From what I have read and observed about the accused, I don’t believe Mandy would have had a choice about her testifying. I’d wager she pretty much demanded to do so. It appears she needs to be in control and relies mainly on her own judgement. She can clearly research well, remember information exceptionally well, and stand up for herself. She presents as pedantic and somewhat argumentative - maybe rude or abrupt at times. She’s been described as a bit of a loner, has few friends and socialises moreso online rather than in person. She was almost incapable of stopping herself correcting others in testifying. She often takes words quite literally and doesn’t easily pick up on nuance. For example, she asked Dr Roger’s, What do you mean by “interest” in mushrooms. She often quibbled about the actual questions or use of words by Dr Rogers and other witnesses. “Well I didn’t say that I actually said this.” and “Well I didn’t tell anyone I’d taken Imodium, because no-one asked me.” Although she appeared self assured and self centred, there were also times where she was often painted, by herself or the defence, as vulnerable and victimlike.
, I'll say that, if there are only two choices, I'll choose the BW with concrete mixed in over any BW prepared in EP's kitchen. 
www.abc.net.au
