Stories Of London

PAGE TWENTY ONE:
INNOCENT OR GUILTY???
PART 5

The Statue of Liberty atop The Old Bailey

The law of the wise is a fountain of life
Poise the cause in justice’s equal scales

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Although it had only been a short time since the Media had become aware of him and the crime that he had been accused of, in that time Casanova/Puppy had become immensely popular with the public. It soon became a normal occurrence when he was being ushered into a van waiting to transport him and the occasional fellow inmate either to or from Jail to be greeted outside the Court by the loud cheers of an increasing number of waiting well-wishers. Sadly for those that were escorting him, they were greeted only with jeers!

Cries of FREE HIM from well-wishers of Casanova/Puppy outside the Court

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Following his arraignment, Casanova/Puppy was taken back to Jail where he was to be held until his trial date since he had not been granted bail. Unless he was granted bail in the future, he would be held there throughout the course of the trial. The idea of this proved very upsetting to the victim!

Top Left: The Jail holding Casanova/Puppy; Left: Inside the Jail; Bottom Right: The Dining Hall

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In Jail

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Casanova/Puppy adapted quickly to prison life as he awaited trial. Since he had a friendly manner, he soon became popular with the guards and other officials. His stay was made more pleasant by the receiving of many letters, cards and gifts from well-wishers.

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It had somehow been made known to the inmates at the Jail that Casanova/Puppy was a special friend of Don Guido, and that no one was to bother him in any way! As a result, the majority of his fellow prisoners felt it best to steer clear of him! However, there were a few inmates with no connection to the Don who did mix with him on occasion.

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For safety reasons, Casanova/Puppy was given a cell to himself since the District Attorney (D.A.) was concerned that rivals of Don Guido might want to cause him harm in an effort to seek vengeance on the Don. He seemed content in his cell and slept most of the time except for when he was allowed out to meet with his one visitor (the victim) or his Counsel and also to exercise in the yard.

A generous and anonymous donor has sought permission to re-decorate an area of the Jail to act as Casanova/Puppy’s cell. Since, his benefactor had heard, that Casanova/Puppy preferred to sleep on a couch, two couches were installed ……. one for sitting on and a second for sleeping on! The warden was appalled at the suggestion, but was persuaded to curb his resistance!

Left: Puppy’s Original Cell; Right: Puppy’s refitted Cell

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In general, Casanova/Puppy behaved himself well during his time in Jail and did not actually cause, or mean to cause, any direct problems for the authorities. However, unfortunately, he became the centre of two major problems soon after his arrival.

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Firstly, it soon became apparent that it might be best for his fellow inmates if Casanova/Puppy was to remain in his cell and take his meals there rather than in the dining hall. The warden came to this decision since his presence had been found to be highly disruptive!

It was noted that Casanova/Puppy enjoyed his food and took to prison food well. However, he would eat his food quickly and then wander from table to table bothering the other inmates by jumping up onto their table and gobbling up their food. This kind of activity was not appreciated by the other inmates, but they were powerless to stop him since, if they complained, they would risk the wrath of Don Guido. When knowledge of this disruption came to the attention of the warden, he took it upon himself to suggest that it would best for him, and definitely for his fellow inmates, were he to take sustenance in his cell. This change did not seem to bother Casanova/Puppy at all.

Dogs Helping Themselves to Table Food

In addition to regular prison food, Casanova/Puppy feasted and was feted each day on the contents of a large food hamper that arrived periodically at the Jail strictly for him. The hamper contained delicious succulent treats along with instructions on how best to serve them and with a note that simply read FROM A FRIEND, which of course, fooled no one!

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Of a more serious nature, on another occasion, unfortunately Casanova/Puppy was guilty of causing somewhat of a melee during one of the exercise periods.

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Casanova/Puppy is a curious creature by nature, although the victim would say that his curiosity came more from noisiness rather than a wish to learn!

One afternoon while walking in the yard, he strode onto the Basketball court during a very heated game and promptly decided to enter the game! He ran into the middle of a group of players who were contesting the ball and began to leap in the air, committing many fouls as he did! This led to some disagreement between the players causing the Referee to stop the game.  Being somewhat vexed that the game had stopped, Casanova/Puppy went and sat down before one of the baskets and began to examine his paws hoping that the game would soon resume! Having the game brought to a halt greatly annoyed both the players and the guards, as this was a very close and intense game and everyone was eager for it to continue!

Disagreements broke out on the sidelines as well as on the court and any semblance of order was now completely lost.

Basketball Melee eventually sending Casanova/Puppy to sleep!

Casanova/Puppy seemed unperturbed, if not unaware, at the problem he had caused and he showed no signs of moving off the Court! Following his examination of his paws, he next flopped over on the ground and he began to drag himself around in a circular movement! First in a clockwise direction and then anti-clockwise!

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Once Casanova/Puppy had completed his circular activities, he rose, shook himself and quietly strolled off the court, leaving behind the state of chaos that his intrusion into the game had caused! He seemed totally oblivious to what was taking place around him. He slowly made his way toward the entrance and strode back inside and returned to his cell for a short sleep.

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Following this incident, the warden thought it best for all concerned that Basketball games, much to the annoyance of some inmates, be outlawed whenever Casanova/Puppy was allowed out for exercise.

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The victim was his only person to visit Casanova/Puppy during this time except for the occasional visit from his Counsel. The victim of the crime always appeared more destressed than the prisoner by his captivity and surroundings.

However, a few days after the Basketball melee, Casanova/Puppy received a visit from his Counsel and the victim along with another person. This visitor had presented the victim earlier with his card, which simply read:

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CASANOVA/PUPPY …….
INNOCENT or GUILTY??? – PART 6