Im going to get this Blog published if it’s the last thing I do! M and I would love it if you could face coming to stay. London is fun, and A would love it if you allowed yourself a bit of fun. I promise that, notwithstanding the end of this post, we wont get all God on you.
For all those kind souls who are supporting Philip by reading this Blog, and taking the time to post messages, you should know that Phil is a lazy wanker terrific chap. He is a senior member of the Chambers that I practise from, and he is hugely admired by all. He is also hugely missed, not least of all by me, because I used to consult him on almost every case I had. Dude, my average is well down since A died and my Bar Mutual premiums are now enormous. Your grief is now effecting my aged debt, so come on…..
I hope that he will forgive me for relaying this anecdote. In a trial at Maidstone Crown Court, one of his first trials, he was trying to make a dramatic point to the jury about what could and couldn’t be seen over a certain distance (this was in issue in the case that he was defending). He approached the Jury box (typically unconventional - lawyers in America do that, but Barristers in the British Courts largely stay put).
"Now Members of the Jury", He said, "I want you tell me when you can see my hands".
He took his first step back.
"Can you see them now?" He said.
He took his second step back
"Can you see them now?" He repeated, plainly pleased with his Rumpole-esque advocacy.
As he was taking his third step back, he managed to trip over his gown, and ended up sprawled on the floor eye-patch and wig akimbo.
His Honour Judge Simpson, plainly amused, simply said: "Yes Mr Sinclair, I think they can see you now!"
I remind myself of this story each and every time I’m up against it in court, and it always makes me smile and gives me courage.
I know this Blog is about A, but I only met her a handful of times, But in the usual way when you work with someone, you get a pretty clear idea of how things are in their personal life. I happen to think that Anne made all of the right choices, and I happen to think that Phil is coping astonishingly well.
I promised not to get all God at the outset, and I am struggling with my faith at the moment. But He exists independently of your belief, and he loves you just as he loves Ann. I tried him out when I was suffering (albeit nothing like your going through) and he hasn’t let me down since. If I was in your shoes I would be screaming in anger at him. I have always found him particularly responsive when I scream. Humour me, give it a go.
We don't fight to win or lose in a criminal trial - simply to ensure a just result (?!) Justice, however, is always a dish best savoured from the winning side!
If I was a betting man, I would stake at least one mention fee that Scimitar70 and the awesome Allenettes are inextricably linked. I may of course be entirely wrong and as those who know me well would agree, this is hardly a remote contingency.
Pip I seem to have fallen out with somebody who likes to be known as Mr Pineapples and is particularly fond of referring to himself as Mr P in the third person which I find irritating. Do you know this person?
Yes, I noticed that Ben, old chum. No, I don't know him at all, except through his posts on this and other Blogs. I'm not sure that you have fallen out with him though. It just appears to be his way: very challenging and open to misinterpretation but, I suspect, without malice.
However, if you want me to whip you up a quick Particulars of Claim for civil harassment, my pen is poised.
24 comments:
Birthday Twinkles for Ann x
My thoughts are with you.
Birthday thoughts.
I want to ask if it is a Birthday picture?
Its certainly a beautiful picture
x
Happy Birthday Ann.
I'm a couple of days late, but would like to add my (belated) birthday greetings. x
its 8 birthdays since our lovely rob went....he's a man now....happy birthday ann and rob
rachel x
I just read all your posts.
I am lost for words.
My thoughts are with you mate.
Im going to get this Blog published if it’s the last thing I do! M and I would love it if you could face coming to stay. London is fun, and A would love it if you allowed yourself a bit of fun. I promise that, notwithstanding the end of this post, we wont get all God on you.
For all those kind souls who are supporting Philip by reading this Blog, and taking the time to post messages, you should know that Phil is a lazy wanker terrific chap. He is a senior member of the Chambers that I practise from, and he is hugely admired by all. He is also hugely missed, not least of all by me, because I used to consult him on almost every case I had. Dude, my average is well down since A died and my Bar Mutual premiums are now enormous. Your grief is now effecting my aged debt, so come on…..
I hope that he will forgive me for relaying this anecdote. In a trial at Maidstone Crown Court, one of his first trials, he was trying to make a dramatic point to the jury about what could and couldn’t be seen over a certain distance (this was in issue in the case that he was defending). He approached the Jury box (typically unconventional - lawyers in America do that, but Barristers in the British Courts largely stay put).
"Now Members of the Jury", He said, "I want you tell me when you can see my hands".
He took his first step back.
"Can you see them now?" He said.
He took his second step back
"Can you see them now?" He repeated, plainly pleased with his Rumpole-esque advocacy.
As he was taking his third step back, he managed to trip over his gown, and ended up sprawled on the floor eye-patch and wig akimbo.
His Honour Judge Simpson, plainly amused, simply said: "Yes Mr Sinclair, I think they can see you now!"
I remind myself of this story each and every time I’m up against it in court, and it always makes me smile and gives me courage.
I know this Blog is about A, but I only met her a handful of times, But in the usual way when you work with someone, you get a pretty clear idea of how things are in their personal life. I happen to think that Anne made all of the right choices, and I happen to think that Phil is coping astonishingly well.
I promised not to get all God at the outset, and I am struggling with my faith at the moment. But He exists independently of your belief, and he loves you just as he loves Ann. I tried him out when I was suffering (albeit nothing like your going through) and he hasn’t let me down since. If I was in your shoes I would be screaming in anger at him. I have always found him particularly responsive when I scream. Humour me, give it a go.
TD
But, did the petticoats stay put..
:-)
hey, Philip, only a VERY good friend could dare share a story like that x
I could share many more with you...
....but did P win the case!?
R x
We don't fight to win or lose in a criminal trial - simply to ensure a just result (?!)
Justice, however, is always a dish best savoured from the winning side!
If I was a betting man, I would stake at least one mention fee that Scimitar70 and the awesome Allenettes are inextricably linked. I may of course be entirely wrong and as those who know me well would agree, this is hardly a remote contingency.
TD
What a beautiful gift.
I go away for a few days and...
embarrassing stories...!
fisticuffs...!
"If I WERE a betting man..." Did I teach you nothing TD?
P
Thank you everyone.
Katie: the photograph was taken in May, on the island of Ithica in the Ionian Sea. A very special place.
Yes, the petticoats stayed put. I'm not completely undignified.
Hilda May / Rachel: The answer to that question is lost in the mists of time.
Happy Birthday Rob.
P
Thank goodness for that (the petticoats I mean..)
Am most looking forward to the other tales as promised by TD :-)))
Pip I seem to have fallen out with somebody who likes to be known as Mr Pineapples and is particularly fond of referring to himself as Mr P in the third person which I find irritating. Do you know this person?
TD
Yes, I noticed that Ben, old chum. No, I don't know him at all, except through his posts on this and other Blogs. I'm not sure that you have fallen out with him though. It just appears to be his way: very challenging and open to misinterpretation but, I suspect, without malice.
However, if you want me to whip you up a quick Particulars of Claim for civil harassment, my pen is poised.
P
Why can't I write "my pen is poised" without smirking?
I'm such a child.
P
I love the two minute delay between your last two posts. Just enough time for the efficient purile mind to indentify, consume, and digest base wit.
Shall we have that lunch next week? I quite fancy the Mexican on Earl Street.
Do you know her?!! Boom boom QED etc etc
I have been avoiding the comments section because I didn't know what to say, but fantastic story TD. Can we have some more?
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