Reading the comments on the DE site. Barney seems to remember, what drinks he bought, how many drinks he was holding, where he put them, how many mates he was with and then getting hit to the floor. But struggles to comment when asked how he cut his hand. Not looking good IMO
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9659217.Barnard__a_role_model__Saints_manager_tells_court/ Nige was up today, and Cortese sent a written letter
Got to take what is in the echo with a large pinch of salt but based on wwhat I've read and quite an extensive knowledge of court procedures etc I'd be surprised if any jury could find this proven. In criminal matters, the standard of the burden of proof borne by the prosecution is to prove that the Defendant is guilty so that the jury are "sure". The old formulation of "beyond all reasonable doubt" in jury instructions has been abandoned. Juries are now told simply that the prosecution must convince them of the Defendant's guilt, so that they are sure.
SF4L I wasn't suggesting they were lying but no paper ever prints everything and it's very easy to jump to conclusions unless you have all the facts. It's in their nature to sensationalise.
Doesn't look like they can prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is guilty, although like others have said we don't know all the facts...
Are people involved in football exempt from crime nowadays? Anyway, pleased about the positive (for us) outcome. Still think he'll be on his way in the summer (presuming we go up).
Will we have to change his song, now he's no longer wanted by Scotland Yard? Congrats, Barney. It's all good news in Southampton these days.
Hoping to seeing you promoted this weekend lads The old bill got me with the same trap when I was arrested. You cooperating along with them & there lapping up your answers about the amount drunk and where you went next then when you 'cant remember' the next bit it does seems odd. I got of with a caution though no case required. Cant believe its taken this long to go to trial, thinking purely from a playing point of view do you think Barnard would be involved next season regardless of what league your in? All the best
The longer this case went on the more it looked like the evidence was not concrete, so not really surprised by outcome.
I always thought the police must have had CCTV footage all along, but clearly not, so mystifying that it went this far (at taxpayers expense) as without CCTV or a strong witness, it was always going to be one persons word against the other. Unless the bloke who got allegedly glassed, thought better of testifying or changed his story to avoid him getting hassle around town in future?? WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY!! (Not Barnard, but the police & CPS)
I take it you don't rate him, do you doubt the integrity of NA & NC? They had faith in him, why shouldn't we? It seems the "victim" was not so innocent as was made out, he stole a bottle of beer from Barneys mouth, hurting him in the process and was as responsible for what happened as anyone else. I don't like the thought of Players getting drunk, they should be more professional than that, but they are human and have all of the normal human frailties. Until I see more details about what went on I will keep my further thoughts to myself.
Not guilty! Obviously I'm pleased but the evidence against him was overwhelming! How did he do that! Nicola obviously has friends in high places
