Re: Stuart Hall sentence
Thought the case was closed?
You know Pats .. we're not actually disagreeing that much.
We're both dissatisfied with the verdict and sentence.
I'm no criminologist ... or Crown Prosecutor but if I were I'd have done Stuart Hall's trial this way ...
I'd say ...
Bring in the rape victim. I want to interview her. Send all the others home for now because if my conviction has to rely on women who allege a tongue was stuck in her throat ... I'm sunk. It'll be a farce.
I'm championing the victims ... and I'm going to nail the b*stard for rape.
That will shut up anyone (like mothballs) who have doubts over spurious or exaggerated claims.
Then I'd work my way down from rape ... to serious sexual interference ... to groping ... to a tongue in the mouth... and hope to God I didn't need the really lesser offences to beef up his guilt... because I don't need it .. I have .. the rape.
Instead ... the rape allegation (which is the only one Stuart Hall denied) was shelved.
And so ... as Crown Prosecutor I have to get the other 14 women back and just do my best... and hope not too many of them put in compensation claims because it all looks so contrived and tacky or a 'bag a celebrity' bonanza.
Which is why I am a little wary of historic convictions.
And others are unhappy with the severity of the sentence.
Now that is case closed
again.