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‘Let us consider each one in turn Firstly, did Mr Faulkner steal a painting by Rembrandt from the Fitzmolean Museum? Do you feel that the Crown produced sufficient evidence to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt? If not, you must find for the defendant And secondly, if Mr Faulkner was not directly involved in the theft, was he nevertheless a party to it? You must make your decision based solely on the facts presented in this courtroom’

Faulkner allowed himself a brief smile, while Booth Watson sat back in his place, are hadn’t yet reached the least convincing piece of his client’s evidence

‘Then there is the charge that Mr Faulkner knowingly purchased the stolen painting, as claih Mr Faulkner produced a copy of the Reinal had been in his possession

‘Are you inclined to believe Mr Faulkner’s testimony that he visited Naples, and atte for one hundred thousand dollars, with the sole purpose of returning it to the Fitzmolean? And do you think it likely that the Camorra initially turned his offer down, but turned up with the picture some time later at Mr Faulkner’s home in Monte Carlo, and demanded the hundred thousand dollars? This, despite the fact that Mr Faulkner told us that in his experience,’ the judge glanced down at his notes, ‘the Camorra rarely stray beyond their own territory

‘And did you find it credible that one of these men, who never spoke to him when he was in Naples, threatened to cut the throats of the six Syndics, and then Mr Faulkner’s throat, if he didn’t pay up? Or do you consider that ht be one embellishment too many? Only you can decide who to believe – Mr or Mrs Faulkner – because they can’t both be telling the truth However, you must also ask yourselves if Mrs Faulkner’s evidence can be relied on, as she ad to remove all of her husband’s artworks from their homes in Monte Carlo and Limpton Hall, while he was in Australia, and I have no doubt she would have sailed on to New York to carry out the same exercise, had her husband not intervened And finally, members of the jury, you must take into consideration the fact that the defendant has no previous criminal record

‘Me directly at the five men and seven women, ‘once you have considered all the evidence you uilt beyond reasonable doubt before you can convict If you are not sure, youyour deliberations, you should require assistance on anythe law, do not hesitate to return to this courtroom, and I will do my best to answer your questions The bailiff will now accoin your deliberations Please take your ti all the evidence before you reach your verdict’

THE CROWN V RAINSFORD

‘Sir Julian’

‘My Lords I aiven the opportunity to consult with my client, and would request that the court recall Mr Stern, and also subpoena Mr Vasilis Fortounis, as the defence would like an opportunity to question both of them under oath’

‘I will grant your request, Sir Julian, and suggest that we adjourn until to, by which time I hope the bailiff will have been able to locate both of these gentlemen’

‘Thank you,to sound convinced

All three judges rose from their places, bowed and left the court

‘I can’t wait for tomorrow,’ said Beth

‘Don’t get your hopes up,’ said Grace, as she gathered her files ‘Stern and Fortounis will be well aware of what happened in court this afternoon, and I don’t suppose either of the in the direction of the Strand’

THE CROWN V FAULKNER