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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5 responses to “BBC2 The Verdict: Day Four”

  1. kenny and fiona milne says:

    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

  2. Tabby Katt says:

    The men were found not guilty on all charges

  3. Pam Rogerson says:

    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.

  4. Jane Hale says:

    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

  5. Brad Mullet says:

    No they never revealed whether or not the men were guilty. I would have preferred it if they did, but no such luck.

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