Deceased/Not Found UK - April Jones, 5, Machynlleth, Wales, 1 Oct 2012 #7 *M. Bridger guilty*

[Sarah]

the non 'cleaned-up' but nevertheless 'clean' car is most difficult to comprehend. as both sides are saying she was in the car... even if she was lying on a rug, cover or similar... surely a fibre, a thread, or a hair, or something would be found... even if no fingerprints could be established. the defence even said the coat was likely to shed fibres...

BBM

Wasn't it the other way around?
the coat was unlikely to shed fibres?

sorry, on phone at the moment so can't search.

 

[Clutchbag]

BBM

Wasn't it the other way around?
the coat was unlikely to shed fibres?

sorry, on phone at the moment so can't search.

The forensics expert said the outer surface of April's coat was waterproof and would not shed fibres but the lining and fake fur of the hood could.

The court heard four purple polyester fibres had been found in the Land Rover which bore a "microscopic resemblance" to April's coat.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22522856

He (Kelly QC) said no fibres were found in or on the car and evidence showed that the type of coat April was wearing would have shed fibres. He also referred to the scene of the collision not being properly checked.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22687907

 

[sleuth-d-]

The forensics expert said the outer surface of April's coat was waterproof and would not shed fibres but the lining and fake fur of the hood could.

The court heard four purple polyester fibres had been found in the Land Rover which bore a "microscopic resemblance" to April's coat.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22522856

He (Kelly QC) said no fibres were found in or on the car and evidence showed that the type of coat April was wearing would have shed fibres. He also referred to the scene of the collision not being properly checked.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22687907

so back to the difference between fibres being in the car... and being identified conclusively enough to be used as evidence?

still odd that mb was convinced that the police would find nothing - unless this was his bravado.

 

[George Gently]

so back to the difference between fibres being in the car... and being identified conclusively enough to be used as evidence?

still odd that mb was convinced that the police would find nothing - unless this was his bravado.

He seemed certain there would be no blood.

After driving off the estate at speed we don't know much of what happened for an hour before he is seen arriving at his home.

 

[Elainera]

So to acquit they have to have 'reasonable doubt'?

But how else did April die? Even if he *did* run her over, he made no effort to get her medical help, didn't call an ambulance, didn't dial 999, didn't do anything except drive round panicking and drinking. In my eyes, that's as good as murder (but not in the law's, I know). Her poor parents - they will never really know for sure what happened to their little girl. If I were them I would hope it was an accident - but even so, they will never find her body and be able to bury her decently. Too much of a coincidence with the child , the 'sleepover' chats, the google searches, and the total destruction of her body and any evidence she ever existed (apart from the large amounts of blood of course). IMO he's a nasty killer who has had a massive remorse trip once he realised they'd caught up with him.

Just one thing: I remember reading that there were not "large amounts" of blood. Can't remember where though ... but it was recent.

Always wondered what happened to her coat. Wouldn't it have floated if he had thrown it in the river? Wouldn't there be ashes that would have been identified if he had burned it?

 

[Alyce]

Jury have just gone out at 13.55 hrs.

 

[veggiefan]

Jury have just gone out at 13.55 hrs.

I can't imagine that it will be a very quick decision, given so many uncertainties - but who knows?

 

[Alyce]

Veggie, that is my feeling. Several of my friends have said they think it will be very quick, but I think there will be much to discuss and try to clarify in their minds.

 

[sleuth-d-]

Just one thing: I remember reading that there were not "large amounts" of blood. Can't remember where though ... but it was recent.

Always wondered what happened to her coat. Wouldn't it have floated if he had thrown it in the river? Wouldn't there be ashes that would have been identified if he had burned it?

re: blood. from the judge's summing up today...
Scientist Emma Howes told the trial blood was found in the living room, hallway and bathroom of the three-bed property, the judge said. She also described how a significant pool of blood was found on the underside of the living room carpet. She added it would have "taken some time to removes traces of blood" from the carpet's surface.


http://pastebin.com/eCgVLfZe [@ line 55]

 

[George Gently]

Just one thing: I remember reading that there were not "large amounts" of blood. Can't remember where though ... but it was recent.

Always wondered what happened to her coat. Wouldn't it have floated if he had thrown it in the river? Wouldn't there be ashes that would have been identified if he had burned it?

So there is no evidence of an accident and no evidence of an assault involving a weapon at his home.

Yet, her blood appears under the living room rug indicating it had dripped from whatever injury was the cause.

I think I know what probably happened but that would be speculation. However, something did happen and that little girl was never seen again.

I think any organic fibres would have burned to ash in the fire and any plastic waterproofing would have burned and melted. It is significant that only the bone fragments were found that at least could be identified as bone.

I wouldn't like to be on the jury anyway but we can only hope that they apply some common sense to the evidence as a whole.

 

[Neurotripsy]

(Sorry for the delay, computer trouble)


@NewsAndyD:

#AprilJones Court being told about Mark Bridger's background. Born in Surrey, before moving to North Wales when he was 19/20

#AprilJones jury being taken through Mark Bridges defence case.

#AprilJones jury hearing about the large amount of alcohol Bridger said he drank on a daily basis. 25 cans of cider

#AprilJones Bridger alleges he wanted to see his ex on the night April went missing, he was parked in a "secluded spot"

#AprilJones Bridger says he travelled 'no more than inches' when he realised there was a problem. Got out to see a child under the car

#AprilJones remembers putting her in the car, checking her pulse and giving her mouth to mouth. He drove to get help.

#AprilJones he checked April again and remembers a 'gasp', 'he believes' he drove to the clock tower and turned back

#AprilJones he cannot remember having April in the car when he got back to his house.

#AprilJones Bridger says he remembers laying April down on the carpet.

#AprilJones Bridger tearful as the judge says he doesn't remember putting any of her in his fire.

#AprilJones Mark Bridger told the court last week that he didn't believe he could do that

#AprilJones In cross examination Bridger said April's friend was lying or mistaken when she saw April getting into his car uninjured

#AprilJones Bridger said he thought he would be charged with death by reckless or dangerous driving

#AprilJones Bridger claims he couldn't have put April in the river, as he has a fear of drowning.

#AprilJones Bridger claimed indecent ages if children were to understand his children's development.

#AprilJones Bridger also said that the indecent cartoons were saved so he could complain about them

#AprilJones The judge finishes his review of the evidence

#AprilJones Judge tells the jury they are under no pressure of time.


Detailed updates posted over on Pastebin.

 

[Elainera]

I can't imagine that it will be a very quick decision, given so many uncertainties - but who knows?

Judge told them if they think she got into the car uninjured they have to convict. So I guess this will be pivotal. And if they go by evidence, or rather: absence of evidence that she was run over, it will be a quick decision. moo

 

[Redgoblin]

He was a lifeguard at one point in time, but has a fear of drowning, pull the other one...I suspect that is exactly where he put her.

 

[Elainera]

So the jury has left now?

 

[George Gently]

So the jury has left now?

Yes. Although it can take a jury a fairly short time to reach a verdict, I'm not sure if we will hear the verdict today.

 

[ann-other]

Jury back!

 

[veggiefan]

The Jury's back already - that almost certainly means a guilty verdict after such a short time (little more than an hour).

 

[ann-other]

just been tweeted 'false alarm' no verdict yet

 

[Alyce]

I am reading that they have been called back into court, that sounds like something the judge wants to say to them, not that the jury have asked to come back in .

 

[Alyce]

A juror rang the bell to attract the attention of an usher !!