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Original poster

The April Jones trial has started

368 replies

NorthernLurker · 30/04/2013 13:27

The trial of Mark Bridger for the abduction and murder of April Jones plus some other charges has started today. From what I've read of the initial statements given by the prosecution, it's clearly going to be a very distressing case.
My thoughts are with all in court including the jury but most especially with April's parents who are in court. I don't know how they can bear it.

OP posts:
AThingInYourLife · 01/05/2013 08:18

"If you like public trials, go and attend one. Don't forget your knitting."

Hmm

I don't need to attend, there are court reporters that convey the information to me.

But lovely that you think the only reason to have public trials is so people can "gossip" about them (and you can look down them for doing do).

Your pretence that your pointless moralising has anything to do with keeping the trial going is laughable.

You just don't want the proles getting ideas above their station. And you want to make sure everyone knows you are better than them.

Original poster
NorthernLurker · 01/05/2013 08:20

Oh give it a rest! This whole moral superiority thing is very tiresome. I've rarely been on the receiving end of as much implicit abuse as on this thread - and for what? For saying that I've seen a story reported in the news today which staggers me. There are parents who should have a little girl like mine rattling round their house looking for her shoes and instead they are attending court and I feel desperately sad for them.

OP posts:
Original poster
NorthernLurker · 01/05/2013 08:21

(That's Growlithe give it a rest not Athing)

OP posts:
Growlithe · 01/05/2013 08:26

Well have a think about those parents then, and protect the dignity and integrity of the case.

AThingInYourLife · 01/05/2013 08:34

"Well have a think about those parents then, and protect the dignity and integrity of the case."

:o

My eyes won't roll far enough to express my reaction to this pomposity.

We are so lucky to have had so much of your time when there are so many pointless threads with people discussing things they find interesting all over MN.

In fact, the whole Internet could really do with your services.

Don't let us keep you.

Growlithe · 01/05/2013 08:35

Stop trivialising it will you.

Original poster
NorthernLurker · 01/05/2013 08:43

Growlithe check the thread, Nothing I've said has been deleted. What Athing accurately describes as your pomposity in your postings is indeed staggering.

OP posts:
Growlithe · 01/05/2013 09:28

I don't think I'm being pompous. In fact, I said upthread that you've unintentionally created a very provocative thread. What you have just said only reinforces that. Nothing you've said has been deleted. But lots of things other posters said on the thread have been deleted.

Snazzynewyear · 01/05/2013 10:02

May I suggest that those of us who wish to discuss the case as reported, which we are free to do, just carry on and ignore posts intended to derail the thread?

For anyone who's on Twitter @stevenmorris20 is the Guardian's reporter covering the case and will tweet from the trial.

georgedawes · 01/05/2013 10:16

I agree with Snazzy. Growlithe has made her point, no point keep engaging with her. It's not illegal to discuss the trial and it will be discussed whether some people like it or not.

Growlithe · 01/05/2013 10:17

Oh wow, you are following the case on Twitter?

RooneyMara · 01/05/2013 10:30

Twitter seems a bit unnecessary tbh

does any of us need to know this stuff instantly? It is horrible to read about. Possibly valid to want to know, but really, to be following on twitter is maybe a bit overinvested

still not going to judge, just...sad about it all

Spero · 01/05/2013 12:10

You don't want to be on twitter, don't be.

But if you want to judge the nature and extent to which I chose to engage with social media, don't expect me to be interested in, or thank you for your opinion.

Unless of course you can show me your shiny badge confirming your appointment as Thread Police.

HeySoulSister · 01/05/2013 12:43

anyway.....back to the thread

how many days is this expected to take?

Original poster
NorthernLurker · 01/05/2013 12:50

The jury were warned to expect 6 weeks. Of course there's two days lost due to Bank Holidays and I heard on the radio yesterday that the judge for this case has also just finished the case of the woman from Prestatyn who set fire to a pushchair in a hallway killing 5 people in the flat above. She has been found guilty but sentencing was deferred because he had to start this case. So there will be some time out for that as well.

OP posts:
georgedawes · 01/05/2013 12:55

I wonder if Bridger will give evidence in his defence.

Spero · 01/05/2013 13:17

With a defence like his, I doubt he will be giving evidence. I would leave it to the prosecution - they have to prove beyond reasonable doubt he is guilty, he doesn't have to prove anything.

NanaNina · 01/05/2013 13:39

Hi Spero nice to see you again. Note that our mutual "friend" JH has not been seen on MN for ages - we can only hope he has other fish to fry!

My god this thread is causing some upset isn't it - I haven't read all the posts but just on this page there are grown women squabbling and trying to score points - playgrounds come to mind. Most posters won't know that you are a Barrister because you always keep that quiet - think it's ok to say it as you have made it known on some of the other threads and I know your specialism is family law.

Re your comment above about evidence. Presumably the defendent will have legal representation. What do you think about what line counsel will be taking on his behalf, as if I understand it, the defendent has admitted to running over the child and then his mind going blank. Could he not be cross-examined by the prosecution, and likewise could counsel for the defendent cross examine any of the prosecution witnesses?

Growlithe · 01/05/2013 13:51

Knit one, pearl one.

georgedawes · 01/05/2013 13:56

Ian Huntley gave evidence with a similar defence, so who knows. You are quite right of course that it is for the prosecution to prove the case, beyond all reasonable doubt.

The defendant has the right to remain silent Nana.

RooneyMara · 01/05/2013 14:16

Purl I think Growlithe.

Spero, as I said I'm not judging and I can see why you have an investment in the proceedings if the PP is correct about your line of work. Totally understandable.

Growlithe · 01/05/2013 14:20

I'm sorry Rooney - I don't participate in their hobby myself.

RooneyMara · 01/05/2013 14:40

No no I understand, just being a pedant..I can't help myself.

edam · 01/05/2013 15:08

It's always good to see someone who is being smug and parading their superiority making a mistake. Pearl one indeed! (We all make mistakes, of course, including those people busy telling everyone else how far from perfect they are...)

Growlithe · 01/05/2013 15:33

Glad to see you've dragged your eyes away from the case to criticise my knitting skills Edam.