Murder by the Loch – the trial

After reviewing the evidence, the police charged Mr Ward with the murder of Mrs Ward.

The video now summarises the cases for the Prosecution and for the Defence in the trial of Mr Ward.

The Prosecution case is that the physical location of the bullet wounds to Mr and Mrs Ward rules out the robber/gunman theory – a theory that stretches credibility at the best of times. The Prosecution argue that the evidence repeatedly shows Mr Ward to be lying, and that he has a strong motive to dispense with his wife, and the only realistic conclusion is that he shot her and invented the robbery scenario.

The Defence case is that there is nothing of substance to support the Prosecution case. The tyre tracks could have been made by another car and a witness has come forth to suggest this, there is also nothing distinctive in the footwear impression. Even if you accept these as evidence of Mr Ward being by the jetty, they are entirely consistent with the events described by Mr Ward in. his testimony. There is also nothing that indicates that Mr Ward intentionally fired the gun in order to murder his wife.

You should now use the tables as before to assess the Defence case in light of the evidence that has been presented.

It’s now your turn to decide, based on your evaluation of the evidence in light of the circumstances presented to you. In the next step you will have the opportunity to vote and find Mr Ward “Guilty” or “Not Guilty”.