You make an interesting point. Taking aside the paid professionals (defence council mercenaries) who will likely spout their carefully worded wisdom as intended... Following OP's horrendous testimony which reveals his story to be improbable at best and entirely fictional at worst - then would any normal reasonable people still be willing to attach themselves in support of that story and on the side of such a creaking defence?
Family - certainly, friends- probably but any DT neighbours/witnesses? - I'm not so sure at the moment.
Do not underestimate the power of people. Lance Armstrong was convicted of cheating and there r still supporters for him.