Archers Addicts 4!!

How did that happen with that jury..?..?.did I miss something?

OMG

Yaay!

Where's Henry??

Boo hiss the foreman! Bigoted bastard!

Sprog!!

Cacophony!

What a bigoted lot. Just want to go home.

That foreman sounds a bit like Rob!

This bloody jury is awful.

And away we go!

I think the character witnesses (plural) were referred to in Anna's summing up merlot but we didn't get to hear it.

Just read the Ambridge Observer. I know it's tongue in cheek but they're saying that Neil did not turn up to give Helen a character reference.

Was there any mention of this or are they just 'avin a larf.

Which is what they're good at

Glass of wine , nibbles to hand , getting prepared. What's the betting we don't get the actual verdict tonight? Even if we do, the sentencing ( if needed) is bound to be next week. My bet is, like others, that she will be innocent of attempted murder, but guilty of the lesser charge, so we will have to hang on in there for the sentence, which might be lenient, and see if that makes any difference to the custody battle. The scriptwriters love to keep us hanging on....

TV, through which I get the radio, just gone on the blink (it has been playing up) so rushed upstairs to bring a radio down. ... right ... ready again.

Just come in from the garden. Quick shower, dogs fed.

Nervous anticipation!

Having dinner early to make sure we can totally focus! How sad are we?

I think I might be the lone Omnibus listener on here, but this morning's episode was a real cracker! Like others though, I can't get my head round all this disruption in the court. The wailing and calling out and loud stage whispers have just got to stop When my Aunt Edie and her friend went through a phase of queuing up for the meatiest trials at Durham Crown Court, they were evicted from their seats on more than one occasion by the Tipstaff, who'd stride over to tap whisperers on the head with an ornate stave, and escort them out. Bring him back, I say.

Feet up, radio on at 7 pm - no interruptions allowed!

What might the jury pick up on. Jess saying that Rob moved "from job to job"; Rob calling Jack Gideon? Surely someone will have an enquiring mind. Will they asked why the prosecution was so destructive towards Ian?

Going to sew a zip now - yes I am still making things with zips in to overcome the issue and sometimes it is less frustrating than all the questions in my overworked brain!

Would the police interview him. Wouldn't they have to get statements from Helen and Jess first - if they would make them? I think this may be quite drawn out if it is picked up on. I also have a feeling that the family court can take this into account with or without the police. Where are you Iam?

I think you are asking as many questions as I am LG. I bet all round the country heads are spinning with these things! I do want things to settle down a little. This has been a very clever and generally well executed story line but a bit of normal would be good.

I don't think there's enough evidence to convict Helen of attempted murder but she may well be convicted of the lesser charge of wounding with intent ? by majority verdict. I think when sentencing the judge will take into account the provocation that Helen has suffered, and time already spent in prison. The police may interview Rob afterwards with regard to rape allegation and this may cast doubt on his suitability to have custody of the boys. I hope so anyway. It may depend on the direction the judge gives to jury in his summing up. The judge's direction was very helpful when I was on a jury. They can then drag the storyline on and on when Helen appeals the sentence. Hey ho!

I think you could be right merlot. That takes me back to my original feelings. Would it actually stop Helen getting the children back if she was coming out straight away? I have absolutely no idea. I remember Iam saying the burden of proof was not the same in a family court. Where would the children be safest? My bet would be on Tony and Pat but would Helen be able to live with them? My head is reeling with questions.

You are right too that it may go to appeal but would Helen put herself through that if her sentence has been served? Questions, questions and we wont have all the answers tonight by any means [sad smile]

Well if Graham Seed's been talking he's another juror that should be sent home.

I have a horrible feeling Helen is going to be found guilty and become a silent character for her length of prison sentence.

The focus will then be on who gets the children, Robs job, Ian and Rob's feud, Adam and Ian's disintegrating relationship, Charlotte the nanny (if Rob gets them) Ursula v Pat etc., etc.

Maybe we'll have to go through all this again if there's an appeal?