Alex Salmond Trial Verdict

Good point there Anniebach.

There's also the difficult in proving allegations of rape or other sexual offences, whether against adults or children, in our criminal justice system. So few are ever charged because the CPS will only prosecute if the belief is there is over 85% likelihood of conviction. In this case, it's a great pity no one was brave enough to publicise this pattern of behaviour, showed this man for what he is. Its vanishingly unlikely that journalists weren't aware that steps were taken to avoid female workers being alone with AS. As with other politicians though, they're protected or certainly not shown for what they are

Anniebach.
The law prosess took its course, and Alex Salmon was charged with a series of indictments.

That same law process then found Alex Salmon not guilty of the indictment charges laid against him.

End of process and story.

What could possibly be "rubbish" in the above no matter how many persons you are to name, as the jury who heard all the evidence are the only people that matter in regard to this verdict

We do know that!!
However he has been exposed as a very sleazy individual - he even admitted it. Mud sticks and there was buckets of it. Hard to see how he'll retrieve any respect far less votes in any future attempt to revive his political career.

And if everyone had accepted the verdict of the people I listed
grandad43 ?

Jane10 the law does not state that everyone has to be "a nice person". It does however demand that all individuals obey that law whatever their character or characteristics.

Anniebach, everyone found guilty of any indictment has the right of appeal and even beyond that challenge the verdict.

However, Alex Salmon has been found not guilty of the charges laid against him, which is a totally different situation to someone found guilty of charges.

Everyone accepts that the law is not perfect and that has often been proven to be the case. However, it is the only system which protects all that reside in Britain and therefore should be supported by all, for there is nothing else.

Spot on gillybob.

No,

The political shenanigans surrounding this case are many and complex. Some of the details of SNP and government interventions weren't admissable as evidence. One message referring to Salmon's victory over earlier charges of sexual harrassment said "we have lost the battle but we will win the war". I'm sorry for the women who may have been harassed, who have probably been used for political purposes and who now have little satisfaction. I'm sorry for Salmon's wife. And I'm sorry for democracy which comes out of this very badly. Politics is such a dirty business.

grandad43. Support a system which has been proven to fail
many ? How is this protecting all that reside in the U.K. ?

The system is failing women over and over again, we know it's broken, many of us would never report. It is no good saying like a broken record that this is the system we have. Women will continue to fight to address the utter failings of the judicial system. Michael Jackson was found innocent in a court. We can pretend everything is ok or we can fight to offer better protection for women and children.

Trisher If this was indeed a plot to discredit Salmond and by association the YES movement then it has spectacturally succeeded. There is no way that AS will now ever be elected to political office, or a position in the SNP or YES campaign. His reputation has been tarnished for evermore. I agree that the women who were encouraged to press charges have been used as cannon fodder, with no consideration for the effect this would have on their mental health, reputations, credibility, future employment prospects, etc.

A dirty business indeed.

Does anyone seriously believe these allegations and the subsequent trial came from a 'plot discredit Salmon and by association the YES movement? So far as I can establish, much of his defence is that sexual activity was consensual, he would say that wouldn't he. Prosecutions are rare, convictions even more rare. Galaxy point to the Michael Jackson trial- not the only one is it.

I wish I’d seen the trial. It is difficult to come to a judgement without trying to understand the reason for the jury’s verdict

Iam64 the problem is that although his actions could be considered as sexual harassment they didn't legally constitute assault. The question then arises why, when so many very real assault charges never make it to court, did this fairly shaky one? The basis seems to be his victory over the charges of sexual harrassment brought in January. It isn't a trial that can be compared with others because of the political dimensions.

Grandad43 you appear ignorant of the verdict of Not Proven on one charge against AS. It is a highly controversial verdict unique to Scotland within the UK. Many people read it as ‘We think you did it, we just can’t prove it.’

Someone else has come forward

The Times claims four women have contacted the Met Police. No one from the Met has commented.

SueDonim Quote [Grandad43 you appear ignorant of the verdict of Not Proven on one charge against AS. ] End Quote.

SueDonim I was not "ignorant" of the single not proven verdict on one charge. However, with Alex Salmon being discharged on thirteen other indictments it did not seem worthwhile to speak of it.

After all, it has been a resounding victory for Salmon over his what now are proven to be wrongful accusers.

Straight forward justice many would say.

Oh just thought, perhaps you were ignorant of the thirteen not guilty verdicts SueDonim.

Filthy old man imo

Filthy old men everywhere lately, can't stand them.

Who is surprised at the verdict, come on!

I doubt it will affect his career.

Off topic, but news: Found out that paedos use Paedophile Information Exchange (PIE) to communicate. Be aware.

On dear, you do seem upset unanimous.

The indictments were heard by a fully selected and vetted jury and that jury after hearing all the evidence concluded Alex Salmon was not guilty of the charges laid against him.

A simple case of justice being served.

No not upset get used to me