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Original poster

What's the point of pleading not guilty against clear evidence.

33 replies

Angrya · 06/12/2024 09:00

Hoping someone can help me understand.

A crime was commited in public in daylight, in front of witnesses and clear CCTV. Upon arrest the suspect told police officers "Yes I did it". They have now pleaded not guilty. What's the point?

I'm not trying to be stupid, just genuinely understand. Our family now needs to be dragged through a multi day trial when all the evidence is blatantly obvious.

OP posts:
Bromptotoo · 06/12/2024 10:19

Often becuase the defendant hopes 'something will turn up' or maybe a witness will not or become much less certain in the box and under oath.

Other times even if it looks open and shut there may be legal argument.

Hoppinggreen · 06/12/2024 10:21

Spite and/or I suppose theres always "hope"

vibratosprigato · 06/12/2024 10:22

Could they be hoping for a plea deal where they'll offer to plead guilty to a lesser offence?

BubblePerm · 06/12/2024 18:56

Angrya · 06/12/2024 09:20

The victim is a four year old child. There is no fucking defense. I understand she's not a reliable witness due to age but the other witnesses and CCTV is so fucking clear. I'm heartbroken

I am very sorry. Take heart; the judge can direct the jury.
It sounds like the evidence is compelling. I hope you get the verdict and sentencing needed, and that this part of the child's life will fade.

Chowtime · 06/12/2024 19:01

vibratosprigato · 06/12/2024 10:22

Could they be hoping for a plea deal where they'll offer to plead guilty to a lesser offence?

Plea deals aren't a thing here, it's an American concept.

vibratosprigato · 06/12/2024 20:56

@Chowtime prosecutors don't offer plea bargains in the uk but it is widespread for defendants to offer a guilty plea for alternative (lesser) charges or fewer charges. Friends of mine dealt with it last year after their cousin was killed in a drunk driving accident.

prh47bridge · 06/12/2024 23:58

BubblePerm · 06/12/2024 18:56

I am very sorry. Take heart; the judge can direct the jury.
It sounds like the evidence is compelling. I hope you get the verdict and sentencing needed, and that this part of the child's life will fade.

Show quote history

The judge cannot direct a guilty verdict, only a not guilty verdict.

Spooky2000 · 07/12/2024 01:47

BubblePerm · 06/12/2024 09:09

There has to be a unanimous or majority verdict from a jury that the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Defence barristers are experts at adducing reasonable doubt.
In an assault caught on CCTV they'd go for self defence. It may be that the victim had been violent to the defendant early, off screen, so the fear of the defendant of the victim may exonerate them.
Any evidence given against the victim and for the defendant is another layer of reasonable doubt.
They may evidence their mental health or state of mind at the time for a lesser conviction such as manslaughter instead of murder.
I recently attended a long trial as part of my job role where one of the defendents plead guilty to one of the murders.
Our prosecution barrister said that this was so rare, he had only seen it happen twice before in the whole of his long career.
Interesting thread.

This, basically. I work in the CJ system and I would always go for a trial if accused of a crime.

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