The Accused

Barrington Then allow me to explain. You come across a photograph of Mr Sherwood in a medical journal attending his wife’s funeral With the help of a magnifying glass you spot a lady in the crowd whom you think you recognise. You discover her name in your drugs register and suddenly you’re the Sherlock Holmes of Wellingborough.

Hussein (looks puzzled) I don’t know a Mr Holmes.

Barrington You don’t?

Hussein I don’t recall him ever coming into the shop.

Barrington When did you arrive in this country, Mr Hussein?

Hussein Just over two years ago.

Barrington Only two years ago, so you’re probably still unfamiliar with our ways, not to mention our literature?

Hussein I have long been an admirer of the British, Sir James.

Barrington I feel sure you have, Mr Hussein, but that doesn’t make you British. Did you qualify in this country?

Hussein No, sir, I did not.

Barrington Then why are you allowed to dispense dangerous drugs?

Hussein Because I have been a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society for the past twenty years.

Barrington On what grounds, may I ask?

Hussein Because in my own country I am a qualified doctor.

Barrington But you are not in your own country, Mr Hussein, so I must ask you, do your qualifications permit you to practise, as a doctor, in this country?

Hussein No, sir, but … that is purely …

Barrington No buts, Mr Hussein. They do not permit you to practise as a doctor in this country!

Hussein Sadly, not yet.

Barrington Or perhaps not so sadly, for the patients.

Kersley My Lord, is my learned friend going to be allowed continually to insult the witness in this manner?

Judge Mr Kersley, this is a charge of murder and, within the bounds of reason, I shall allow the Defence every latitude.

Kersley Is that latitude to be extended to Sir James asking questions to which he already knows the answer?

Judge Only a foolish lawyer asks questions to which he does not know the answer, Mr Kersley. Please carry on, Sir James.

Barrington Thank you, My Lord. Mr Hussein, have you ever visited St George’s Hospital?

Hussein No, sir, though I have …

Barrington Have you ever come into contact with Mr Sherwood?

Hussein Yes, I attended a lecture he gave to the King’s Fund.

Barrington Along with how many other people, may I ask?

Hussein There must have been over a hundred people present.

Barrington I doubt if even Mr Sherlock Holmes would have gleaned enough evidence from going to a lecture, attended by over a hundred people, to conclude that the lecturer should be charged with murdering his wife. If that were sufficient evidence, you’d be claiming we’re old friends simply on the strength of this cross-examination.