GlastonburyRed

15 minutes ago, MarcusX said:

I'm fairly sure any report of domestic abuse / violence is now followed through even if the victim tries to retract their statement so i don't think she'd have any comeback on her

I had a friend go through this (honestly believe he did no wrong given the nature of events, long story) and the Police continued to investigate despite his Mrs taking back what she'd reported and insisting it was her drunken rage (the situation was all caused by someone else lying to her). Luckily there was no further action as she didn't have any signs of abuse, because he didnt touch her, and there was simply no evidence. Obviously suffice to say he did not stay with her much longer

I would be surprised if there was a blanket rule that the CPS have to progress, in the event of a retraction, but I do think there is policy surrounding the examination/consideration of a retraction in these forms of cases, that might not exist say in offences against property etc. But yes, I am sure police are encouraged to delve deeper and not be perturbed by the faintest whiff of a retraction, and I think that is correct, all things considered (not saying being the target of baseless allegations would be comfortable).

1 minute ago, Southport Red said:

I bow to your superior knowledge/experience @Glastonbury Red, I am NO ONE’s idea of a lawyer

Never say never though; I recall one particular time in my career where I, as a prosecutor, secured what I would say was an 'un-deserving' conviction up in Birmingham - strange things do happen in court on occasion.

42 minutes ago, Southport Red said:

Except isn’t it irrelevant now?  She got the police involved at the time and her statement then is evidence. They seem convinced that an assault had taken place and reported it to the CPS. Understand it will be tougher if she doesn’t give evidence but the CPS saw enough there to get this far. Whether or not she wants to press things almost doesn’t matter. Her choices now are:

1) Giving evidence (which may involve perjury if she isn’t honest or

2) Accepting a charge of wasting police time. 
 

neither option will be bery attractive to her. 

In my opinion (former criminal lawyer) 1) & 2) won't happen, largely becuase it would send an awful message to those who may wish to raise a domestic violence complaint in future. As for 1), I guess there could be a witness summons for her attendance (not even sure the judge/mags would go for that, nor whether the CPS would even ask for one), but if she then appears at court, and takes the stand, the prosecution would have to treat her as a hostile witness and cross examine her on any original statement (is there even one?); as you can imagine, cross-examining your own witness is not a good look, and in the absence of independent evidence, is a tough ask for the prosecutor. Regards 2), there is a potential for it to happen, but would have to be an extreme case (think serious sexual offence allegations).

So we are left with the 999 call, and bodycam (likely only showing any aftermath)...potential for a bad character application perhaps (although hard for me to say without reviewing the file).

Unless I am missing something, this case will be incredibly difficult to secure a conviction on, if it even gets that far and the CPS do offer evidence. The prosecutor on the day will have their work cut out, and will not have been the one who made the decision to charge/progress with the matter. I know there are good policy reasons why domestic abuse convictions should be pursued in the absence of the complainant's support, but that doesn't make it any easier for the lawyer on the day.

1 minute ago, BrightCiderLife said:

 

Those trials are adding up! Perhaps there were witnesses if it was at a party, hence the prosecution without a complainant in the conventional sense.

3 hours ago, Lanterne Rouge said:

Obviously the tax dodger Pantsdown has paid them to post. No-one could possibly believe players would really say these things about the universally loved special club admired by football fans the world over.

The rosey cheeked lady garden up to his old tricks again, obviously

39 minutes ago, havanatopia said:

From what I have read that is absolutely right. The testimony of that Barnsley youth coach probably makes it a slam dunk. This is just delaying the inevitable, I think.

What's the youth coach testimony?

4 hours ago, Red Army 75 said:

Looks like Barton just let him out of his car boot

Most notable for an 8 match ban for racial abuse, doesn't sound like the sort of signing the Gas make

4 minutes ago, LondonBristolian said:

The thing I've always found weird about LJ discussions - both in terms of him as a player and as a manager - is that he was basically just about okay in both roles.

As a player he is never going to make my list of top twenty players I've seen in a City shirt but he's a world away from the worst twenty too. He played his part in our play-off push and was decent if not spectacular throughout his time at the club.

As a manager, he had some very good and very bad moments but essentially managed the club steadily for four years, never took us into a relegation or a promotion battle at the absolute end of the season, and did a competent job without setting the heart racing. You'd obviously put his Dad, Joe Jordan and Steve Cotterill above him on your list of City managers but you'd also put Benny Lennhartsson, Tony Pulis and Brian Tinnion well below him. 

So what I find weird is how the Hell does someone who was basically competent but not spectacular whip up such strong feelings and cause so much controversy?

I think it's because he talked as if he was in our Top 3 managers of all time, and there was a disconnect between that talk & the reality on the pitch.

51 minutes ago, robintherobin said:

Here are some highlights from the Bristol Post piece last July looking forward to the current season for The Gas. They are the gift that keeps on giving - every comment is a gem!:  

"Gasheads have been steadily more impressed with Rovers' summer business so far, with the new signings, a new training ground and Wael Al Qadi's commitment to the club all building hopes of a positive season ahead. See how Bristol Rovers fans reacted below:"

Alfie Rendall: Announce promotion.

Charlie: Very good squad being built.

James: EIEIEIO up the football league we go.

Daniel Sheppard: Going to be boring winning every game this season. ... Real intent this year.

Jay Bear Jones: So three signing in three days all quality players, what has happened to rag bag Rovers?

Caz: Promotion 2021, scream it at the top of your lungs baby.

Kevin Ward:  Blimey, Will next season be the one we start going places?

Kevin Ward knew

2 minutes ago, bcfc01 said:

Remarkably, he did get one England cap.

 

He played for Olympique de Marseille don't you know?!

And now you better believe it

9 hours ago, Redsi2 said:

Oh my god the bloke thinks he is the best manager in the world, you would think from his career description he was Messi as a player. The bloke is deluded and really was a thug of a player and a tinpot manager. Seems pretty confident he will escape prison so obviously ready to spill a load of bull in court.

Something about pride coming before a fall...or maybe 'prowed before a fall' in the case of the Gas.

3 minutes ago, Will Rollason said:

I'm guessing Joey will take them down then leave? n'est pas ?

Leaving in a G4S van more likely than not.

19 minutes ago, Harry said:

Rob. I have ever so happily compiled the stats for you. 
Don’t forget, they’ve technically had 4 persons in charge this season, with Widdrington letting himself do it for a couple of games. 
 

Garbles. Pl 11 W3 D3 L5 F11 A19 PPG 1.09. 
Pisdale. Pl 15 W3 D3 L9 F13 A24 PPG 0.8. 
Widdles. Pl 2 W1 D0 L1 F3 A3 PPG 1.5.
Barfton. Pl 14 W3 D2 L9 F13 A19 PPG 0.79. 
 

So, Barton currently has the worst points per game record. 
If they’d have stuck with Garner and his PPG they’d be 19th. 

Awful shame that the one before that mob 'traded up' to Mansfield

35 minutes ago, Bristol Rob said:

Statistically, who has been the best Rovers manager this season?

Obviously, Joey is in the lead at the moment (for me) as he looks like the one who is going to put the lid on the coffin and see the job through.

But haven't all their managers been given a similar number of games, so a points per game average will probably tell quite an interesting story.

Was Garner this season? He was particularly woeful!

Can't see them squirming out of it this time, must be a chance that they go down as rock bottom.

2 minutes ago, Super said:

Wigan winning

Is LJ cracking up at the crucial moment?!

2 minutes ago, Lanterne Rouge said:

They need to have their hard drives securely wiped regularly.

Shudder

How long has V-shed been a 'Spoons?

9 minutes ago, richwwtk said:

I presume them being allowed to stay on the grass bank is because there aren't enough of them to breach social distancing rules? Surely that would attract a sizeable crowd for most matches and the police would clear them off? 

By their very nature Gas 'crowds' are forever socially distanced.

3 minutes ago, Sweeneys Penalties said:

Well I knew Hollowhead was a nutter but I didnt realise he'd spread the Gospel so thoroughly in Grimsby

Grimsby player sent off for headbutting his own team-mate in ugly League Two scenes (msn.com)

Is that the lad who left the Gas under a cloud

Is LJ related to DS Steve Arnott?!

And now you better believe it...

4 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

It was August 3rd 2019 that Wael of Fortune gave that interview where he claimed they would have a new stadium at St Phillips Marsh in 2 years. So on the 19th month anniversary I thought it was a good time to check on their progress..................

A few tent like structures ........ Check

Catering ........ Check

Club Shop........ Check 

Floodlights.......... Check 

The next 5 months will be a doddle, ready for the new season then.  

these things take time

1 hour ago, RedLionLad said:

“We dust ourselves down and we go again”

Dunno why but always reminds me of this bloke.