23. Let the Fight Begin

I was phoned by LE and told to go to court on Friday, 15 October at 9am, where he would be waiting for me.  As I was very ashamed, embarrassed and horrified of giving my testimony in front of my brothers, my son volunteered to come with me to give me support.  So we went on the train, arriving at the court on time, where we met LE.  He showed us upstairs to the room for people giving evidence in the trials.  My son was allowed to go with me as his statement had been accepted by both sides prior to trial.

It is at this point that things get a bit comical.  I was asked by LE to sit and read my statement so I would know exactly what I had written.  Sounds easy, but having read ½ of the front page I was introduced to a lady from the CPS.  I started reading again.  Then one of the court officials came to me to say hello.  Again I started reading.  Then Miss R came to say hello; then Mr H came to introduce himself.  It is at this point that I told my Barristers that I cannot read my statement, as I had not completed the first page.  I told them if I don’t know what happened to me by now it’s a bad job.

I gave the statement back To LE.  Everyone then disappeared and as I stood there in the room, a call came for me to go down to the court.  I vividly remember standing outside the court door waiting my turn to go on stage.  It seemed like it was a TV episode of a crime novel.  In fact, I remember this experience must be like being on the stage, as much as being a priest was as much show business; costume, lights, action.  At no point was I scared, worried or afraid of facing my demons.  I don’t know why.  I was not at all bothered about seeing Robinson.  He can’t hurt me now.  He did then, but not now.

I was ready let the fight begin.