#criminal-trial

#criminal-trial

The criminal trial for a man suspected of trying to assassinate United States President Donald Trump last year has started, coming at a time of heightened alarm over political violence in the US. The trial began with opening statements on Thursday as the defendant, 59-year-old Ryan Routh, took the unusual step of representing himself. Routh faces five charges, including trying to assassinate a presidential candidate, and faces the possibility of life in prison if found guilty.

Simon Levy, 40, from Tottenham, is accused of killing Sheryl Wilkins, a 39-year-old sex worker whose body was found in a car park last month. Ms Wilkins's cause of death has not yet been established, the Old Bailey heard. Mr Levy was remanded in custody and is due for another hearing at the same court on 26 November, with a trial date provisionally set for next June.

Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has arrived at court to face trial, accused of harassing a transgender woman. The 57-year-old has denied harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks on social media and a further charge of damaging her mobile phone in October. The Bafta-winning writer, who also came up with TV sitcoms The IT Crowd and Black Books, has become a strong vocal critic of the trans rights movement in recent years. His trial will begin at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Twenty-five years ago, as a long summer drew to a close, a night out ended in tragedy. It changed the lives of four young men forever, ending another's far too soon. It happened in an unlikely place, the leafy, affluent suburb of Donnybrook in south Dublin. A fight broke out among a group of young men outside Anabel's nightclub. When it was over, 18-year-old Brian Murphy lay on the ground. Hours later, he was pronounced dead.

Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfson's ruling established that Jorge Barahona is competent to stand trial concerning the death of his adopted daughter and the abuse of her twin brother. The judge determined that Barahona understands the charges and the potential penalties he faces, which indicates he can assist his legal defense. This assessment followed extensive testimony from forensic psychologists regarding Barahona's mental state and his cognitive function. The judge emphasized the importance of Barahona collaborating with his competent defense team.

The couple's beliefs have drawn scrutiny, with their child expressing concerns about 'being cold, scared and removing the snake within us', raising alarms about parental fitness.

During the trial at Old Bailey, Constance Marten chose to stop her cross-examination by prosecutor Joel Smith, who faced backlash over his questioning approach.

"The video lasting 2mins 41secs allegedly captured the moment the sycamore tree was chopped down, forming a key piece of evidence in the trial."

Yoon Suk Yeol defended his martial law declaration, saying it was a peaceful alert to the nation's opposition intentions and not meant to paralyze the government.