he is quite definite.
01:08:22What happened with the photographs at the police station is another matter.
01:08:25But it is serious, and you will give it your earnest consideration.
01:08:31It was suggested by Bryant that Mr. Rowan made up his story
01:08:35in order to protect his credentials as a security guard.
01:08:39But Rowan has denied that.
01:08:41It is a matter for you to decide.
01:08:45We then come to Inspector Collins.
01:08:47What is crucial here is whether you believe him or not.
01:08:50He is, as we have heard, a police officer of some 16 years' service
01:08:55without a blemish on his record.
01:08:58Now, what you have to ask yourselves here
01:09:00is whether a man like that would jeopardize his whole career
01:09:05in order to get a conviction.
01:09:07He showed signs of bias against the defendant.
01:09:10I think you would agree.
01:09:11But was it, do you think, vindictiveness
01:09:14carried to the point where he would invent evidence
01:09:18and lie under oath?
01:09:19Again, it is a matter for you.
01:09:23Now, to the defence witnesses.
01:09:26Bryant himself and his wife.
01:09:29Was there a basic honesty and decency about her?
01:09:33Or is she a clever liar and actress?
01:09:36She says she bought the ammonia as a cleanser.
01:09:39Did she?
01:09:41And if she did, was that the only reason the ammonia was in the house?
01:09:45Ammonia was used on the robbery, you will remember.
01:09:48However, the fact that it was in the Bryant's household
01:09:51does not prove that it was bought for anything else other than cleaning.
01:09:55Now, we have the testimony of Bryant himself.
01:10:02He is clearly a man of intelligence,
01:10:05and not without considerable experience of crime
01:10:07and the working of this court.
01:10:10In his favour, if you take a certain view,
01:10:13it must be admitted that it is not easy
01:10:16to come before a court and volunteer information about one's past,
01:10:21which may damage one's character.
01:10:23Had he listened to counsel's advice,
01:10:26you members of the jury would have not known about his past history.
01:10:30What would you have thought of him then?
01:10:33Try as we might.
01:10:34As human beings,
01:10:36it is very difficult
01:10:37to be absolutely impartial
01:10:40in the face of evidence such as this.
01:10:43But this, members of the jury,
01:10:45is what you must try your utmost to do here today.
01:10:50Now, members of the jury,
01:10:51you will please retire
01:10:52and consider your verdict.
01:11:07Members of the jury,
01:11:08who shall speak as your foreman?
01:11:11I will.
01:11:12Are you agreed upon your verdict?
01:11:13We are.
01:11:14On the first count of robbery,
01:11:16do you find the defendant guilty or not guilty?
01:11:19Guilty.
01:11:19No!
01:11:20On the second count of assault on the police,
01:11:22do you find the defendant guilty or not guilty?
01:11:25Guilty.
01:11:26You therefore find the prisoner guilty on both counts.
01:11:29That is the verdict of you all?
01:11:31We do.
01:11:33Bryant,
01:11:34is there anyone you wish to call on your behalf?
01:11:36Would it do any good?
01:11:37It might.
01:11:39Why bother?
01:11:42Harry George Bryant,
01:11:44you have been found guilty on the verdict of the jury.
01:11:47Have you anything to say
01:11:47why judgment should not be given to you
01:11:49according to the law?
01:11:50Yes, plenty.
01:11:51But what's the point?
01:11:52Harry George Bryant,
01:11:54you have been found guilty
01:11:55of taking part in what is now unhappily becoming
01:11:57a very common form of crime.
01:12:00You played for high stakes
01:12:02and those who play for high stakes
01:12:04have to pay heavy penalties
01:12:06when the game is lost.
01:12:08On the first count,
01:12:09you will go to prison
01:12:10for ten years.
01:12:13On the second count,
01:12:14six months concurrent.
01:12:16Take him down.
01:12:17Come on.
01:12:17Come on.
01:12:18Come on.
01:12:18Come on.
01:12:18Come on.
01:12:19Come on.
01:12:19Come on.
01:12:20Come on.
01:12:20Come on.
01:12:20Come on.
01:12:21Come on.
01:12:21Come on.
01:12:21Come on.
01:12:22Come on.
01:12:22Come on.
01:12:22Come on.
01:12:23Come on.
01:12:23Come on.
01:12:23Come on.
01:12:23Come on.
01:12:24Come on.
01:12:24Come on.
01:12:24Come on.
01:12:24Come on.
01:12:25Come on.
01:12:25Come on.
01:12:26Come on.
01:12:26Come on.
01:12:27Come on.
01:12:27Come on.
01:12:28Come on.
01:12:29Come on.
01:12:29Come on.
01:12:30Come on.
01:12:30Come on.
01:12:31Come on.
01:12:31Come on.
01:12:32Come on.
01:12:32Come on.
01:12:33Come on.
01:12:33Come on.
01:12:34Come on.
01:12:34Come on.
01:12:35Come on.
Comments