Shoe-in
I was involved as a witness in a defended burglary hearing. The case was essentially the testimony of three complainants against the offender, who denied being there and said that the complainants made the story up out of spite.
While one of the witnesses was giving his evidence, he told us that during the scuffle the defendant lost a shoe. During my evidence I was questioned about the shoe, but this was the first I’d heard about it and I confirmed that no shoe was located as evidence.
The defence concluded the cross-examination, the judge had no questions but the defence lawyer checked with the defendant.
The defendant then stated in a loud voice (in the middle of the court, while I was still at the stand):
“Excuse me Constable, I lost my shoe that night. Do you think I could have it back please?”
The defence lawyer told him to shut up and put her hand over his mouth. But the defendant resisted, yelling:
“But the Police have my shoe!’
We ran out of time for the defendant to give evidence.