BBC2 The Verdict: Day Four
The jury file into court for the final day of the trial, when the barristers make their closing speeches and the judge sums up.
The jury then retire to begin their deliberations, with Michael Portillo leading the discussions.
They review the evidence that has been presented to them, including the physical and forensic evidence. Is this enough to convict the alleged rapists? While some have great sympathy for Anna, others find the secret recording of her talking to her friend, Clare, about the rape unconvincing and think they may have concocted the story together.
The discussion is intense, emotional and heated and the jurors are acutely aware of the level of responsibility they carry. Several change their minds during the deliberations as they struggle to reach a unanimous or majority verdict.
Finally, they return to the court. The clerk asks the juror selected as foreman to stand and he is asked whether they have found the defendants guilty or not guilty. The verdict has been reached and it is delivered to uproar in the courtroom.
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February 16th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
we missed the last day of the trial, but we were so captivated by the arogance of some jury members, we thought we would ask you how the trial ended many thanks
kenny and fiona
February 16th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
The men were found not guilty on all charges
February 17th, 2007 at 12:12 am
I thought The Verdict was compulsive viewing. It highlighted the problem of giving a “Guilty” or “Not Guilty” verdict, whereas the Scottish “Not Proven” is a very sensible alternative.
February 23rd, 2007 at 11:11 pm
I recorded The Verdict and have just finished watching and I must agree that the evidence did not convince me that the two men were guilty but I still was not sure that the girl had not been raped. My question is: at the end (which I missed) were we informed whether they were infact guilty or not?
by Jane Hale
February 24th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
No they never revealed whether or not the men were guilty. I would have preferred it if they did, but no such luck.