The Accused

Forsyth (softly) Yes, but the antitoxic properties of that particular substance were not discovered until …

Barrington Until it was too late, Professor. But fortunately it is not too late in this case. Professor, you have already confirmed that the amount of Potassium Chloride found in Mrs Sherwood’s bloodstream was consistent with a heart attack.

Forsyth What I actually said was ….

Barrington Yes or no, Professor? It either was consistent with a heart attack or it wasn’t.

Forsyth (hesitates) Yes, it was.

Barrington Could someone with Mrs Sherwood’s medical history have suffered a heart attack, if she had been surprised by an intruder? Yes or no?

Forsyth Yes, it’s possible.

Barrington And are you aware of any other doctors who have prescriptions made up outside of the hospital they work in? Yes or no?

Forsyth Yes.

Barrington And could the amount of Potassium Chloride found on the rubber glove have been concentrated grapefruit juice? Yes or no?

Forsyth Yes, I suppose it could.

Barrington And if Potassium Chloride is taken in small doses, isn’t it harmless - and in certain cases even beneficial? Yes or no?

Forsyth Yes, but …

Barrington Shall we dispense with all these buts, Professor, and remove any doubt in the jury’s mind once and for all? I wonder, My Lord, if I might be shown exhibit twenty-six, the ampoule of Potassium Chloride that was found in Mr Sherwood’s bag, which Mr Hussein identified as coming from his shop.

Judge For what purpose, Sir James?

Barrington Like the distinguished professor, My Lord, I wish to conduct an experiment.

Judge I do hope you’re not wasting the court’s time, Sir James.

Barrington Heaven forbid, My Lord. I simply wish to prove my client’s innocence.

The Judge nods to the Usher who removes the ampoule from Sherwood’s bag and hands it over to Barrington, who breaks the ampoule and drinks it slowly.

Barrington A little dry for my taste, but as you can see, Professor, not fatal. So let us hope that once again it will not be your expert evidence who allows an innocent man to rot in gaol for the rest of his life.

Kersley My Lord, this goes far beyond the bounds of… legitimate cross-examination …

Judge You are quite right, Mr Kersley. Sir James, that comment was unforgivable, and I must insist that you withdraw it immediately.

Barrington (pauses) My Lord, I am unable to do so.

Judge And why is that, Sir James?

Barrington I was the defence counsel in The Crown versus Mr Roger Latham and I will go to my grave aware that my feeble advocacy failed to save the life of an innocent man. I am determined that it will not happen a second time. No further questions, My Lord.

The lights slowly dim and everyone’s eyes remain on Barrington. The curtain falls, but goes back up during the interval, to reveal the jury door back in place.

CURTAIN

Act Two

Scene One

The following morning.