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‘Guilty’

While soh of relief He would be able to return to work the next day, if not in triu a complete failure

‘Will the prisoner please rise,’ said the clerk of the court

Ahtly bowed

‘Cyril Auilty of a serious crime, for which I sentence you to one year in prison’

William tried not to smile

‘However, as you have up until now had an unblemished record, and this is your first offence, the sentence will be suspended for two years, during which time I would recommend you do not visit too many bookshops You are free to leave the court’

‘Thank you, Your Honour,’ said A his counsel a long hug

Williaallant effort

‘Your sister was quite brilliant,’ ad to play with, she beat us two-one, and in the end she even had the referee co down in her favour I won’t ain’

‘Nor will I,’ said Willia quietly out of the courtroo for him

She gave hirin he kneell ‘Got time for a drink, bruv?’

Over dinner that evening, William told Beth exactly what had happened in court She burst out laughing and said, ‘You’re a complete idiot’

‘I agree I’ into work tomorrow If I’m not back on the beat, I’ll certainly be put in the stocks’

‘The laughing stocks would be my bet,’ said Beth ‘I only wish I’d been there to see the look on your face when the judge decided to suspend the sentence’