Jury told to put witness's own tragedy aside

The jugde today told jurors that they must put aside personal sympathy for Duwayne Brooks, whose father died last night, and assess him solely on his evidence.

Mr Brooks was already in the witness box when the jury arrived on the fourth day of the trial. Mr Justice Treacy told them: "The position is that most unfortunately Mr Brooks's father died overnight. Notwithstanding that he has come to court and I have spoken to him here in court in the presence of the lawyers to be certain that he wishes to go ahead and give his evidence today.

"His position is that he would wish to do so and he will give his evidence to you today. I have given him the opportunity to postpone until a little time has passed and the immediate pain of bereavement has subsided. But his decision having considered the matter is that he wants to proceed today."

He added that everyone would feel natural sympathy for Mr Brooks, but he said: "You will have to set aside sympathy because your role is to judge the evidence you hear from him." The case continues.