CTindex - Christian Today UK Interactive Catalogue
World

Court told Jill Dando accused seen before killing

Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008, 17:04 (BST)
Font Scale:A A A

Celebrity-obsessed Barry George "and no other" person killed popular BBC presenter Jill Dando, a jury was told on Thursday.

The prosecution, in its summing up at the Old Bailey, said police evidence showed George had shot dead the 37-year-old "Crimewatch" presenter on her doorstep in Fulham, west London, in April 1999.

Although prosecutor Jonathan Laidlaw said the picture was not straightforward, he asserted that eye-witness accounts had placed George at the scene.

Eight people had seen a "swarthy, Mediterranean man" near Dando's home in the lead up to her murder, the court was told.

One woman picked out George, 48, in an identification parade.

"If you are satisfied that each of the witnesses had seen one and the same man. As a matter of logic you need just one positive ID showing that the man was Barry George to lead you to the inevitable conclusion that he was the gunman," the prosecution said.

The court had earlier heard how George was obsessed with celebrities, adopting the names of various entertainers, and had stalked women.

Laidlaw said prosecutors "do not lack any confidence at all" that George is guilty of murder.

George, who lived near Dando, was originally tried for her killing in 2001 and is now nearing the end of a retrial.

He denies murdering Dando with a single gunshot to the head, five months before she was due to be married.

He told police: "I have never seen Jill Dando in the flesh in any shape or form."

He did not give evidence during his trial. The case continues.



© Reuters 2008. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.
Have your say on this article
Christian Aid
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here
Bible Society
World Headline
Chinese Christians persecuted but still patriotic, says Open Doors head

Chinese Christians persecuted but still patriotic, says Open Doors head

Chinese house church Christians have a paradoxical view of their country, says the head of Open Doors USA who recently...
Sponsored Features
For holidays and retreats in the Scottish Borders. 01450 377477 INSPIRING BOOKS BY PRESTON TAYLOR, former Argentina missionary. A thrilling "Safari" into God's Word. Click this web site: Order through any Bookstore. Ideal gifts for anyone, any occasion. Tell a friend, please. The original Anglican resources shop your only independent one-stop-shop.
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here