Stories Of London

The following day, the world newspapers were filled with the latest news of The Case against Casanova/Puppy! However, somehow, someone had leaked the details of the Closed Court Session and there, for all to read, were the accusations that Casanova/Puppy was a trusted henchman of Don Guido, the infamous Boss of the Crime Family, The Black Hand Gang. L’Ora (English: The Hour), the newspaper published in Palermo, and even hinted that perhaps he was Don Guido’s Consigliere (i.e., advisor or counselor to the Head of a Crime Family)!

L’Ora: Italian Version

L’Ora: English Version

-oOo-

Following the publication of the special edition of L’Ora announcing the startling revelation that Casanova/Puppy is the Consigliere of Don Guido, a media frenzy took place with other newspapers quickly bringing out their own Special Editions together with endless programming on radio, television and the Internet reporting on what had been presented in the Court once the Jury had been removed and the Galleries cleared. In addition, anyone with the smallest association with the Defendant and Don Guido were interviewed and re-interviewed.

It is fair to say that there seemed to be no other news from around the world that day!  News of Royalty, Presidents, Prime Ministers and other Politicians, along with all Affairs of State and Trade from home and abroad, were swept from the Front Page and relegated to a simple mention towards the back of a publication and reduced to a brief mention at the end of a programme. Similarly, Sports, Pop and Film Stars, who normally enjoyed having their every word and action being eagerly leapt upon by journalists, found themselves similarly treated much to the annoyance of their Press Agents and Representatives. None of those in Court to hear the actual presentation by Mr. Burger were available for comment. As expected, Don Guido, who never gave interviews, was silent.

-oOo-

When members of the Five Families were contacted, the Gambino, Lucchese, Genovese, Bonanno and Colombo Families, refused to make any comments.

-oOo-

Getting into Court that day proved more than difficult, as the streets of the area were even more filled with media personnel along with the multitudes of well-wishers all hoping to catch a glimpse of Casanova/Puppy.

-oOo-

When the Court reconvened, the Judge let it be known that he was most displeased that a leak of information had occurred and that it had led to this Circus, as he referred to the current situation. However, following this, he turned to the business at hand.

Erle Stanley Gardner (1889-1970) as the Judge
in the final episode of the Perry Mason Series (1957-1966), The Final Fadeout

The Judge said that despite Mr. Burger’s entreaties, he found nothing of value to the current case in the material presented once the Jury had been removed from the Court yesterday.  As a result, none of it would be admissible and presented to the Jury when they were called back into Court.

With this, he brought his gavel down with a loud bang and then instructed the Bailiff to request the Jury to return to Court.

-oOo-

Once the Jury had been ushered in and were seated, the Judge asked a somewhat disgruntled Mr. Burger if he had any further evidence to present to the Court. Mr. Burger rose and replied that he did not and that the Prosecution rests where upon he sat down.

Mr. Burger sits down

-oOo-

The Judge then turned to the Defense and asked them to proceed with their Case. Counsel rose and after thanking the Judge said that the Defense would wave an opening statement and pass immediately to calling their witnesses. The Judge asked her to continue.

Counsel called the first of a number of character witnesses who proved to be familiar with Mr. Casanova/Puppy’s behaviour and habits. The first witness was a neighbour who informed the Court that the Defendant was a happy, kind and considerate creature and was not known to have any bad habits. Counsel then called people that Casanova/Puppy knew from his daily walks. One such witness referred to the Defendant, as a Pillar of the Community and a delight to meet and know.

Mr. Burger when asked if he had any questions for these witnesses, declined and each was thanked by the Judge and then dismissed.

-oOo-

Following this, Counsel called the Victim. Mr. Burger rose to object. He said that since the Victim had already been called as a witness for the Prosecution, he could not understand why he was being recalled at this time. Counsel responded by saying that the Victim was being recalled since his earlier testimony was incomplete from a Defense-point-of-view, and if the Judge so pleased and would allow the Defense a little leeway, all would become clear. The Judge said that he was inclined to grant some leeway, but asked that the Defense did not stray too far. Counsel thanked the Judge and called for the Victim to return to the witness box.

Counsel

When the Victim settled in the witness box, the Judge reminded him that he was still under oath to tell the truth. Counsel asked the Victim if he had called the Police on the day of the crime. He said that he had not. He was next asked if he had been asked by the police if he wished to press charges against Mr. Casanova-Puppy and file a Police Report? He said he had been asked and that he told them that he did not. Counsel next asked him if he had been asked the same question again once when they arrived at the Police Precinct. The victim said that he certainly had, first by the Desk Sergeant and then by Lt. Tragg and that each time he told them that he did not want to press charges. He said that he was eventually told that since the crime was of such a horrific nature, charges would be brought!

Counsel now asked the victim a series of questions pertaining to those members of society that he and their client met during their daily walks. The victim said that the majority of people that they met were those living in the area. He also said that on occasion there were various trades people. When asked if they met any strangers that did not appear to be regular members of the area, he replied that he had no memory of any one untoward.  With this, Counsel thanked the Victim and said that she had no more questions.

The Judge then asked Mr. Burger if he had any further questions for the witness. Mr. Burger said that he did not. At this, the Judge told the Victim that he could stand down from the Witness Box, which he did and returned to his seat.

Counsel stood up and informed the Judge that the Defense now rested.

-oOo-

The Judge invited Mr. Burger to offer his Closing Arguments for the Prosecution. Mr. Burger rose and turned to the Jury and began to speak.

Mr. Burger began by saying that it should be remembered that a heinous crime had been committed and that the Defendant had been charged as the perpetrator. He added that despite the Victim not wishing to press charges, he must have been witness to the crime. He added that, although the Victim did not recall meeting any untoward strangers in the area during daily walks, he believed that this was not the case! The Defendant certainly has received gifts from such a person during his stay in prison! With this, Mr. Burger concluded that there was much evidence to suggest that the Defendant was on the path to becoming a Career Criminal and that his life with the Victim was an excellent cover to allow him and his associates to reek havoc on society! He concluded by saying that this latest crime was but just the latest in a long history of crimes. With this, Mr. Burger sat down.

-oOo-

The Judge now requested the Defense to offer their Closing Arguments. Mr. Mason now rose and turned to the Jury.

He began by saying that the Defendant had been described during the trial as a Pillar of the Community and is greatly liked by all in his neighbourhood. He has no criminal record. He was cleared of any crimes brought against him. He next said that there is no evidence to support the latest accusation being brought against him at this trial. He concluded by asking the Jury to look at the Defendant and ask themselves if this was someone that fit the bill of a Career Criminal in-the-making? At this Casanova/Puppy had that look on his face that was known to melt hearts! Mr. Mason then sat down.

-oOo-

-oOo-

The Judge’s summary of the Case was brief, just reminding the Jury of the basic facts of the Case. He concluded by saying that if the Jury felt that if the Prosecution had presented a Case that led to their believing the Defendant guilty of the crime, then it was their duty to find him Guilty. If however, they believed that the case had not been proven, then they must find him Innocent and allow him to go free. He then indicated to the Bailiff to escort the Jury to a place where they could make their Deliberation and hopefully render a verdict.

And with that, the Judge brought the gavel down and adjourned the Court to await the outcome.

The City Council of The Hague deliberating the rebuilding of the Sebastiaansdoelen (Guildhall) in 1636 painted by Jan Anthoniszoon van Ravesteyn (1572-1657)

-oOo-

The Defendant, the Victim, Counsel, Mr. Mason, Miss Street and Mr. Drake were ushered into a room adjacent to the Court where they planned to await the Jury’s decision. Casanova/Puppy quickly moved to the couch that had been provided and promptly fell asleep!

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank BCS for help with the Italian translations – Con riconoscente ringraziamento.

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CASANOVA/PUPPY …….
INNOCENT or GUILTY??? – PART 11