The Accused

Mitchell Yes, he begged me not to mention the fact that I’d been with him on the night his wife died, as he had already come up with a more convincing alibi.

Kersley Why would he need another alibi, if he had been with you?

Mitchell Because he didn’t want the police to know that we’d been having an affair.

Kersley And how did you respond to this request?

Mitchell I told him to go to hell and rang off.

Kersley Did he call again that day?

Mitchell Yes, about an hour later, but I refused to speak to him.

Kersley How did you avoid it?

Mitchell I made some excuse to Sister about not feeling well, and went home early. But that night I was so distressed I just couldn’t get to sleep, so in the morning I told my parents everything.

Kersley And it was your father, Councillor Mitchell, who left you in no doubt as to where your responsibility lay?

Mitchell Yes. He advised me to tell the police everything I knew, otherwise I could be an accessory to the crime and just as guilty as he was.

Kersley And when the police got in touch with you, you immediately volunteered a statement?

Mitchell Yes, I did.

Kersley And has Mr Sherwood tried to contact you again since you made that statement?

Mitchell He never stops phoning, sometimes twice a day, but I haven’t spoken to him since that morning he rang the hospital. (Sherwood rises but then sits back down.)

Kersley And despite all that you’ve been put through these last six months, you still have no regrets about taking your father’s advice?

Mitchell None whatsoever. My only regret… (She hesitates.)

Kersley Yes, Ms Mitchell? Your only regret?

Mitchell (stares at Sherwood) … is that I ever agreed to collect those prescriptions for him in the first place.

Kersley No more questions, My Lord.

Judge Your witness, Sir James.

Barrington Thank you, My Lord. Allow me to begin, Ms Mitchell, with the subject of the prescriptions. Can I confirm that you were aware that Potassium Chloride was classified as a controlled drug?

Mitchell Yes, of course I was.

Barrington So you would have had to sign for them?

Mitchell Yes, I signed for all six of them, and as the prescriptions are in the court’s safe keeping, you can check for yourself.

Barrington I already have, from my photocopies. I just wanted you to confirm that it was your signature on the originals.

Usher shows her the originals.

Mitchell Yes, that is my signature.

Barrington Then perhaps you won’t mind writing your name on the Usher’s pad so that the jury can be left in no doubt. (She signs her signature with her left hand and the Usher shows the pad to Barrington.) Yes, there is no doubt it is your signature. (He checks the prescriptions.) You said in your statement to the police that Mr Sherwood only gave you those prescriptions on a Friday evening, just as you were about to leave for the weekend.

Mitchell Yes, that’s correct.