Stevens looked up and over his spectacles then said, “I have seen your qualifications Mr Hayes, your reputation as a defence counsel goes before you and you are welcome, Miss Watts please continue.”
“Thank you Me Ludd, perhaps the jury could now be sworn.” She sat whilst the clerk signalled and the court usher walked over to the jury box, handing over the testament to each jury member for them to swear to try the case according to the evidence and return a true unbiased verdict, according to law.
Hayes then interceded, “Me Ludd may I please object to juror number six?”
“On what grounds?” asked His Lordship.
Hayes the ever mindful and cautious did not look around the court so as to give any indication who might have handed to the court usher the note now in front of him.
“My Lord, may I please address a question to this juror?”
The Judge nodded, to indicate he could.
“Madam, may I please ask you if you attend a coffee, shop in the place called Tarporley, trading under the title of Delwright’s Pantry?”
“I do,” she replied,” adding, “The nicest place and company in the county, it has good coffee too, fourteen varieties in fact.”
There were some laughs. Hayes waited for silence and then said, “Madam, please cast your mind back when you attended this place with your friends. Is it correct that this trial came up in conversation and during those exchanges you made derogatory marks against my clients. Such were your replies that it is my belief you are now prejudiced against the accused. I apply to His Lordship that you be directed to stand aside.”
Stevens looked up, “Madam you are excused jury service in this trial and any other. I will not tolerate your conduct in this matter. You must have been notified of your appearance here and advised not to discuss the case. This is not a place for common tittle-tattle in this Delwright’s Pantry or anywhere else. I advise other members of the jury to speak now if they have previously discussed this case prior to this hearing, especially it seems in the Pantry, if so please rise and be excused.
Two others, also of the Cheshire Set stood and all three left the box.
Hayes smiled, one up to him he thought. Jack Richards standing outside the rear door of the court, it being only slightly ajar smiled, especially when he saw the grim expression on the face of Mrs Delwright leading the Cheshire Set party who had looked forward to the entertainment of the trial but any hopes of getting an inside report had now been squashed.
Richards turned and walked away with a smile as he saw Doris also with a smile and waving her note book. He then replaced his note book into his pocket and the pen with it, “great minds think alike,” he thought.
Having achieved one up on the Pantry goers it was time to leave and for the coming days, continue those items which remained outstanding.
Inside the court the prosecution witnesses were called one by one and related that which they put into their statements to the police, and they related exactly what they had written.
Hayes asked the odd question but for once in his career he was unable to find any loopholes or exaggerations let alone lies from any thus far called.
Jack Richards meanwhile was in full cry, with the assistance of his new assistant George and a local craftsman he had a busy day far away from the court.
George was pleased when eventually she had been sent on a fast run to the forensic science Laboratory but to see Professors Hallam and Bolister and no-one else.
The screaming along the motorway in a marked patrol car was different, not as exciting as on the bike but better than the mundane task of detective work, apparently enjoyed so much by Jack Richards. All his efforts thus far or so she believed from what she had seen, heard or been told had got him no further forward in obtaining further evidence to strengthen the prosecution case.
The court proceedings continued. On the second day the time was taken up by the professional witnesses of the private forensic science company. They related how they had discovered the fibres from the coat of Ron on the furniture. They also confirmed that his DNA and that of Kyle had been discovered just as their reports had said.
As for Kyle and Ron things were looking as bleak as ever. Hayes it seemed could do nothing. He had of course advised them that the evidence against them was strong and despite his reading of the papers several times he could find no loopholes. Both had refused to change their pleas to guilty in spite of being told that the Judge would likely give a more lenient sentence if a confession was received.
Jack Richards had sat waiting with bated breath for the results and so when the call came he despatched George, this time on her machine to collect the reports. She complied willingly.
There was some apprehension that star witness Jordan Rochester had failed to show. Honeysuckle realised only too well that her case was really air tight but one could never take a chance with juries. Especially now the two accused were so badly mutilated from the attacks upon them in prison. No, it was still vital that her colleague in law Jordan Rochester should appear.
Messages had been sent to Doris who in turn had telephoned Rochester. He did answer his phone, really much to her surprise and yes he did promise he would be attending the next day but one as he had been told.
Eventually Doris heard, Rochester was to be on a night flight home and would ensure when it landed at eight the following day he would travel directly to the court. Doris gave a sigh of relief, passing on the good news to Kinsella and Watkiss, naturally Honeysuckle was updated by the CPS, and it was all systems go.
Doris was now called to give her evidence as was Kinsella and thus both officers spent practically the rest of the day relating the full and detailed enquiries they had made.
Kinsella was not slow to point out that neither accused had been particularly helpful and or cooperative.
Detailed evidence line by line takes a massive amount of time.
Hayes coming back with various points appeared professional but from the expressions on the faces of the jury he had revealed little or nothing.
Jack Richards on the other hand had good news and so attended the court.
The proceedings were over at four o’clock that afternoon. He approached the Crown Prosecution Service solicitor, Bethany Robinson stating that he had an update.
He was more than surprised to be told, Honeysuckle was satisfied all the relevant evidence had been given. Richards could, if he wished submit a full report but as he was now retired and only an advisor the prosecution would rather not waste the time of the court calling him.
He stood almost aghast on hearing this. It was no comfort either, when Chief Constable Watkiss and the Commissioner had stopped to pass the time of day and to pass on regrets at the news Jack was no longer required, they then walked on leaving him with the prosecutors.
Kinsella and Doris now arrived and stood, Doris intending to say how sorry she was. All it seemed had heard the conversation with Richards, telling him he was no longer required..
He felt obliged in the interest of justice to say, “But Miss Watts, as I have told your solicitor, it is my belief that these murders were committed by one named Janet Black and not by the two people currently accused.”
The prosecution duo burst into laughter, and Honeysuckle said, “Mr Richards, who the hell is Janet Black? There is no mention of anyone named Janet Black, anywhere. Dear, dear please do not think me rude but Janet Black how ridiculous.”
“Please read the papers I have here, you will then see.” He came back.
“No thank you Mr Richards, it is too late we have work to do, please, if it makes you feel better leave the information you have at the CPS office, but really, Janet Black. How could a woman have the strength to commit these murders?”
Suddenly there was shouting and so all turned to see a man beating a woman.
Honeysuckle was astonished and exclaimed, “who on earth is that thug.? Where are the police, you can never find a policeman when you need one.”
With that a very large policewoman arrived. Well over six feet tall with a physique to match. Without hesitation she grabbed the offending man with one hand and then with the other she brought her closed fist down onto the top of his head. In a moment she picked him up and was carrying him away unconscious, under her arm.
“That man was in the other court,” said solicitor Bethany Robinson, “He was charged with assaulting his wife, and was bound over to keep the peace.”
Jack interceded and said “the officer was a policewoman known as Big Sal, as you say Miss Watts, women have no strength and could not possibly had committed these crimes.” This appeared to make no impression for there was no reaction.
It was a hopeless case, Jack could see that, worse, he saw the Herald reporter Miss Bessie Bromley standing nearby, notepad in hand, he would be headlines in the local newspaper for certain.
Honeysuckle finally called “Never mind Richards, you have done your best and in difficult circumstances, thank you for what you have done, although I admit I was not keen in your involvement when I was told. Please submit your expenses claim to the police finance office,” she said as she walked off.
The Commissioner, less discreet, could be heard saying, “Chief, these old coppers and their old days, I have always said it was a waste of time and expense, even his costs will be a drain on the budget.”
Kinsella on the other hand was less discreet than even the Commissioner, “Mr Richards, it is time for you to return home I think. You toddle off and sit on that rocking chair on your veranda and watch the sun go down, just like the old cowboys in the western movies. No, on second thoughts you take Anne off on holiday; I believe by you left your duties to attend a holiday recently. Where was it now, yes the Cayman Islands I heard from a taxi driver or so your Anne had said to him.”
She turned and left before Jack could reply.
He stood with only Doris now at his side, “I am so sorry Mr Richards, I mean, to have wasted your time. I know I have not been involved much with your enquires, but I have no doubt they were thorough, as always. We must remember however this was an open and shut case right from the start, it was the money you see, yes getting the money from the old people. Still one never likes to see an old copper in trouble. A real shame it is that his wife and he were attacked, really though, how did you come up with Janet Black?”
Jack smiled and said, “Quite, yes quite, oh if I were you I should get your star witness a lift from the airport I suspect if he changes his mind and fails to attend it would not go down well. Please excuse me Inspector I must go. I do tend to stop talking and holding people up. Yes a nuisance I think I have become in old age. I promise each time to stop but never do.” He turned and walked away.
Doris looked at him as he went off, his mobile phone now in his hand, making a call, no doubt to Anne to tell her what happened.
All his time and effort a waste of time what a sad end to a wonderful career,” she thought, “a clear indication of not knowing when to stop.”
Doris had also seen the press reporter and that she had made a note, another bitter blow for the reputation of Jack, back home in Tarporley if she published what had taken place, especially with the Cheshire Set.
Hayes meanwhile had just finished speaking with his clients and so was off home. Tomorrow was the final day of the trial when and if Jordan Rochester arrived his evidence would be the last nail in the coffin on their case against his clients.
He was walking to his car when he heard the ping on his mobile phone. “Blast he thought, is that the wife wanting something picking up, not ideal on a day like this.” Still, if he wanted to eat and get his washing done he had to comply.
Jordan Rochester meanwhile was all packed and ready to return to the UK. It would only be one day in court and then return directly to complete the final period of his holiday. It would of course soon be all holiday for him, once everything was signed and sealed as he had planned.
Chapter 11
The following morning at nine o’clock Doris Scott-Ling accompanied by Inspector Tom Striker, found herself standing at the arrivals desk at Manchester airport. The relief on her face was clearly visible when she saw Jordan Rochester and his wife Eunice come through the doors.
Stepping forward she approached them, “Good morning to you Mr Rochester, and you also Mrs Rochester we thought it would be convenient to give you a lift and save you the taxi fare.”
Jordan laughed, “I suspect you thought I would not arrive at the court on time. Officer really, I am a solicitor, an officer of the court, why on earth would you think I would wish to be held in contempt and go to prison like a common criminal?”
“Nothing like that sir,” replied Doris although she realised he was telling the truth.
“I hope we will not be going back in some common marked police patrol car, our dignity in Tarporley will be seriously compromised,” complained class conscious Eunice.
This ignored, the officers had arranged for the party to avoid the arrivals procedure and thus they arrived outside and were soon inside the plain large unmarked police car, much to the relief of Mrs Rochester.
“We are going direct to the court, the case resumes at ten thirty,” said Doris.
“Yes indeed,” replied Jordan, “we have a flight back late tonight, as soon as I have given my evidence, I will seek permission from the Judge to be excused so that we can return to our holiday. I dare not go home or to the office some stupid client or other will want something.”
Arriving at the court, Eunice was shown by Doris into the court the Ushers finally finding her seat in the centre of the room where the witnesses who had already given evidence were sat.
The packed court including the Cheshire Set, all gazed at this new arrival who was seemingly given a preferential seat. The Delwright crowd were all smiles at Eunice and she at them, even a wave, though no kisses on this occasion.
The Judge arrived, the usual procedure from the clerk calling the court to order followed by the bows and then the silence.
“Call Jordan Rochester,” said Honeysuckle, a very happy and contented prosecution barrister, the case was nearly won.
Jordan walked in, following the usher to the witness box and then once inside he gave the oath. Then stood to undergo the ordeal all witnesses faced, standing in a crowded court all eyes and ears upon him.
A solicitor for many years he had been in courts all his working life but now it was much different being in the witness box than standing outside asking the questions. It was he now thought, a matter of control, in the past he had been in control of events, now, he was a small figure in a massive room, crowded and all waiting to listen to what he had to say.
Honeysuckle commenced, “Mr Rochester were you the solicitor to all the victims in this case and had so you acted for many years?”
“I was,” he replied.
“Would you please relate to the court what your roll was in the life in these poor souls so tragically taken from us,” asked Honeysuckle attempting to bring in the sympathy weapon.
“I was their family solicitor and mentor, yes mentor to of course, their husbands and wives before them. I undertook all their legal transactions. I also advised them upon their investments and in some cases I arranged for the sales of land they had. This money was later used for the benefit of their families upon their passing and as we all now know for the benefit of the two accused.”
There were now bad looks at Kyle and Ron Gittins from the court audience and the media. Rochester himself gave a gasp as he finally turned to see them sitting so badly mutilated.
Honeysuckle continued, “Mr Rochester, would you please relate to the court what you know of the relationship between the two defendants and your clients?”
“I will indeed," he said, “my clients reported to me that they were more than happy with the services of both Nurse and Mr Gittins. In fact they went further, by saying they felt they owed a debt to them not only for the excellent care but also the additional small thi
ngs Mrs Gittins did, way above her nursing duties and this was really appreciated. As it was with husband Ron, an ex local police officer and well known to each of the deceased and all in the community in fact. A keen gardener he had worked hard in their gardens for a pittance really.
The Judas Murders Page 25