Animal Instinct by James R. Vance

Author:James R. Vance
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: TheEbookSale Publishing

*****

“Is that it, then?” asked the official from the Crown Prosecution Service. He looked up from the report that he had been studying over the weekend.

D.C.I. Wainwright glanced across at D.I. Massey, his expression inviting some comment.

Massey turned to the prosecutor. “I believe that we have a fairly solid case.”

“There's too much reliance on circumstantial evidence. Jurors have been known to convict where there are strong probability links despite the lack of proof beyond reasonable doubt. However, such outcomes are few and far between.”

“You must admit, though, that there's a powerful motive, an abundance of in-situ forensic evidence and witness statements to place her at the mill at the time of her death,” countered Massey.

The prosecutor stroked his head pensively and thumbed through the report again. He addressed the detectives. “This friend of the victim, Fiona Wilson…in her statement, she identified that the bag found at the mill was indeed Lara's, but goes on to say… and I quote… ‘It was most likely the bag which she used on Thursday morning’. That would be inadmissible in court. It is merely conjecture on her part.”

“She explained that it was more of an overnight bag and because of its size, its capacity, Lara would have chosen it in view of her trip to the clinic,” replied Massey. “She also added that she was almost certain that no other bag was missing from the house. Surely, it is reasonable to accept the logic of that?”

“It's still an assumption. Phrases like ‘most likely’ and ‘almost certain’ carry no weight. Likewise, the shreds of plastic bin liners found near the fir trees, the various chemicals and the home-brew kit discovered in the garden shed…all are considered as having similar properties to the evidence found at the landfill site and on the victim. Similar is too vague. The whole forensic report is too inconclusive. The probability is strong, but not proven beyond reasonable doubt. The only concrete evidence is the witness who identified the young woman walking towards the mill as being the victim, both in her physical features and her dress. However, even that witness statement is flawed.”

“How do you mean…flawed?” asked Wainwright.

“How reliable is this…” the prosecutor flicked through the report, “…this Sean O’Malley?”

“He described her extremely accurately, even though she was some distance away. The description of her matched perfectly with the girl herself and the clothing from the other bin liner, which, incidentally, was identified by Fiona Wilson as her dress on that morning,” replied Massey.

“But in his previous statement, when shown the photo of the girl, he failed to recognise her.”

“He was questioned about that. The photo was simply a head and shoulders mug shot. He had not encountered her face to face. He only saw her rear view as she walked along the road. I would say that his explanation justifies his two opposing reactions.”

The prosecutor returned to the report. “The bus driver recognised the girl when she caught the bus in Moulton, but was unable to remember what type of bag she carried.

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