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‘That’s a risk I’et lost Feel like a glass of chane?’

THE CROWN V RAINSFORD

‘Call Detective Sergeant Bob Clarkson,’ cried the clerk

Grace didn’t take her eyes off Clarkson as he walked across the courtroom and entered the witness box He delivered the oath with none of the swagger Stern had displayed

An honest, decent copper, who’s easily led, and sohted after reading Clarkson’s personnel file

Sir Julian sat patiently through the Crown’s cursory examination of Clarkson, which didn’t throw up any surprises But then he’d never thought it would

‘Do you wish to cross-examine this witness?’ asked Lord Justice Arnott

Sir Julian nodded as he rose froard him as the enemy, but not Clarkson

‘Detective Sergeant Clarkson,’ he began, his voice gentle and persuasive, ‘as a police officer you will know the consequences of co perjury So I want you to thinkmy questions’

Clarkson didn’t respond

‘On the day Arthur Rainsford was arrested and charged with the murder of his business partner, Mr Gary Kirkland, were you present at the scene of the crime?’

‘No, sir I was back at the station’

‘So you did not witness the arrest?’

‘No, sir, I did not’

‘But you were the junior officer who signed the state’