“Yes”, Steven replied.
“Your Honour. Steven has been asked a large amount of questions. Could I put in a few?”, asked Mrs Grace Steven’s Barrister.
“Be seated until I say otherwise”, ordered Judge Barnaby.
“Steven please return to your seat”, said the Judge.
“James, can you please stand for trial.”
“James can you confirm your whereabouts on January 2nd 2008?”
“I was at home with my family”, replied James.
“But did it occur to you that we suspect you may have sneaked out of your house while the rest of your family slept?”
“Yes, but I didn’t. I could not kill the person who I used to love. I even asked her to marry me. But she chose Steven over me.”
“Aha. That could have been your motive. You asked Beth to marry you, she said no and chose Steven over you. You were furious, took it one step too far and murdered Beth.”
“No James wept.”
“James. Return to your seat”, ordered the Judge.
“Anna Wilson please stand for trial.”
“Anna, can you swear on the Holy Bible to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?”
“I swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth”, answered Anna.
“Anna Wilson can you confirm where you were on January 2nd 2008?”, questioned Mr Oak.
“I arrived at Steven’s house at 5:30pm. We watched a film and had a meal. By the time we had finished, it was about 11:30pm. I left at 11:35pm. Then I returned to my house five miles away.”
“So by the time you got home what time was it?”
“About 12:15am.”
“Did you get on with Beth Kemp?”
“Yes we were good friends.”
“When was the last time you saw Beth?”
“On Christmas Day, Steven and Beth came around my house for dinner.”
“Please be seated.”, belted the Judge.
James was still in his pyjamas. It was Sunday and the day before James had invited Steven round for a game on his Nintendo Wii. They were getting on quite well which James found strange because Steven had been ignoring him for the last week.
James was just about to reach for the cereal box in the cupboard when he found a Pistol, a real gun. He picked it up and inspected it. James had never held a real gun before. A shock of excitement ran through his body. But then it hit him. His dad hated guns so it wasn't his. It defiantly wasn't hi mum’s. Tom. He tucked the gun in his dressing gown and ran upstairs to his brother’s room.
Tom was fifteen with short brown hair. He was an average boy who loved weapons, especially guns. James knocked before entering Tom’s room, as that was the family rule.
“Come in.”, Tom grumbled.
“Tom can I have a word, its important?”
“Yeah, whatever.”
“Have you seen this before?”, whispered James shutting the door behind him.
“No. But you can pass it here.”, said Tom.
James thought about handing the gun to Tom but there was a loud knock at the door. James’ parents were out. They had left for Church about an hour and a half ago. So he ran downstairs expecting to see them. He carefully placed the gun inside his dressing gown.
James opened the door and took a step back when he realised who it was.
“I am PC Nathan. I have a warrant to search your house. We have received a piece of information leading to the death of Beth Kemp.”
James’ heart sank. What about the gun?
“Come in.”, James said reluctantly.
James started to run upstairs towards his room. There was a cupboard behind his bed. He could hide the gun while the police searched downstairs for what they were looking for. Well that’s what James thought. But PC Plod grabbed James before he had chance to.
“Sorry mate its procedure. I need to search you.”
“But I’m innocent.” James screamed dropping the gun.
“James Owen I am arresting you on suspicion of murder. You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something that you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.
High Court London 2nd Day of Trial
James Owen was sat in the Dock. He knew he was innocent but what will be the outcome of this day. Will he be free to go, or just about to start his life sentence? All he knew was that he did not kill Beth Kemp.
“Order, Order.” bellowed Judge Barnaby.
“Court rise.” announced the Clerk.
“James Owen, please stand for trial.”
James stood up. His heart was pounding. His wrists aced from being tied up in handcuffs.
“Why don’t you just admit you shot Beth Kemp.”, suggested Mrs Grace.
“You were caught with the gun. The same gun that was used to shoot Beth.” boomed Mrs Grace.
“I did not shoot Beth. Someone must have planted it.” said James sourly.
“So you think someone planted it one you?” asked Mrs Grace sarcastically.
“No. I found it in my cereal cupboard. Steven came round the day before. He must have planted it.” suggested James.
“I have evidence.” shouted a scared boy. It was Tom Owen.
“Order.” shouted the Judge.
“James, please be seated.” said Barnaby.
“Would you mind telling me who you are young man?” asked Barnaby/
“I’m Tom Owen. James’ brother.” answered Tom. “I have evidence to show that Steven shot Beth. It’s all here on my phone.
