Kavanagh QC (1995) s02e06 Episode Script
Job Satisfaction
(Radio chatter) (clamouring and shouting) (Shouting continues) REPORTER: Mr Kavanagh.
Mr Kavanagh.
(clamouring) (Distant shouting) What's all this, Sammy boy, eh? Homework? Give me the book back, Connor.
How can you read this stuff, eh? It's boring.
I'm trying to prepare my defence here you moron.
.
I'll bet you look a right prat in that court.
Poncing around, playing at being your own brief.
Have you told the jury what it feels like yet? What what feels like? Oh, you know what I mean, Sammy.
Picking up a shotgun.
Doing the business on your mum and dad.
Make you feel good, did it.
When you pulled the trigger? What's so bloody funny? (Laughs) You are, Connor.
You're such a classic, working-class, criminal stereotype.
(Laughs) Aaargh! (Laughs) (Laughs hysterically) SAM: There is more to this vicious assault than meets the eye, Your Honour.
What are you talking about, Mr Wicks? I think the attack was instigated by my half-brother.
Duncan Pembridge.
You are saying that a prosecution witness in this case arranged to have you beaten up in prison? Exactly.
It sounds a highly unlikely scenario.
But whatever happened, it has no relevance to this inquiry.
Duncan put them up to it.
I'd say that was relevant.
JUDGE: You are wasting the courts time.
This case is about the murder of David and Alice Pembridge.
Your misadventures on remand have nothing to do with that.
The reason my sister and I are here now is because of our half-brother's vendetta.
Now.
I submit that the assault has everything to do with this case.
JUDGE: I'm not going to spend any more time on this.
Kindly call in the jury.
Oh.
Mr Wicks this alleged incident must not on any account be brought up in front of the jury.
Do I make myself clear? Yes! Hm? Your Honour.
Sam Sam Are you all right? Yes.
It's just a cut.
It's really nothing.
Er no, no, no.
You must not talk to each other in that informal manner.
You might easily give the impression to the jury that you are colluding in your defense.
We would not want them to think that you were advising your sister on what to say.
Would you, Mr Wicks? The thing is.
Sam's utterly impossible.
Never listens to advice.
Always thinks he knows better.
KAVANAGH: That cleverness will bring our client down with him if we're not careful.
There's only so much a solicitor can do, James.
I made it clear to Caroline that if she knew anything untoward about Sam's role in all this, she should help her own case and say so.
You know what her attitude to that was.
KAVANAGH: They stand or fall together.
Indeed.
I feel sorry for the girl.
I mean looking at her, it's hard to believe she could have been involved in this.
If she'd distance herself even slightly from her brother's story, we might get her off the murder charge, at least.
Loyal to a fault.
Mr Pembridge.
Could you tell the count your relationship to the accused? They are my half-brother and sister.
They are David Pembridge's children by his first marriage? Yes.
They took their mother's maiden name after the divorce.
And on his remarriage.
did your father continue to provide financially for his first two children? PEMBRIDGE: Yes he did He was exceptionally generous to them.
More so than the law required? That's a leading question.
It's putting answers into the witness's mouth.
I am happy to rephrase the question.
Your Honour.
In what way was your father generous to the accused? He told us all that we would have an equal share in his estate.
He also frequently loaned Sam large sums of money.
Why did he do that? Sam had all sorts of business schemes over the years.
Dad often helped him get started.
Then bailed him out when they crashed.
Which they always did.
PROSECUTOR: Was the defendant.
Sam Wicks.
ever refused when he asked your father for money? Yes.
Once.
And when was that? In November of last year.
Sam asked for a loan to start up some sort of publishing company.
We told Sam it wasn't on.
And how did he react? He was very angry.
Mr Pembridge, could you please tell the court what happened at the Pembridge farm on December 16th? It was a Sunday morning, so none of the staff were about.
I came in at about 11 and found Sam and Caroline with Mum and Dad.
The atmosphere was very bad.
Dad took me aside and said that Sam was still going on about the loan.
Dad wouldn't change his mind about it.
I lost my temper and told Sam a few home truths.
I was fed up with the whole business, so I went back out to the fields.
I wish to God I hadn't.
Did you see your father again, alive, that day? I saw him outside the house at about one.
And did you see Sam or Caroline Wicks again that day? I saw their car leaving just after three.
And what time did you return to the house? Just after four.
And what did you find? Mum and Dad weren't in the living room, so I thought they must have gone out.
So, I went into the kitchen to make myself some tea.
They were both er lying on the floor There was blood everywhere.
On the floor the walls.
They were unrecognisable.
And what else did you notice.
Mr Pembridge? My father's shotgun was lying on the floor by his side.
There was also a blanket on the floor near it.
Is this the blanket? Yes.
(Clears throat) It's a travel blanket my mother kept in the living room.
(Murmuring) Where was your father's shotgun kept.
As a rule? In a case in the hall.
The shells were locked in a drawer.
And how many people knew where the gun and the ammunition were kept? Apart from myself and my mother, only Sam and Caroline, that I know of.
Could you tell the court a little more about the circumstances of your birth, Mr Pembridge? - Do I have to answer that? - Yes.
I was born before my parents were able to marry.
How long before, exactly? 11 years.
It's the case, isn't it, that for over 11 years, your mother and my father had a clandestine affair? During that time.
the fact that he was your father was kept secret.
It was only much later that he acknowledged you as his son, divorced my mother and married yours.
- That has nothing to do with anything.
- I think it does.
You've always held a grudge against Caroline and I.
Rubbish.
I will decide what is rubbish, Mr Pembridge.
You will answer the question.
No.
I have never held a grudge.
Oh.
You resented us for having the life that you thought was rightfully yours.
This has nothing to do with it.
JUDGE: I will not tell you again.
Answer the questions.
No.
I did not resent anything about your life.
It's a ridiculous suggestion.
SAM".
If my sister and I are convicted of this murder then you become sole beneficiary of our father's will, don't you? You disgusting You need all his money to run the farm, and that's why you want us out of the way.
It's you who wanted the money! He wouldn't loan you what you wanted, so you murdered them.
You're lying about the time we left.
So that you can pin it on us! You're taking advantage of this tragedy.
- You killed them - You'd tell any lie that suited you! Be quiet, both of you.
Mr Pembridge you will behave yourself in the witness box.
Mr Wicks.
Even though some may feel it ill-advised.
The undertaking of your own defence is your right.
And the count is obliged to help.
But I will not have you barrack and abuse the witnesses.
And you will keep your emotions in check.
Now, do you have any further questions for this witness? No.
I have no questions for this person.
(Door opens) KAVANAGH: Mr Pembridge, when you went back into the house at four.
The front door was open, wasn't it? Yes.
Wasn't normally left open, was it? No.
not normally.
You told the police that the only people who had keys to the front door, apart from yourself and your parents.
Were Sam and Caroline Wicks.
That wasn't strictly true.
was it? PEMBRIDGE: Yes /I is we.
Are you saying your mother was not in the habit of leaving a spare key under a plant pot? She did do that sometimes, yes.
Why didn't you tell that to the police? I forgot.
It wasn't important.
Anyone could have picked up that key and walked in.
That's ridiculous.
Yes.
I suppose so.
You didn't tell the police about this spare key, because you didn't want to turn attention away from the people you believe to be guilty.
Namely my client Caroline Wicks and her brother Sam.
No, it just slipped my mind.
You're not interested in any evidence that might help to clear them.
- I don't understand what you're insinuating.
- Don't you? I'll make myself perfectly clear.
then.
I suggest you are prejudiced against the defendants and your evidence is tainted as a result.
That's the game, is it? Have a go at me to distract attention from them? You are prejudiced, aren't you? I deny that.
KAVANAGH: Very well How would you describe your relationship with your half-brother and sister? We're not close.
I wouldn't pretend otherwise.
There was a permanent state of simmering hostility between you and them That wasn't my choice.
They were the ones who harboured a grudge.
- You hate them.
- Could you blame me if I did? Yes.
I hate him I feel sorry for her.
Why do you feel sorry for her? Because she's completely under his thumb.
She'd do whatever he asked her to.
She'd walk off a cliff.
(Sam laughs uncontrollably) KAVANAGH: Mr Pembridge a large number of items were stolen from the house, weren't they? A few things.
Some silver, a few ornaments.
It's obvious Sam took those, just to make it look like a burglary.
KAVANAGH: I suggest it's only obvious to you.
It the atmosphere was so bad when you went in during the morning.
How do you explain the fact that by your account.
Caroline and her brother stayed for at least a further four hours.
until three? I have no idea.
Actually, they left before one.
No, definitely not.
It was three when I saw Sam's car leaving.
That is what you want to believe, because you saw your father alive after one o'clock.
And if my client and her brother had already left, they couldn't have killed him.
I saw them leaving at three.
You convinced yourself of that, because you desperately want it to be true.
The fact is.
Mr Pembridge.
You are incapable of giving any objective evidence to this jury.
(Clears throat) (Whispered conversation) - Lizzie.
- It's your dad.
He's had a stroke.
I had this notion that charity work mostly involved sitting in a helicopter with Bob Geldof.
(Laughs) The truth is, this place is just bloody hard work.
You look pretty good on it, though.
You're developing that sort of heroic aura, that makes those of us who do nothing at all feel so guilty! That's what I wanted to talk about.
I want you to do something for me, Julia.
I want you to consider putting a hold on your extremely promising legal career to go to Africa and help run a refugee programme enduring frankly appalling hardships, and earning almost no money into the bargain.
For a year or so.
Golly.
Do you spring this on all your friends? Only the ones I think are up to the job.
Believe me.
Julia.
I know what I'm doing.
Well, don't dismiss the idea out of hand.
Think about it for a while.
If there's anything you need to know.
Just give me a call.
(Water gurgling) LIZZIE: There's no point rushing up to Bolton if that's not what your mother wants.
We can go on the weekend.
You can make your decision about the trial after that.
Its just the thought of Sam Wicks crashing about the courtroom like some unguided missile.
If I went away how, God knows what he'll have done to his sister's case by the time I get back.
Jim she said your dad's OK.
There's not a lot we can do up there.
Anyway.
I've known the Pembridge family all my life.
I used to help Alice in the farm shop in the summer months.
How well did you know Sam and Caroline Wicks? Extremely well.
I would recognise them anywhere.
Mrs Tully.
Could you tell the count what happened on the afternoon of December 16th? I was driving along the road that runs past the Pembridge farm, when I saw a car coming very fast towards me.
I thought we were going to crash.
I had to pull sharply to the side of the road.
Did you recognise the car? MRS TULLY: Yes.
I knew Whose it was as soon as I saw it.
It was Sam's car.
Did you see who was in the car? MRS TULLY: Sam and Caroline You're sure it was them? It was their car.
What time did this incident take place? About three o'clock.
Thank you, Mrs Tully.
(Sam clears throat) Mr Kavanagh.
It's my turn next, isn't it? Mr Kavanagh.
You were very close to Alice Pembridge, weren't you, Mrs Tully? We were very good friends.
I probably knew her as well as anyone outside the family circle.
She was such a good woman.
She had to put up with so much.
What exactly do you mean by that? I mean she made every effort to establish a good relationship with Grace's children.
But they took every chance they could to hurt or humiliate her.
KAVANAGH: Did she tell you that? No.
she wasn't the type to complain.
So.
how do you know? Well it didn't happen while you were there.
Did it? MRS TULLY: No.
norm front of me.
KAVANAGH: So how do you know? - It was common knowledge.
Common knowledge? You mean village chitchat, gossip in the pub? Of course not! Was it Duncan Pembridge who told you? No.
Now, about this business of the car, Mrs Tully.
At what speed were you driving when you saw it? About 30mph, but the other car was going much faster.
And when you saw this car coming towards you, at great speed, in your lane.
You naturally took evasive action? Yes, that's right.
You turned sharply to the side of the road.
And yet, while all this was going on, you still had time to see that Sam and Caroline Wicks - were in the other car? - Yes.
Who was driving? Sam.
Sam was driving.
KAVANAGH: You don '1' seem very sure.
- I'm sure it was Sam.
What was he Wearing? I don't know.
There was no time to see.
What about Carmine Wicks? What was she wearing? MRS TULLY: (can? remember.
The fact is.
that at the time.
You weren't sure who was driving.
It was only after you heard of the arrests that you began to believe it was them.
I'm completely clear in my own mind about what happened.
You are predisposed to think the worst of the defendants.
And this prejudice against them has led you to a conclusion that goes far beyond what you actually saw.
I've no questions, Your Honour.
Couldn't have done it better myself.
Thank you for coming, Mrs Tully.
That was most helpful.
The blanket was wrapped around the gun barrels.
The victims were then shot from point-blank range.
PROSECUTOR: And what was the purpose of the blanket? To muffle the sound of the shots.
Did you find the fingerprints of the defendant, Mr Wicks, on the gun? Yes.
On the stock.
on the trigger guard.
And along the barrels.
Were there any other prints on the gun, Dr Ashurst? There were prints matching those of Duncan Pembridge and his father, as well as others that remain unidentified.
Could these have belonged to one of Mr Pembridges employees? No.
All the farm workers were fingerprinted.
None of them matched.
So, there are fingerprints on the gun that remain unidentified and unexplained.
Thank you.
Dr Ashurst.
Africa? You're out of your mind.
You're ill.
One of those hysterical fits intelligent women are prone to.
(Laughs) At least you think I'm intelligent.
I'm not ill.
I just want to do something different.
You can't leave the most noble of professions to work for charity.
Come on, Jeremy, you must have felt like a change.
Felt like a change? The Bar isn't a bus, Julia.
You can't just get on and off.
There is a big world out there, Jeremy, beyond the Inns of Court, and I'd like to see some of it.
And maybe do something helpful at the same time.
Julia, my dear, get a grip on yourself.
Believe me, I understand the pull of compassion.
I was watching a programme on TV just the other night about oh, some famine or other.
Bloody awful situation.
Made me feel dreadful.
Do you know what I did? Switched over to another channel.
I felt better almost immediately.
If you want to do something useful, sign a cheque.
Oh, thank you, Jeremy.
I knew I could rely on you for a perceptive overview.
But what about all your friends here? They'll miss you.
I'll miss you.
As As a chum.
Co-worker.
KAVANAGH: Miss Wicks.
How Would you describe your relationship with your father and his second wife? (Faintly) It was all right.
We got on.
Speak up, please, Miss Wicks.
We got on.
Where did you live after the break-up of your parents' marriage? CAROLINE: With Mum.
She germ.
though.
She had to go to the hospital Did you see your father much in those days? Not to begin with.
More after Mum died.
Was there any tension or disagreement between you when you met? No.
Nothing serious.
I mean, we had rows sometimes, didn't we, Sam? Please, er address your answers to Counsel.
KAVANAGH: Did you have a row on the morning of December 16th? No.
Duncan made that up.
His evidence about the row that morning is untrue, then? The only person angry was Duncan.
He hated us being on our own with Dad.
He wanted to know everything.
But Dad was talking business with Sam.
Poor Duncan.
He'd get so upset.
KAVANAGH: What time did you leave the house? Lunch time.
Before one.
We went for a burger.
Didn't we, Sam? Sorry.
KAVANAGH: In her evidence.
Mrs Tully described a near-accident involving what she believed to be your brother's car.
What do you say to that? It never happened.
KAVANAGH: It never happened? Thank you, Miss Wicks.
(Sam coughs) Do you remember when Dad and I used to go clay-pigeon shooting? Is that the one where you throw plates up in the air? (Laughter) SAM: I used Dad's shotgun.
didn't I? - Yes.
So, that's how my fingerprints got onto the gun.
DUNCAN".
That's a bloody lie! You never did that with Dad.
He wouldn't have trusted you with his gun! Sit down immediately.
Or I will have you removed.
This is a bloody farce! He's feeding her Mr Wicks is cross-examining in a perfectly proper fashion.
He has every right to ask He might as well have a bloody parrot Your Honour, I find Mr Pembridge's intervention highly intimidating.
How can I get a fair trial? I think you are being mischievous, Mr Wicks.
However.
I will not let this court descend into anarchy.
Remove that man immediately.
I suggest you go for a long walk.
Mr Pembridge.
and calm down.
Don't touch me.
Get off! (Murmuring) JUDGE: Now silence' Mr Wicks.
Caroline are you absolutely sure that we left the house before one o'clock on December 16th? Yes.
Were Dad and Alice alive when we left? Yes.
Do you know anything about how they died? It must have been a burglar.
Did you murder them, Caroline? No.
Did I? Er.
.
Caroline? No, you didn't.
PROSECUTOR: Miss Wicks.
do you remember the night of October 12th {est year? You and your brother went to the Poacher restaurant in Chorley village with David and Alice Pembridge.
didn't you? CAROLINE: / can? / don? really remember.
Well, do you remember the argument between David Pembridge and Sam Wicks? An argument so violent that you were asked to leave by the manager? No.
Are you saying it didn't take place? - I can't remember.
- Very well then.
What about the morning of November 23rd? Did you go to your father's farm that day? I don '1' know which days we went.
You went with your brother that morning.
And another argument developed.
This time in front of the farm manager.
Voices were raised.
and atone point your brother shook his fist.
That's true.
isn't it? I'm not saying I didn't say we were perfect.
We were just a normal family.
This argument was over money, wasn't it? The money your father wouldn't lend him to start his new business.
- You have lied to this count haven't you? - No.
Your father had no intention of giving you or your brother any money, did he? Yes.
Sam needed it.
On the morning of December 16th he told you both yet again that he would not give Sam his loan.
And a violent argument ensued.
didn't it? I can't remember I can't remember what he said.
There was a row, wasn't there? Leave her alone! Sit down.
I will not warn you again.
Look, he's bullying her.
It's not fair.
Sit down.
I put it to you that the truth of this matter is that following a final argument over the loan.
You and your brother took your father's gun and shot David and Alice Pembridge dead.
Now.
that's the way it happened.
isn't it? No.
You've done nothing but lie about it since, have you? - You love your brother, don't you? - Yes.
- You'd do anything for him? - He looks after me.
He told you what to say at this trial.
Didn't he? He gave you the words to memorise.
- I want to stop now.
- But it's impossible to sustain these lies.
I'm not lying.
The sad truth is that when it became clear that there was no more money to be squeezed from your father.
You cynically and cold-bloodedly murdered him and his wife.
To lay your hands on your inheritance.
That's the way it happened, isn't it? I wish they weren't dead! I wish they hadn't been shot.
I miss him! (Caroline sobs) He was my dad.
(Buzz of conversation) We make a good team, Mr Kavanagh.
I hadn't thought of it quite that way.
I always wanted to be a lawyer, you know.
Maybe I'll take it up when this is over.
What do you think? I wouldn't like to say.
A cautious answer, Mr Kavanagh.
I like that.
I erm I wanted to thank you.
For looking after Caroline.
Just doing my job, Mr Wicks.
She's erm never been the same since our parents broke up.
I've had to be like a father to her.
You know whats really tearing her up? How much Duncan hares us He'll never be happy until he's destroyed us.
Completely.
CLERK".
The count will rise.
PROSECUTOR: A motive for murder is clearly identifiable.
The accused Wanted money.
And when refused a loan.
they decided to obtain it by another method, namely by killing their parents to inherit the estate in which they knew they had a share.
The evidence of the witnesses Duncan Pembridge and Barbara Tully shows convincingly that the accused lied about the time they left the house that day.
And if you accept that they did lie, then you must ask yourselves Why? KAVANAGH: The witnesses Duncan Pembridge and Barbara Tully should be regarded with the utmost caution.
It is quite clear that their bias against the defendants renders their evidence partial.
And unreliable.
The circumstances of the divorce and remarriage divided the community in which the Pembridges lived, and led to strong allegiances, both for and against them and their children.
Those feelings ran deep.
And a bitter prejudice remains.
But Caroline Wicks cannot be judged on local prejudice.
She must be judged on the evidence, and there is not one scrap of physical evidence that links her directly to the crime.
SAM: The truth here is that my sister and I are the victims of a cruel stroke of timing On December 16th.
A burglar broke into the house after we'd left, and for reasons only he can explain he killed them.
That man is sitting out there somewhere now, secure in the knowledge that fate, malicious gossip and coincidence have combined to put two innocent people where he should be.
I'm asking you to find us not guilty of these charges so that the search for the real killer can begin and my sister and I can be given time, at last to grieve for the father that we loved.
All this fuss over nothing! Matt sends his love, Grandad, and he's sorry he can't be here.
If I had the choice between here and New Zealand, I know where I'd rather be.
How is he? Well, the doctors say it were mild, as strokes go.
His right hands a big shaky, but he'll make a complete recovery, as long as he's careful.
You'll have to tie him down, then.
You're not to worry about us.
You've got your work to do.
It's all right.
Just a bit tired, that's all.
I can be back in hours if you need me.
We'll be fine.
I could stay on.
The main job's done.
You'll only fret.
Go on.
Come back to us when you can.
In his summing-up.
You heard Mr Kavanagh suggest that this case was about a family feud, and the antagonism shown by Duncan Pembridge towards the defendants.
But you might feel that that is not necessarily the vital issue.
You might remember the evidence about the row on the morning of the killings.
The paucity of evidence for a burglary.
The fingerprints on the murder weapon.
And the motive established by the prosecution.
And if you were concerned that much of that evidence came from Duncan Pembridge.
You may comfort yourself in the consideration that his evidence was supported in important respects by Mrs Tully.
Who told you that she saw the defendants speeding away from the farm.
Two hours after the time they told you they had left.
Now.
I must warn you to consider Mrs Tully's evidence very carefully to satisfy yourselves that she was in a position to identity the defendants accurately.
Let Kate do that, Marjorie.
You sit down.
No, it's all right, dear.
There's not much.
Actually, I do feel a bit faint.
I'll just sit here a minute.
It'll pass.
I'll soon be myself.
(Gasps) Marjorie? (Panting) Listen You're not to say anything to Alfred.
I don't want him worried.
It's nothing.
Call an ambulance.
(Groans) CLERK".
Members of the jury.
have you reached a verdict on which you all agree? We have.
How do you find the defendant, Samuel Thomas Wicks, on the charge of murder? Guilty or not guilty? FOREMAN: Guilty CLERK".
How do you find the defendant.
Caroline Angela Wicks.
On the charge of murder? Guilty or not guilty? FOREMAN: GL///fy (Murmuring) Why didn't she say something? She couldn't have suffered much, love.
How could she not mention a heat condition? There was nothing to be done.
She didn't want you to worry.
I'm her son.
I had a right to know! Are you all right? (Door slams) WARDER: Whats the matter with you, Wicks? (Crying) I want to see my brother.
You're not going to.
Time you got used to the idea.
I want to see Sam! Let me see him! It's obvious he can't look after himself.
Try getting him to admit that.
So.
What do We do? He's never going to move in with Grahame and Cynthia or us, for that matter.
Well, we don't have to do anything for a while.
Let's stay and see how things look in a couple of weeks.
(Kavanagh clears throat) - Jim? I meant to mention it earlier.
There's going to be an appeal in the Wicks case.
Oh, for God's sake, Jim, couldn't you have turned it down? - Haven't you got enough to do? - Well, I must do something.
No point brooding.
But you've just said we have to do something about your father.
How can you solve that problem in the Court of Appeal? Don't you think that you're avoiding the real issue? You haven't mentioned your mother once since she died.
You've just closed yourself off.
That's why you're so keen to go back to court.
It's so you can hide.
Don't start giving me that psychiatric mumbo-jumbo.
What do you want me to do? Go around crying and hugging everybody? It might be a start.
I'll speak to Dad before I go in the morning.
I'm not interested.
You can save your breath.
Nobody said anything about a home.
I'm talking about a trained nurse coming in for a few hours a day to make sure you're all right.
- Nurses cost money.
- I'll pay for it.
I won't be beholden.
You're being totally unreasonable.
And you're interfering.
(Alarm rings) She'd only been there a few seconds.
She's not seriously hurt.
Prison will kill her.
You've got to get her out of there.
That rests with the Court of Appeal, Mr Wicks.
Well at least we won't have the jury to worry about.
I'd rather put my faith in the judges.
At least they're qualified to examine the evidence properly.
I've I've been studying the precedents.
And.
in my opinion.
There are two grounds we can win on.
The newspaper coverage was prejudicial, and the prosecution kept on asking leading questions.
The leading questions go nowhere.
The evidence would have come out anyway.
And I don't believe the Court of Appeal would ever find the media coverage prejudicial enough to make the conviction unsafe.
The papers put us in here.
It was a campaign of vilification.
Now, I want you to nail them.
Perhaps I'm not making myself clear, Mr Wicks.
The coverage may have upset you, but as grounds for overturning the conviction it's a nonstarter.
Mr Kavanagh feels that Judge Ransomes summing-up was seriously flawed.
God, he was against us from the start.
I doubt that but whatever the reason.
It offers us a number of avenues for argument.
All right.
If you say so.
You're the expert.
Mr Wicks if you're not happy.
You have every right to look elsewhere.
No.
I'm putting my faith in you, Mr Kavanagh.
I'm very confident you're not going to let me down.
(Julia clears throat) It was very decent of you, Jeremy.
No, it was the least I could do.
Would you like a brandy or liqueur? Mmm.
Both, please, in the same glass.
The truth is.
I I do have an ulterior motive for this invitation.
Oh, I thought you just wanted to wish me goodbye in style.
Well, that's partly it, of course.
Erm The thing is, I've been thinking.
Ah And I'm sure it's the right thing for both of us.
The thing is (Pants) The thing is I want you to marry me.
(Laughs) Oh, my God.
- You're serious? - Yes, I'm deadly serious.
But why? Because, despite appearances, were right for each other.
We're total opposites.
We don't agree about anything.
We're utterly, completely, and hilariously mismatched.
No, no, that's the whole point.
Don't you see? We're suppressing what we really feel beneath a facade of bickering It's not a facade, Jeremy.
We're genuinely incompatible.
I know why you're going to Africa.
You're struggling to fill a void in your emotional life.
Sacrificing your best years to the starving isn't the answer.
- Oh, and you are? - Yes.
It's suddenly become clear to me.
God! When I think of the years I've wasted with ghastly debs and braindead bimbos when all along, what I've wanted is someone with guts and spirit.
Backbone.
Someone, in short, like you.
Well I can honestly say I'm surprised No, that doesn't sound quite right.
I think I think "astounded" might be the word.
Well? Absolutely, unconditionally, no! Don't rush into anything.
- Jeremy - Now.
don't say another word.
Just give yourself some time to get used to the idea.
I think you'll find I'm right.
A-N-T.
"Ant"? That's a bit feeble.
Dad's got his mind on higher things.
What's that supposed to mean? Nothing.
It's just.
You've hardly been here since Gran died.
And even when you are.
You wish you weren't.
It's not fair to leave it to Mum.
You should be here with Grandad.
Oh, don't be so bloody self righteous.
Shhh I suppose you're going to say she's got a point! I wish you'd stop shouting.
Caroline Wicks tried to commit suicide this morning.
She's all right.
but she won't last another five minutes in jail.
Do you want me to walk away from her? - She's not your responsibility.
- Isn't she? - There are other barristers.
- Maybe.
But there isn't one who knows what this appeal is about in the way that I do.
Now, that's not vanity.
That's fact.
And if you want to know, there's a lot of things about this case I don't like.
Starting with that brother of hers.
But it is my responsibility to go through with it, and I am bloody well going to do it, all right? And if you believe I wouldn't rather be with my family you're not as bright as I thought you were.
Holidays.
All seven letters.
I'd like to see somebody beat that! JUDGE: Mr Kavanagh we've all read the papers in this appeal.
Er since the grounds ultimately amount to stating that the learned judge's conduct of the trial was prejudicial we thought it only right to inform you that we have not.
For ourselves.
Found, on reading the transcript material, evidence to substantiate that complaint.
May I then refer Your Lordships to page 40 of the transcript? Section E to G.
JUDGE: Ah yes This is where the learned judge stopped the defendants chatting amongst themselves before they gave evidence.
KAVANAGH: They were not about to give evidence.
That is the heart of the matter.
The implication to the jury that they were colluding was wholly unjustified.
Mr Kavanagh, the learned judge was very quick on another occasion to ref! Mr Pembridge - and therefore the jury - that Mr Wicks was carrying out a perfectly proper cross-examination.
The grounds for this appeal, my lord, are cumulative.
I would ask you to recall what the learned judge said to the prosecution witness, Mrs Tully.
At the end of her evidence.
He went out of his way to thank her.
Which.
in our submission.
Gave the impression to the jury that he endorsed her evidence.
There's law on that, Mr Kavanagh, and it's against you.
In my view.
The jury is more likely to regard that as a common courtesy.
KAVANAGH: On its own.
my lord.
it might be.
But, taken with all the other examples of prejudice set out in the grounds of appeal, it can have only one meaning.
Er It is also your intention to criticise the learned judge's summing-Lip, Mr Kavanagh? It is, my lord.
We shall eagerly anticipate that, after we've taken luncheon.
- We should have gone with the newspapers.
- It's going well enough.
That's all right for you to say.
You're not looking at going back to prison.
Mr Kavanagh's doing his best, Sam.
(Sam growls) What do you know about it? We are being destroyed out there.
Can't you see that? Er Mr Kavanagh I'm most reluctant to stop you.
But and I'm sure I speak for my learned brothers, as well as for myself there is no more that can be said on this point er that will assist us.
Then I must seek Your Lordships' indulgence, because I do want to say two more things.
On On this same issue? My lord.
yes.
First, the jury were not given a fair summary of the defences case on Duncan Pembridge's motive for giving evidence against the appellants.
The judge made no mention of Duncan Pembridges failure to tell the police or the jury about the spare key his mother kept under a plant pot at the house.
In the circumstances of this case.
He had to do so.
Second.
The learned judge's direction to the jury about Mrs Tully's identification of the accused was wholly inadequate.
He failed to remind them that she was unable to tell the count.
With confidence, who was driving.
My lords.
these matters render these convictions wholly unsafe and wholly unsatisfactory.
(Judge clears throat) Er We have decided to allow this appeal.
In View of the matters put before us.
We find these convictions unsafe and unsatisfactory.
Mr Justice Caxton will give the judgment of the court.
Is it all right for us to go, Mr Kavanagh? Yes, yes, you're free now.
What happens now? Nothing.
It's over, Miss Wicks.
I don't know what to do.
- Do about what? SAM: I'll tell you what we're going to do.
Go out and celebrate.
(clamouring) OK? Mr Wicks, what will you be doing, now all this is over? Well, we'll be going home and erm trying to forget this whole ordeal.
Mr Kavanagh, you've put a cold-blooded murderer back on the streets.
You must be very proud.
DUNCAN".
The appeal decision is an insult.
For reasons that have nothing to do with truth and everything to do with trickery, the killers are now free.
The fact that the law can be manipulated by unscrupulous lawyers fills me with disgust.
Do you mean anyone specific? They know who they are.
But it doesn't end here.
I'm planning to sue for damages in the civil court.
I want those two named as the killers they are.
I'll be up on the five o'clock train.
LIZZIE: Sure you can make it? (Testily) Of course I can make Sorry.
I'm just a bit tired.
I'll see you tomorrow.
(Phone rings) Forget something? MAN: How do you sleep Kavanagh? Who's this? Doesn't the truth mean anything to you? Is that you, Pembridge? - You make me sick.
(Line goes dead) (Sniffs) (Door opens) SAM".
Cam'? Some of these are almost new.
He wants us to get rid of everything.
What are you going to do.
Jim? You know it was Pembridge who made that call.
It was a one-off.
He won't do it again.
He threatened you.
What if Kate had picked up the phone? He's not dangerous.
He just feels betrayed by the system.
I was the nearest target to hand.
Well, you may regard it as an occupational hazard.
But I don't like it when some embittered thug threatens people I love.
Do you think I like it? Do you think I like the thought that Wicks might well be the killer.
And I was instrumental in getting him off? Well, I don't.
I hate it.
But there's not much I can do about that, either, is there? Duncan, hello.
Bye, Grandad.
- Bye-bye, love.
Take care.
- Yeah, and you.
I don't think we need to worry.
But if anything does happen I'll call the police.
Will you be all right? Yeah, I'll be fine.
I just need some time alone with Dad.
- Bye, Dad.
- Bye-bye, love.
ALFRED: This is the place.
All I want's a nice wooden bench, wi' a memorial plaque.
Nothing very fancy.
Just her name and a few words.
She'd be very pleased with that.
Say what's on your mind.
son.
I've often wondered how she felt about the way things turned out for me.
She was proud - I felt that - but feeling's not the same as being told, is it? Take me back, lad.
Every single one of the cases that you did that got reported.
Right from the beginning.
She was fascinated.
And bursting with pride.
She always changed the subject when I talked about work.
She was always a bit in awe of your learning So many times I wanted to talk about things.
She didn't think it was her place to ask.
I used to talk to her for hours when I was a kid.
Rattle on for hours.
There were so many things I wanted to say to her.
Don't have any doubts.
She thought the world of what you've achieved.
Well, she had a higher opinion of me than I do of myself at the moment.
We're going to miss her, aren't we? (Dialogue inaudible) What are you doing? I've got a headache.
Well Let me.
Two? Where um (Clears throat) Where did you go when you went out yesterday, Caroline? Nowhere.
I just walked.
You should have waited.
I'd have come with you.
You know I only worry when I don't know where you are.
I think we should make things right, Sam.
What? Talk to someone who can help us.
I keep thinking about what we did.
Er I've um I've told you so many times, Caro.
They were cruel and evil.
And I had to do it.
They wanted to split us up.
Without the money, I wouldn't have been able to look after you any more.
Don't forget what they did to our mother.
I couldn't let them do that to us.
It's too much for my head.
It keeps going round and round.
I've got to let it out.
But you haven't talked to anyone, have you? Cam'? It's all right.
I understand.
Let me think about it.
I'll work something out.
If you've got a problem, go to your own solicitor.
Just tell Kavanagh I'm here.
Either you go now.
or I'll have you thrown out.
He's right.
Mr Pembridge.
You've got no business here.
- It's all right.
Leave this to me.
- He did it.
- She told me he did it.
- That's nothing to do with me.
She won't go to the police.
Someone has to make her testify at the civil court.
I haven't got a chance without her.
I would advise you not to shout at me, Mr Pembridge.
You got them off.
It's your responsibility.
What are you going to do about it? Get out of here, Mr Pembridge.
And if you ever come near me or my family again, I'll have you arrested.
Don't you care? Don't you even bloody care? Get out of here! I hardly need add that Julia will be much missed.
Hear! Hear! Not least for her valiant efforts to keep us men in order.
(Laughter) River Court's loss is Africa's gain.
To Julia.
ALL: To Julia.
You're going to have to compete, James, if you want Helen as your junior.
I shall be first in the queue.
I wouldn't dream of pushing in, Peter.
I do hope we can work together again at some point, James.
- No doubt we will.
- I'll look forward to it.
Isn't that the Wicks girl? CAROLINE: I heard a shot and Alice shouted something.
And there was another shot.
When Sam came back in, I asked him what had happened.
But he just said to take a few of my favourite things from round the house.
He said Alice wanted me to have them.
Why didn't you say this to the police? Sam said if he went to prison.
No-one would look after me.
I told Duncan because I felt sorry for him.
But he started shouting at me again.
I panicked.
Please help me.
I've got no-one else to turn to.
I really can't.
It's no longer anything to do with me.
But you can sort it all out, tell the right people.
Caroline, you've got to tell the police what you've just told us.
They'll only lock me up again.
I lied in court.
You talk to them for me.
You're one of them.
Tell them I didn't mean to hunt anybody.
They'll listen to you.
Please, help me.
Help you do what, Caroline? Hm? You know Mr Kavanagh charges a lot of money for his time, love.
I don't think you can afford him.
- I didn't say anything, Sam! - Be quiet, now.
Look.
I'm sorry for any embarrassment.
CAROLINE: I don't want to go.
Come on.
You've got to rest, Caro.
You're upset.
Come on.
Enjoy the PEW- Stay here.
I'm calling the police.
Wainwright will have the Wicks's address.
Jim? You've heard what she said.
He's a killer.
I can't stand by and do nothing.
Yes, it is an emergency.
Get someone there immediately.
What if nothings wrong when they get there? Then I'll be prosecuted for wasting police time.
Wait for me.
- (Panting) Sam - It's all right.
It's all right.
You just need to to rest.
You just got everything mixed-up.
- (Whimpers) - Come on.
SAM".
Come on, Cam.
- (Caroline chokes) - Come on.
Come on.
Just a few more.
(Chokes) They'll help you sleep.
Come on! Please! Please! Come on.
(Sam sobs) (Doorbell) (Knocking) What do you want? We'd like to speak to your sister.
Caroline Angela Wicks.
She's asleep.
She doesn't want to talk to you now.
- It'll only take a few - But she's asleep! She's asleep.
She's asleep.
Alpha Bravo 200.
This is an active message.
Please send a paramedic and an ambulance immediately to a suspected drug overdose.
Samuel Wicks.
I am charging you with the attempted murder of your sister.
Caroline Angela Wicks.
You do not have to say anything.
But it may harm your defence if you do not mention how something which you later rely on in court.
It was a close thing, but she'll be OK.
I think this time she will give evidence against him.
Let's go home.
Yeah.
JEREMY: You and I think alike, Helen.
Commercial law is where the smart barrister's bread is buttered.
It's placid and lucrative.
One can barely imagine rushing around after ones clients, trying to stop them poisoning their sisters! Morning, James.
Jeremy.
Comfortably established.
Helen? Yes, thank you.
JEREMY".
I happen to have got my hands on two tickets for Don Giovanni tonight.
Idon't suppose I hope this isn't going to set a trend, James.
I wouldn't want to see vigilante barristers fanning out all over town.
The situation called for something unconventional, Peter.
I fear whatever comes next is going to seem a little mundane, by comparison.
Bring it on, Peter.
Bring it on.
Whatever it is, I'm ready.
(Laughs)
Mr Kavanagh.
(clamouring) (Distant shouting) What's all this, Sammy boy, eh? Homework? Give me the book back, Connor.
How can you read this stuff, eh? It's boring.
I'm trying to prepare my defence here you moron.
.
I'll bet you look a right prat in that court.
Poncing around, playing at being your own brief.
Have you told the jury what it feels like yet? What what feels like? Oh, you know what I mean, Sammy.
Picking up a shotgun.
Doing the business on your mum and dad.
Make you feel good, did it.
When you pulled the trigger? What's so bloody funny? (Laughs) You are, Connor.
You're such a classic, working-class, criminal stereotype.
(Laughs) Aaargh! (Laughs) (Laughs hysterically) SAM: There is more to this vicious assault than meets the eye, Your Honour.
What are you talking about, Mr Wicks? I think the attack was instigated by my half-brother.
Duncan Pembridge.
You are saying that a prosecution witness in this case arranged to have you beaten up in prison? Exactly.
It sounds a highly unlikely scenario.
But whatever happened, it has no relevance to this inquiry.
Duncan put them up to it.
I'd say that was relevant.
JUDGE: You are wasting the courts time.
This case is about the murder of David and Alice Pembridge.
Your misadventures on remand have nothing to do with that.
The reason my sister and I are here now is because of our half-brother's vendetta.
Now.
I submit that the assault has everything to do with this case.
JUDGE: I'm not going to spend any more time on this.
Kindly call in the jury.
Oh.
Mr Wicks this alleged incident must not on any account be brought up in front of the jury.
Do I make myself clear? Yes! Hm? Your Honour.
Sam Sam Are you all right? Yes.
It's just a cut.
It's really nothing.
Er no, no, no.
You must not talk to each other in that informal manner.
You might easily give the impression to the jury that you are colluding in your defense.
We would not want them to think that you were advising your sister on what to say.
Would you, Mr Wicks? The thing is.
Sam's utterly impossible.
Never listens to advice.
Always thinks he knows better.
KAVANAGH: That cleverness will bring our client down with him if we're not careful.
There's only so much a solicitor can do, James.
I made it clear to Caroline that if she knew anything untoward about Sam's role in all this, she should help her own case and say so.
You know what her attitude to that was.
KAVANAGH: They stand or fall together.
Indeed.
I feel sorry for the girl.
I mean looking at her, it's hard to believe she could have been involved in this.
If she'd distance herself even slightly from her brother's story, we might get her off the murder charge, at least.
Loyal to a fault.
Mr Pembridge.
Could you tell the count your relationship to the accused? They are my half-brother and sister.
They are David Pembridge's children by his first marriage? Yes.
They took their mother's maiden name after the divorce.
And on his remarriage.
did your father continue to provide financially for his first two children? PEMBRIDGE: Yes he did He was exceptionally generous to them.
More so than the law required? That's a leading question.
It's putting answers into the witness's mouth.
I am happy to rephrase the question.
Your Honour.
In what way was your father generous to the accused? He told us all that we would have an equal share in his estate.
He also frequently loaned Sam large sums of money.
Why did he do that? Sam had all sorts of business schemes over the years.
Dad often helped him get started.
Then bailed him out when they crashed.
Which they always did.
PROSECUTOR: Was the defendant.
Sam Wicks.
ever refused when he asked your father for money? Yes.
Once.
And when was that? In November of last year.
Sam asked for a loan to start up some sort of publishing company.
We told Sam it wasn't on.
And how did he react? He was very angry.
Mr Pembridge, could you please tell the court what happened at the Pembridge farm on December 16th? It was a Sunday morning, so none of the staff were about.
I came in at about 11 and found Sam and Caroline with Mum and Dad.
The atmosphere was very bad.
Dad took me aside and said that Sam was still going on about the loan.
Dad wouldn't change his mind about it.
I lost my temper and told Sam a few home truths.
I was fed up with the whole business, so I went back out to the fields.
I wish to God I hadn't.
Did you see your father again, alive, that day? I saw him outside the house at about one.
And did you see Sam or Caroline Wicks again that day? I saw their car leaving just after three.
And what time did you return to the house? Just after four.
And what did you find? Mum and Dad weren't in the living room, so I thought they must have gone out.
So, I went into the kitchen to make myself some tea.
They were both er lying on the floor There was blood everywhere.
On the floor the walls.
They were unrecognisable.
And what else did you notice.
Mr Pembridge? My father's shotgun was lying on the floor by his side.
There was also a blanket on the floor near it.
Is this the blanket? Yes.
(Clears throat) It's a travel blanket my mother kept in the living room.
(Murmuring) Where was your father's shotgun kept.
As a rule? In a case in the hall.
The shells were locked in a drawer.
And how many people knew where the gun and the ammunition were kept? Apart from myself and my mother, only Sam and Caroline, that I know of.
Could you tell the court a little more about the circumstances of your birth, Mr Pembridge? - Do I have to answer that? - Yes.
I was born before my parents were able to marry.
How long before, exactly? 11 years.
It's the case, isn't it, that for over 11 years, your mother and my father had a clandestine affair? During that time.
the fact that he was your father was kept secret.
It was only much later that he acknowledged you as his son, divorced my mother and married yours.
- That has nothing to do with anything.
- I think it does.
You've always held a grudge against Caroline and I.
Rubbish.
I will decide what is rubbish, Mr Pembridge.
You will answer the question.
No.
I have never held a grudge.
Oh.
You resented us for having the life that you thought was rightfully yours.
This has nothing to do with it.
JUDGE: I will not tell you again.
Answer the questions.
No.
I did not resent anything about your life.
It's a ridiculous suggestion.
SAM".
If my sister and I are convicted of this murder then you become sole beneficiary of our father's will, don't you? You disgusting You need all his money to run the farm, and that's why you want us out of the way.
It's you who wanted the money! He wouldn't loan you what you wanted, so you murdered them.
You're lying about the time we left.
So that you can pin it on us! You're taking advantage of this tragedy.
- You killed them - You'd tell any lie that suited you! Be quiet, both of you.
Mr Pembridge you will behave yourself in the witness box.
Mr Wicks.
Even though some may feel it ill-advised.
The undertaking of your own defence is your right.
And the count is obliged to help.
But I will not have you barrack and abuse the witnesses.
And you will keep your emotions in check.
Now, do you have any further questions for this witness? No.
I have no questions for this person.
(Door opens) KAVANAGH: Mr Pembridge, when you went back into the house at four.
The front door was open, wasn't it? Yes.
Wasn't normally left open, was it? No.
not normally.
You told the police that the only people who had keys to the front door, apart from yourself and your parents.
Were Sam and Caroline Wicks.
That wasn't strictly true.
was it? PEMBRIDGE: Yes /I is we.
Are you saying your mother was not in the habit of leaving a spare key under a plant pot? She did do that sometimes, yes.
Why didn't you tell that to the police? I forgot.
It wasn't important.
Anyone could have picked up that key and walked in.
That's ridiculous.
Yes.
I suppose so.
You didn't tell the police about this spare key, because you didn't want to turn attention away from the people you believe to be guilty.
Namely my client Caroline Wicks and her brother Sam.
No, it just slipped my mind.
You're not interested in any evidence that might help to clear them.
- I don't understand what you're insinuating.
- Don't you? I'll make myself perfectly clear.
then.
I suggest you are prejudiced against the defendants and your evidence is tainted as a result.
That's the game, is it? Have a go at me to distract attention from them? You are prejudiced, aren't you? I deny that.
KAVANAGH: Very well How would you describe your relationship with your half-brother and sister? We're not close.
I wouldn't pretend otherwise.
There was a permanent state of simmering hostility between you and them That wasn't my choice.
They were the ones who harboured a grudge.
- You hate them.
- Could you blame me if I did? Yes.
I hate him I feel sorry for her.
Why do you feel sorry for her? Because she's completely under his thumb.
She'd do whatever he asked her to.
She'd walk off a cliff.
(Sam laughs uncontrollably) KAVANAGH: Mr Pembridge a large number of items were stolen from the house, weren't they? A few things.
Some silver, a few ornaments.
It's obvious Sam took those, just to make it look like a burglary.
KAVANAGH: I suggest it's only obvious to you.
It the atmosphere was so bad when you went in during the morning.
How do you explain the fact that by your account.
Caroline and her brother stayed for at least a further four hours.
until three? I have no idea.
Actually, they left before one.
No, definitely not.
It was three when I saw Sam's car leaving.
That is what you want to believe, because you saw your father alive after one o'clock.
And if my client and her brother had already left, they couldn't have killed him.
I saw them leaving at three.
You convinced yourself of that, because you desperately want it to be true.
The fact is.
Mr Pembridge.
You are incapable of giving any objective evidence to this jury.
(Clears throat) (Whispered conversation) - Lizzie.
- It's your dad.
He's had a stroke.
I had this notion that charity work mostly involved sitting in a helicopter with Bob Geldof.
(Laughs) The truth is, this place is just bloody hard work.
You look pretty good on it, though.
You're developing that sort of heroic aura, that makes those of us who do nothing at all feel so guilty! That's what I wanted to talk about.
I want you to do something for me, Julia.
I want you to consider putting a hold on your extremely promising legal career to go to Africa and help run a refugee programme enduring frankly appalling hardships, and earning almost no money into the bargain.
For a year or so.
Golly.
Do you spring this on all your friends? Only the ones I think are up to the job.
Believe me.
Julia.
I know what I'm doing.
Well, don't dismiss the idea out of hand.
Think about it for a while.
If there's anything you need to know.
Just give me a call.
(Water gurgling) LIZZIE: There's no point rushing up to Bolton if that's not what your mother wants.
We can go on the weekend.
You can make your decision about the trial after that.
Its just the thought of Sam Wicks crashing about the courtroom like some unguided missile.
If I went away how, God knows what he'll have done to his sister's case by the time I get back.
Jim she said your dad's OK.
There's not a lot we can do up there.
Anyway.
I've known the Pembridge family all my life.
I used to help Alice in the farm shop in the summer months.
How well did you know Sam and Caroline Wicks? Extremely well.
I would recognise them anywhere.
Mrs Tully.
Could you tell the count what happened on the afternoon of December 16th? I was driving along the road that runs past the Pembridge farm, when I saw a car coming very fast towards me.
I thought we were going to crash.
I had to pull sharply to the side of the road.
Did you recognise the car? MRS TULLY: Yes.
I knew Whose it was as soon as I saw it.
It was Sam's car.
Did you see who was in the car? MRS TULLY: Sam and Caroline You're sure it was them? It was their car.
What time did this incident take place? About three o'clock.
Thank you, Mrs Tully.
(Sam clears throat) Mr Kavanagh.
It's my turn next, isn't it? Mr Kavanagh.
You were very close to Alice Pembridge, weren't you, Mrs Tully? We were very good friends.
I probably knew her as well as anyone outside the family circle.
She was such a good woman.
She had to put up with so much.
What exactly do you mean by that? I mean she made every effort to establish a good relationship with Grace's children.
But they took every chance they could to hurt or humiliate her.
KAVANAGH: Did she tell you that? No.
she wasn't the type to complain.
So.
how do you know? Well it didn't happen while you were there.
Did it? MRS TULLY: No.
norm front of me.
KAVANAGH: So how do you know? - It was common knowledge.
Common knowledge? You mean village chitchat, gossip in the pub? Of course not! Was it Duncan Pembridge who told you? No.
Now, about this business of the car, Mrs Tully.
At what speed were you driving when you saw it? About 30mph, but the other car was going much faster.
And when you saw this car coming towards you, at great speed, in your lane.
You naturally took evasive action? Yes, that's right.
You turned sharply to the side of the road.
And yet, while all this was going on, you still had time to see that Sam and Caroline Wicks - were in the other car? - Yes.
Who was driving? Sam.
Sam was driving.
KAVANAGH: You don '1' seem very sure.
- I'm sure it was Sam.
What was he Wearing? I don't know.
There was no time to see.
What about Carmine Wicks? What was she wearing? MRS TULLY: (can? remember.
The fact is.
that at the time.
You weren't sure who was driving.
It was only after you heard of the arrests that you began to believe it was them.
I'm completely clear in my own mind about what happened.
You are predisposed to think the worst of the defendants.
And this prejudice against them has led you to a conclusion that goes far beyond what you actually saw.
I've no questions, Your Honour.
Couldn't have done it better myself.
Thank you for coming, Mrs Tully.
That was most helpful.
The blanket was wrapped around the gun barrels.
The victims were then shot from point-blank range.
PROSECUTOR: And what was the purpose of the blanket? To muffle the sound of the shots.
Did you find the fingerprints of the defendant, Mr Wicks, on the gun? Yes.
On the stock.
on the trigger guard.
And along the barrels.
Were there any other prints on the gun, Dr Ashurst? There were prints matching those of Duncan Pembridge and his father, as well as others that remain unidentified.
Could these have belonged to one of Mr Pembridges employees? No.
All the farm workers were fingerprinted.
None of them matched.
So, there are fingerprints on the gun that remain unidentified and unexplained.
Thank you.
Dr Ashurst.
Africa? You're out of your mind.
You're ill.
One of those hysterical fits intelligent women are prone to.
(Laughs) At least you think I'm intelligent.
I'm not ill.
I just want to do something different.
You can't leave the most noble of professions to work for charity.
Come on, Jeremy, you must have felt like a change.
Felt like a change? The Bar isn't a bus, Julia.
You can't just get on and off.
There is a big world out there, Jeremy, beyond the Inns of Court, and I'd like to see some of it.
And maybe do something helpful at the same time.
Julia, my dear, get a grip on yourself.
Believe me, I understand the pull of compassion.
I was watching a programme on TV just the other night about oh, some famine or other.
Bloody awful situation.
Made me feel dreadful.
Do you know what I did? Switched over to another channel.
I felt better almost immediately.
If you want to do something useful, sign a cheque.
Oh, thank you, Jeremy.
I knew I could rely on you for a perceptive overview.
But what about all your friends here? They'll miss you.
I'll miss you.
As As a chum.
Co-worker.
KAVANAGH: Miss Wicks.
How Would you describe your relationship with your father and his second wife? (Faintly) It was all right.
We got on.
Speak up, please, Miss Wicks.
We got on.
Where did you live after the break-up of your parents' marriage? CAROLINE: With Mum.
She germ.
though.
She had to go to the hospital Did you see your father much in those days? Not to begin with.
More after Mum died.
Was there any tension or disagreement between you when you met? No.
Nothing serious.
I mean, we had rows sometimes, didn't we, Sam? Please, er address your answers to Counsel.
KAVANAGH: Did you have a row on the morning of December 16th? No.
Duncan made that up.
His evidence about the row that morning is untrue, then? The only person angry was Duncan.
He hated us being on our own with Dad.
He wanted to know everything.
But Dad was talking business with Sam.
Poor Duncan.
He'd get so upset.
KAVANAGH: What time did you leave the house? Lunch time.
Before one.
We went for a burger.
Didn't we, Sam? Sorry.
KAVANAGH: In her evidence.
Mrs Tully described a near-accident involving what she believed to be your brother's car.
What do you say to that? It never happened.
KAVANAGH: It never happened? Thank you, Miss Wicks.
(Sam coughs) Do you remember when Dad and I used to go clay-pigeon shooting? Is that the one where you throw plates up in the air? (Laughter) SAM: I used Dad's shotgun.
didn't I? - Yes.
So, that's how my fingerprints got onto the gun.
DUNCAN".
That's a bloody lie! You never did that with Dad.
He wouldn't have trusted you with his gun! Sit down immediately.
Or I will have you removed.
This is a bloody farce! He's feeding her Mr Wicks is cross-examining in a perfectly proper fashion.
He has every right to ask He might as well have a bloody parrot Your Honour, I find Mr Pembridge's intervention highly intimidating.
How can I get a fair trial? I think you are being mischievous, Mr Wicks.
However.
I will not let this court descend into anarchy.
Remove that man immediately.
I suggest you go for a long walk.
Mr Pembridge.
and calm down.
Don't touch me.
Get off! (Murmuring) JUDGE: Now silence' Mr Wicks.
Caroline are you absolutely sure that we left the house before one o'clock on December 16th? Yes.
Were Dad and Alice alive when we left? Yes.
Do you know anything about how they died? It must have been a burglar.
Did you murder them, Caroline? No.
Did I? Er.
.
Caroline? No, you didn't.
PROSECUTOR: Miss Wicks.
do you remember the night of October 12th {est year? You and your brother went to the Poacher restaurant in Chorley village with David and Alice Pembridge.
didn't you? CAROLINE: / can? / don? really remember.
Well, do you remember the argument between David Pembridge and Sam Wicks? An argument so violent that you were asked to leave by the manager? No.
Are you saying it didn't take place? - I can't remember.
- Very well then.
What about the morning of November 23rd? Did you go to your father's farm that day? I don '1' know which days we went.
You went with your brother that morning.
And another argument developed.
This time in front of the farm manager.
Voices were raised.
and atone point your brother shook his fist.
That's true.
isn't it? I'm not saying I didn't say we were perfect.
We were just a normal family.
This argument was over money, wasn't it? The money your father wouldn't lend him to start his new business.
- You have lied to this count haven't you? - No.
Your father had no intention of giving you or your brother any money, did he? Yes.
Sam needed it.
On the morning of December 16th he told you both yet again that he would not give Sam his loan.
And a violent argument ensued.
didn't it? I can't remember I can't remember what he said.
There was a row, wasn't there? Leave her alone! Sit down.
I will not warn you again.
Look, he's bullying her.
It's not fair.
Sit down.
I put it to you that the truth of this matter is that following a final argument over the loan.
You and your brother took your father's gun and shot David and Alice Pembridge dead.
Now.
that's the way it happened.
isn't it? No.
You've done nothing but lie about it since, have you? - You love your brother, don't you? - Yes.
- You'd do anything for him? - He looks after me.
He told you what to say at this trial.
Didn't he? He gave you the words to memorise.
- I want to stop now.
- But it's impossible to sustain these lies.
I'm not lying.
The sad truth is that when it became clear that there was no more money to be squeezed from your father.
You cynically and cold-bloodedly murdered him and his wife.
To lay your hands on your inheritance.
That's the way it happened, isn't it? I wish they weren't dead! I wish they hadn't been shot.
I miss him! (Caroline sobs) He was my dad.
(Buzz of conversation) We make a good team, Mr Kavanagh.
I hadn't thought of it quite that way.
I always wanted to be a lawyer, you know.
Maybe I'll take it up when this is over.
What do you think? I wouldn't like to say.
A cautious answer, Mr Kavanagh.
I like that.
I erm I wanted to thank you.
For looking after Caroline.
Just doing my job, Mr Wicks.
She's erm never been the same since our parents broke up.
I've had to be like a father to her.
You know whats really tearing her up? How much Duncan hares us He'll never be happy until he's destroyed us.
Completely.
CLERK".
The count will rise.
PROSECUTOR: A motive for murder is clearly identifiable.
The accused Wanted money.
And when refused a loan.
they decided to obtain it by another method, namely by killing their parents to inherit the estate in which they knew they had a share.
The evidence of the witnesses Duncan Pembridge and Barbara Tully shows convincingly that the accused lied about the time they left the house that day.
And if you accept that they did lie, then you must ask yourselves Why? KAVANAGH: The witnesses Duncan Pembridge and Barbara Tully should be regarded with the utmost caution.
It is quite clear that their bias against the defendants renders their evidence partial.
And unreliable.
The circumstances of the divorce and remarriage divided the community in which the Pembridges lived, and led to strong allegiances, both for and against them and their children.
Those feelings ran deep.
And a bitter prejudice remains.
But Caroline Wicks cannot be judged on local prejudice.
She must be judged on the evidence, and there is not one scrap of physical evidence that links her directly to the crime.
SAM: The truth here is that my sister and I are the victims of a cruel stroke of timing On December 16th.
A burglar broke into the house after we'd left, and for reasons only he can explain he killed them.
That man is sitting out there somewhere now, secure in the knowledge that fate, malicious gossip and coincidence have combined to put two innocent people where he should be.
I'm asking you to find us not guilty of these charges so that the search for the real killer can begin and my sister and I can be given time, at last to grieve for the father that we loved.
All this fuss over nothing! Matt sends his love, Grandad, and he's sorry he can't be here.
If I had the choice between here and New Zealand, I know where I'd rather be.
How is he? Well, the doctors say it were mild, as strokes go.
His right hands a big shaky, but he'll make a complete recovery, as long as he's careful.
You'll have to tie him down, then.
You're not to worry about us.
You've got your work to do.
It's all right.
Just a bit tired, that's all.
I can be back in hours if you need me.
We'll be fine.
I could stay on.
The main job's done.
You'll only fret.
Go on.
Come back to us when you can.
In his summing-up.
You heard Mr Kavanagh suggest that this case was about a family feud, and the antagonism shown by Duncan Pembridge towards the defendants.
But you might feel that that is not necessarily the vital issue.
You might remember the evidence about the row on the morning of the killings.
The paucity of evidence for a burglary.
The fingerprints on the murder weapon.
And the motive established by the prosecution.
And if you were concerned that much of that evidence came from Duncan Pembridge.
You may comfort yourself in the consideration that his evidence was supported in important respects by Mrs Tully.
Who told you that she saw the defendants speeding away from the farm.
Two hours after the time they told you they had left.
Now.
I must warn you to consider Mrs Tully's evidence very carefully to satisfy yourselves that she was in a position to identity the defendants accurately.
Let Kate do that, Marjorie.
You sit down.
No, it's all right, dear.
There's not much.
Actually, I do feel a bit faint.
I'll just sit here a minute.
It'll pass.
I'll soon be myself.
(Gasps) Marjorie? (Panting) Listen You're not to say anything to Alfred.
I don't want him worried.
It's nothing.
Call an ambulance.
(Groans) CLERK".
Members of the jury.
have you reached a verdict on which you all agree? We have.
How do you find the defendant, Samuel Thomas Wicks, on the charge of murder? Guilty or not guilty? FOREMAN: Guilty CLERK".
How do you find the defendant.
Caroline Angela Wicks.
On the charge of murder? Guilty or not guilty? FOREMAN: GL///fy (Murmuring) Why didn't she say something? She couldn't have suffered much, love.
How could she not mention a heat condition? There was nothing to be done.
She didn't want you to worry.
I'm her son.
I had a right to know! Are you all right? (Door slams) WARDER: Whats the matter with you, Wicks? (Crying) I want to see my brother.
You're not going to.
Time you got used to the idea.
I want to see Sam! Let me see him! It's obvious he can't look after himself.
Try getting him to admit that.
So.
What do We do? He's never going to move in with Grahame and Cynthia or us, for that matter.
Well, we don't have to do anything for a while.
Let's stay and see how things look in a couple of weeks.
(Kavanagh clears throat) - Jim? I meant to mention it earlier.
There's going to be an appeal in the Wicks case.
Oh, for God's sake, Jim, couldn't you have turned it down? - Haven't you got enough to do? - Well, I must do something.
No point brooding.
But you've just said we have to do something about your father.
How can you solve that problem in the Court of Appeal? Don't you think that you're avoiding the real issue? You haven't mentioned your mother once since she died.
You've just closed yourself off.
That's why you're so keen to go back to court.
It's so you can hide.
Don't start giving me that psychiatric mumbo-jumbo.
What do you want me to do? Go around crying and hugging everybody? It might be a start.
I'll speak to Dad before I go in the morning.
I'm not interested.
You can save your breath.
Nobody said anything about a home.
I'm talking about a trained nurse coming in for a few hours a day to make sure you're all right.
- Nurses cost money.
- I'll pay for it.
I won't be beholden.
You're being totally unreasonable.
And you're interfering.
(Alarm rings) She'd only been there a few seconds.
She's not seriously hurt.
Prison will kill her.
You've got to get her out of there.
That rests with the Court of Appeal, Mr Wicks.
Well at least we won't have the jury to worry about.
I'd rather put my faith in the judges.
At least they're qualified to examine the evidence properly.
I've I've been studying the precedents.
And.
in my opinion.
There are two grounds we can win on.
The newspaper coverage was prejudicial, and the prosecution kept on asking leading questions.
The leading questions go nowhere.
The evidence would have come out anyway.
And I don't believe the Court of Appeal would ever find the media coverage prejudicial enough to make the conviction unsafe.
The papers put us in here.
It was a campaign of vilification.
Now, I want you to nail them.
Perhaps I'm not making myself clear, Mr Wicks.
The coverage may have upset you, but as grounds for overturning the conviction it's a nonstarter.
Mr Kavanagh feels that Judge Ransomes summing-up was seriously flawed.
God, he was against us from the start.
I doubt that but whatever the reason.
It offers us a number of avenues for argument.
All right.
If you say so.
You're the expert.
Mr Wicks if you're not happy.
You have every right to look elsewhere.
No.
I'm putting my faith in you, Mr Kavanagh.
I'm very confident you're not going to let me down.
(Julia clears throat) It was very decent of you, Jeremy.
No, it was the least I could do.
Would you like a brandy or liqueur? Mmm.
Both, please, in the same glass.
The truth is.
I I do have an ulterior motive for this invitation.
Oh, I thought you just wanted to wish me goodbye in style.
Well, that's partly it, of course.
Erm The thing is, I've been thinking.
Ah And I'm sure it's the right thing for both of us.
The thing is (Pants) The thing is I want you to marry me.
(Laughs) Oh, my God.
- You're serious? - Yes, I'm deadly serious.
But why? Because, despite appearances, were right for each other.
We're total opposites.
We don't agree about anything.
We're utterly, completely, and hilariously mismatched.
No, no, that's the whole point.
Don't you see? We're suppressing what we really feel beneath a facade of bickering It's not a facade, Jeremy.
We're genuinely incompatible.
I know why you're going to Africa.
You're struggling to fill a void in your emotional life.
Sacrificing your best years to the starving isn't the answer.
- Oh, and you are? - Yes.
It's suddenly become clear to me.
God! When I think of the years I've wasted with ghastly debs and braindead bimbos when all along, what I've wanted is someone with guts and spirit.
Backbone.
Someone, in short, like you.
Well I can honestly say I'm surprised No, that doesn't sound quite right.
I think I think "astounded" might be the word.
Well? Absolutely, unconditionally, no! Don't rush into anything.
- Jeremy - Now.
don't say another word.
Just give yourself some time to get used to the idea.
I think you'll find I'm right.
A-N-T.
"Ant"? That's a bit feeble.
Dad's got his mind on higher things.
What's that supposed to mean? Nothing.
It's just.
You've hardly been here since Gran died.
And even when you are.
You wish you weren't.
It's not fair to leave it to Mum.
You should be here with Grandad.
Oh, don't be so bloody self righteous.
Shhh I suppose you're going to say she's got a point! I wish you'd stop shouting.
Caroline Wicks tried to commit suicide this morning.
She's all right.
but she won't last another five minutes in jail.
Do you want me to walk away from her? - She's not your responsibility.
- Isn't she? - There are other barristers.
- Maybe.
But there isn't one who knows what this appeal is about in the way that I do.
Now, that's not vanity.
That's fact.
And if you want to know, there's a lot of things about this case I don't like.
Starting with that brother of hers.
But it is my responsibility to go through with it, and I am bloody well going to do it, all right? And if you believe I wouldn't rather be with my family you're not as bright as I thought you were.
Holidays.
All seven letters.
I'd like to see somebody beat that! JUDGE: Mr Kavanagh we've all read the papers in this appeal.
Er since the grounds ultimately amount to stating that the learned judge's conduct of the trial was prejudicial we thought it only right to inform you that we have not.
For ourselves.
Found, on reading the transcript material, evidence to substantiate that complaint.
May I then refer Your Lordships to page 40 of the transcript? Section E to G.
JUDGE: Ah yes This is where the learned judge stopped the defendants chatting amongst themselves before they gave evidence.
KAVANAGH: They were not about to give evidence.
That is the heart of the matter.
The implication to the jury that they were colluding was wholly unjustified.
Mr Kavanagh, the learned judge was very quick on another occasion to ref! Mr Pembridge - and therefore the jury - that Mr Wicks was carrying out a perfectly proper cross-examination.
The grounds for this appeal, my lord, are cumulative.
I would ask you to recall what the learned judge said to the prosecution witness, Mrs Tully.
At the end of her evidence.
He went out of his way to thank her.
Which.
in our submission.
Gave the impression to the jury that he endorsed her evidence.
There's law on that, Mr Kavanagh, and it's against you.
In my view.
The jury is more likely to regard that as a common courtesy.
KAVANAGH: On its own.
my lord.
it might be.
But, taken with all the other examples of prejudice set out in the grounds of appeal, it can have only one meaning.
Er It is also your intention to criticise the learned judge's summing-Lip, Mr Kavanagh? It is, my lord.
We shall eagerly anticipate that, after we've taken luncheon.
- We should have gone with the newspapers.
- It's going well enough.
That's all right for you to say.
You're not looking at going back to prison.
Mr Kavanagh's doing his best, Sam.
(Sam growls) What do you know about it? We are being destroyed out there.
Can't you see that? Er Mr Kavanagh I'm most reluctant to stop you.
But and I'm sure I speak for my learned brothers, as well as for myself there is no more that can be said on this point er that will assist us.
Then I must seek Your Lordships' indulgence, because I do want to say two more things.
On On this same issue? My lord.
yes.
First, the jury were not given a fair summary of the defences case on Duncan Pembridge's motive for giving evidence against the appellants.
The judge made no mention of Duncan Pembridges failure to tell the police or the jury about the spare key his mother kept under a plant pot at the house.
In the circumstances of this case.
He had to do so.
Second.
The learned judge's direction to the jury about Mrs Tully's identification of the accused was wholly inadequate.
He failed to remind them that she was unable to tell the count.
With confidence, who was driving.
My lords.
these matters render these convictions wholly unsafe and wholly unsatisfactory.
(Judge clears throat) Er We have decided to allow this appeal.
In View of the matters put before us.
We find these convictions unsafe and unsatisfactory.
Mr Justice Caxton will give the judgment of the court.
Is it all right for us to go, Mr Kavanagh? Yes, yes, you're free now.
What happens now? Nothing.
It's over, Miss Wicks.
I don't know what to do.
- Do about what? SAM: I'll tell you what we're going to do.
Go out and celebrate.
(clamouring) OK? Mr Wicks, what will you be doing, now all this is over? Well, we'll be going home and erm trying to forget this whole ordeal.
Mr Kavanagh, you've put a cold-blooded murderer back on the streets.
You must be very proud.
DUNCAN".
The appeal decision is an insult.
For reasons that have nothing to do with truth and everything to do with trickery, the killers are now free.
The fact that the law can be manipulated by unscrupulous lawyers fills me with disgust.
Do you mean anyone specific? They know who they are.
But it doesn't end here.
I'm planning to sue for damages in the civil court.
I want those two named as the killers they are.
I'll be up on the five o'clock train.
LIZZIE: Sure you can make it? (Testily) Of course I can make Sorry.
I'm just a bit tired.
I'll see you tomorrow.
(Phone rings) Forget something? MAN: How do you sleep Kavanagh? Who's this? Doesn't the truth mean anything to you? Is that you, Pembridge? - You make me sick.
(Line goes dead) (Sniffs) (Door opens) SAM".
Cam'? Some of these are almost new.
He wants us to get rid of everything.
What are you going to do.
Jim? You know it was Pembridge who made that call.
It was a one-off.
He won't do it again.
He threatened you.
What if Kate had picked up the phone? He's not dangerous.
He just feels betrayed by the system.
I was the nearest target to hand.
Well, you may regard it as an occupational hazard.
But I don't like it when some embittered thug threatens people I love.
Do you think I like it? Do you think I like the thought that Wicks might well be the killer.
And I was instrumental in getting him off? Well, I don't.
I hate it.
But there's not much I can do about that, either, is there? Duncan, hello.
Bye, Grandad.
- Bye-bye, love.
Take care.
- Yeah, and you.
I don't think we need to worry.
But if anything does happen I'll call the police.
Will you be all right? Yeah, I'll be fine.
I just need some time alone with Dad.
- Bye, Dad.
- Bye-bye, love.
ALFRED: This is the place.
All I want's a nice wooden bench, wi' a memorial plaque.
Nothing very fancy.
Just her name and a few words.
She'd be very pleased with that.
Say what's on your mind.
son.
I've often wondered how she felt about the way things turned out for me.
She was proud - I felt that - but feeling's not the same as being told, is it? Take me back, lad.
Every single one of the cases that you did that got reported.
Right from the beginning.
She was fascinated.
And bursting with pride.
She always changed the subject when I talked about work.
She was always a bit in awe of your learning So many times I wanted to talk about things.
She didn't think it was her place to ask.
I used to talk to her for hours when I was a kid.
Rattle on for hours.
There were so many things I wanted to say to her.
Don't have any doubts.
She thought the world of what you've achieved.
Well, she had a higher opinion of me than I do of myself at the moment.
We're going to miss her, aren't we? (Dialogue inaudible) What are you doing? I've got a headache.
Well Let me.
Two? Where um (Clears throat) Where did you go when you went out yesterday, Caroline? Nowhere.
I just walked.
You should have waited.
I'd have come with you.
You know I only worry when I don't know where you are.
I think we should make things right, Sam.
What? Talk to someone who can help us.
I keep thinking about what we did.
Er I've um I've told you so many times, Caro.
They were cruel and evil.
And I had to do it.
They wanted to split us up.
Without the money, I wouldn't have been able to look after you any more.
Don't forget what they did to our mother.
I couldn't let them do that to us.
It's too much for my head.
It keeps going round and round.
I've got to let it out.
But you haven't talked to anyone, have you? Cam'? It's all right.
I understand.
Let me think about it.
I'll work something out.
If you've got a problem, go to your own solicitor.
Just tell Kavanagh I'm here.
Either you go now.
or I'll have you thrown out.
He's right.
Mr Pembridge.
You've got no business here.
- It's all right.
Leave this to me.
- He did it.
- She told me he did it.
- That's nothing to do with me.
She won't go to the police.
Someone has to make her testify at the civil court.
I haven't got a chance without her.
I would advise you not to shout at me, Mr Pembridge.
You got them off.
It's your responsibility.
What are you going to do about it? Get out of here, Mr Pembridge.
And if you ever come near me or my family again, I'll have you arrested.
Don't you care? Don't you even bloody care? Get out of here! I hardly need add that Julia will be much missed.
Hear! Hear! Not least for her valiant efforts to keep us men in order.
(Laughter) River Court's loss is Africa's gain.
To Julia.
ALL: To Julia.
You're going to have to compete, James, if you want Helen as your junior.
I shall be first in the queue.
I wouldn't dream of pushing in, Peter.
I do hope we can work together again at some point, James.
- No doubt we will.
- I'll look forward to it.
Isn't that the Wicks girl? CAROLINE: I heard a shot and Alice shouted something.
And there was another shot.
When Sam came back in, I asked him what had happened.
But he just said to take a few of my favourite things from round the house.
He said Alice wanted me to have them.
Why didn't you say this to the police? Sam said if he went to prison.
No-one would look after me.
I told Duncan because I felt sorry for him.
But he started shouting at me again.
I panicked.
Please help me.
I've got no-one else to turn to.
I really can't.
It's no longer anything to do with me.
But you can sort it all out, tell the right people.
Caroline, you've got to tell the police what you've just told us.
They'll only lock me up again.
I lied in court.
You talk to them for me.
You're one of them.
Tell them I didn't mean to hunt anybody.
They'll listen to you.
Please, help me.
Help you do what, Caroline? Hm? You know Mr Kavanagh charges a lot of money for his time, love.
I don't think you can afford him.
- I didn't say anything, Sam! - Be quiet, now.
Look.
I'm sorry for any embarrassment.
CAROLINE: I don't want to go.
Come on.
You've got to rest, Caro.
You're upset.
Come on.
Enjoy the PEW- Stay here.
I'm calling the police.
Wainwright will have the Wicks's address.
Jim? You've heard what she said.
He's a killer.
I can't stand by and do nothing.
Yes, it is an emergency.
Get someone there immediately.
What if nothings wrong when they get there? Then I'll be prosecuted for wasting police time.
Wait for me.
- (Panting) Sam - It's all right.
It's all right.
You just need to to rest.
You just got everything mixed-up.
- (Whimpers) - Come on.
SAM".
Come on, Cam.
- (Caroline chokes) - Come on.
Come on.
Just a few more.
(Chokes) They'll help you sleep.
Come on! Please! Please! Come on.
(Sam sobs) (Doorbell) (Knocking) What do you want? We'd like to speak to your sister.
Caroline Angela Wicks.
She's asleep.
She doesn't want to talk to you now.
- It'll only take a few - But she's asleep! She's asleep.
She's asleep.
Alpha Bravo 200.
This is an active message.
Please send a paramedic and an ambulance immediately to a suspected drug overdose.
Samuel Wicks.
I am charging you with the attempted murder of your sister.
Caroline Angela Wicks.
You do not have to say anything.
But it may harm your defence if you do not mention how something which you later rely on in court.
It was a close thing, but she'll be OK.
I think this time she will give evidence against him.
Let's go home.
Yeah.
JEREMY: You and I think alike, Helen.
Commercial law is where the smart barrister's bread is buttered.
It's placid and lucrative.
One can barely imagine rushing around after ones clients, trying to stop them poisoning their sisters! Morning, James.
Jeremy.
Comfortably established.
Helen? Yes, thank you.
JEREMY".
I happen to have got my hands on two tickets for Don Giovanni tonight.
Idon't suppose I hope this isn't going to set a trend, James.
I wouldn't want to see vigilante barristers fanning out all over town.
The situation called for something unconventional, Peter.
I fear whatever comes next is going to seem a little mundane, by comparison.
Bring it on, Peter.
Bring it on.
Whatever it is, I'm ready.
(Laughs)