The Trial: A Murder in the Family ***warning - contains spoilers***

[NapQueen]

Anyone watching along? Starts tonight, 9pm, C4. Runs for five nights. I loved Broadchurch, and have been on a Jury, and love anything like this.

Hope its good!

radip times link

i dont know wether he could be convicted the ex wife said he could be agressive ie slapping her but that doesnt make him a murderer its all very subjective there is reasonable doubt i think.

It's not based on a real case.

Do you want a bit after the verdict with what actually happened? After all, the verdict is just what this jury decides. Not necessarily the truth.

Yes I was thinking that - it would be good to have a bit after the trial with what normally happens.
I'd have also liked to have seen a bit more about the advice the initial solicitor in the police station gives him, not just about advising him to say no comment. And if the no comment thing standard? I mean, if any of us are arrested for murder is that what we should be saying or is it different in different circumstances?

As far as I know many solicitors advise no comment in cases where it is difficult to prove innocence.

It's quite an easy get out as it's such common advice - 'why did you go no comment?' 'because my solicitor told me to'.

I can see why, given how statements seem to get distorted under cross examination - for example the boyfriend getting confused about street names.

On a balance of probability I would say the husband did it - but I do believe based on what I've seen so far there is reasonable doubt so would have to return not guilty.

Was also gritting my teeth about the comments regarding previous abuse.

I believe that, in Scotland, juries can return a verdict of 'Not Proven' - I think that would be useful in cases like this, where the prosecution has not proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.

After the result in tomorrow's episode they will show what really happened.

Oh good!

'No comment' is advised because in English law, there's a presumption of innoncence i.e. Innocent until proven guilty. A solicitor will want to know what evidence the police have so they can then advise their client on the best way to proceed. If they don't have any evidence then the charges will often be dropped on a no comment interview but if the client starts speaking, it's possible for things they've said to be interpreted to fit what the police want to bring a charge.

Who's in?

I hope he's innocent! I think it's normal to forget the odd thing and leave it too long before phoning an ambulance. Who knows how you'd react if you came across your spouse dead?

There's no evidence though is there?

Poor Christine, labelled as 'housewife!'!

I'm surprised at the lack of evidence. I can't see how he could be convicted unless something new comes up.

I'm watching it on +1, because I'm watching the cycling (the Giro D'Italia). I'll be with you all once the highlights are over and my men in Lycra have stepped off their bikes.

I do think it is a bit odd to leave it 8 minutes to phone an ambulance. Surely the first thing you'd do is ring 999?

And why hasn't the phone call he made to his mate before calling 999 again been mentioned? Surely that's crucial?

I think he could have just been in shock and also stressing he'd be assumed guilty. I worry about being assumed guilty for things when I'm not - normal, isn't it?

I am shocked how it's all about personality and not about evidence. I could not find him guilty, even though my gut feeling is that he is, because there is no evidence it was him (or the other man). It could have been anyone.

I am shocked how it's all about personality and not about evidence. I could not find him guilty, even though my gut feeling is that he is, because there is no evidence it was him (or the other man). It could have been anyone.

Yes, there is no evidence...I'm not even sure why he was charged? Just as likely to be Lewis as he has just said in closing speech

Thanks for the info re no comment, that makes sense. Would feel so weird though wouldn't it, if you knew you were inocent but had to keep answering no comment. You'd want to fight your corner I recon. Then again, you'd also want to take the advice of your solicitor!

It would be good if after the trial if the CPS people and the Defense team said what they think the verdict should have been, or tell us what would normally be the verdict in such a case. Haven't watched tonight's yet but so far if I was the jury I'd have to say not guilty as there isn't enough evidence, and seems quite possible it could also be the other guy.

It's bad luck the victim had two potentially violent partners.

I agree, I don't see how they can reach a guilty verdict on this evidence!

Xmasbaby11- although women can end up in abusive relationship after abusive relationship. That's why the freedom programme exists.

I love the defense lawyer and would want him on my side!

Ex army guy is pissed off he's not foreman 😀