The Accused

Act One

Scene One

The Jury Room, Central Criminal Court, the Old Bailey. Morning.

When the audience take their seats, there is no curtain. The stage is dark, but at the front is a door marked JURY ROOM. On the wall is a clock showing 9.45 a.m. When the house lights go down, the door opens and the Jury Bailiff steps through it and addresses the audience.

Jury Bailiff Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury. Welcome to the Old Bailey. My name is Gilbert Pierce and I have been appointed your jury bailiff. You have been summoned this day to appear at the Central Criminal Court. The trial you have been selected for is the Crown versus Mr Patrick Sherwood. Mr Sherwood is charged with murder. In a few moments I will take you through to Court Number One. But as I suspect this is the first time you’ve been called on to give jury service, you may well have some questions, and as this is my one hundred and fourteenth murder, I may just have some of the answers.

Now the judge in this case is Mr Justice Cartwright who considers himself to be the natural successor to Judge Jeffreys and his views on the restoration of the death penalty are well documented. However, you will be relieved to learn that he’s considerate with jurors, but uncompromising when it comes to barristers - especially those who try to take advantage of him. And while I’m on the subject of barristers, both the Crown and the Defence in this case are represented by two of the best - and they both know it.

Sir James Barrington leads for the Defence, while Mr Anthony Kersley, a former Member of Parliament, appears for the Crown. If you sense any friction between them, don’t be surprised: they loathe each other. It’s no secret that Sir James defeated Mr Kersley by one vote to become Chairman of the Bar Council, and was awarded the knighthood that goes with it. It’s also common knowledge that they haven’t exchanged a civil word since.

The spotlight falls on Kersley and his junior, Ashton, who are moving towards the courtroom in a corridor of light.

Ashton I see we’re up against your old sparring partner.

Kersley Are you referring to Barrington, or His Lordship Mr Justice Cartwright?

Ashton I thought you and Sir James …

Kersley Frankly I’ve never cared for either of them, and I can assure you the feeling is mutual. You see, I didn’t go to the right school, old boy.

The attention moms to Barrington and Jarvis.

Jarvis Have you appeared before Mr Justice Cartwright before?

Barrington Many times, and on this occasion we start with a home advantage.

Jarvis Why’s that?

Barrington Because he disapproves of Kersley almost as much as I do, so all we have to do is massage the old boy’s ego.

Jarvis But surely Kersley will do exactly the same thing?

Barrington Not a chance. He’ll pick a quarrel with Cartwright at the first possible opportunity - he believes in the old adage that a good row with the judge makes up for a weak case.

Jury Bailiff looks up from his clipboard.

Jury Bailiff Once Mr Kersley has made his opening statement for the Crown, he will proceed to call his witnesses. At the moment there are five on the list, but I’m not expecting to get through all of them today. After the adjournment you may return home, when you will quic

kly discover that friends and relatives will want to discuss your views on the case and will be only too willing to offer theirs. But unlike you, they will not have heard all the evidence, so their opinions are, at best, worthless and, at worst, injurious. The safest bet is don’t talk to anyone and don’t allow anyone to talk to you

Usher Mr Pierce, I am instructed by His Lordship to ask if the jury are assembled and ready?