|
107.8 Radio Jackie - Bulletins aired each hour
Friday, 20 December 2013
Nigella verdict
Two sisters who were PAs to Nigella Lawson and her ex husband Charles Saatchi have been cleared of defrauding the couple.
During the trial at Isleworth Crown Court, defence lawyers for Elisabetta and Francesca Grillo introduced claims of drug taking by the TV chef.
Scotland Yard says they won't investigate allegations of cocaine use - but will review that decision if new evidence comes to light.
Statement issued on behalf of Nigella Lawson
I am disappointed but unsurprised by this verdict.
Over the three week trial the jury was faced with a ridiculous sideshow of false allegations about drug use which made focus on the actual criminal trial impossible.
My experience as a witness was deeply disturbing. When false claims about habitual drug use were introduced I did everything possible to ensure the CPS was aware of the sustained background campaign deliberately designed to destroy my reputation. During the trial not one witness claimed to see me take drugs and not one of my three assistants was asked about these claims by the defence, despite being cross-examined at length. I did my civic duty, only to be maliciously vilified without the right to respond. I can only hope that my experience will highlight the need for a reform that will give witnesses some rights to rebut false claims made against them.
Even more harrowing was seeing my children subjected to extreme allegations in court without any real protection or representation. For this I cannot forgive the court process.
When I gave evidence I spoke of my regret at having to talk about the circumstances of the end of my marriage and also voiced concern about a campaign to circulate false allegations carried out over the course of this summer, then circulated as witness statements from the Grillos by a publicist, and eventually added to the defence of this prosecution in November. That concern remains.
While this has been a difficult and upsetting time for both me and my family I would like to thank my friends, family and all those who have expressed support throughout this ordeal.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:15 pm
 
|
Top of Radio Jackie News page here.
|
One
of many reasons why we are so useful to South West London...
our very own news team bringing you stories that are relevant to you
and your area.
If you have a press release
or would like to send in news then pop off an e-mail to [email protected]
Follow Jackie News at twitter.com/jackie_news.
Listen to Jackie's latest News and Travel
 
News Team - - Local news 24 hours a day
Lucy Mayer
Lucy is the News and Travel Editor. Find out more about her on the Presenters page.
|
Luke Williams
Luke spends his free time playing synthesisers and watching old sitcoms. Journalism helps remind him of the 21st century.
|
Chloe Norman
Chloe presents both news and travel - find out more about her on the Presenters page.
|
Sandra Aggrey
Sandra wants to travel the world in 60 days.
|
Alex Loveridge
Alex loves watching tennis at Surbiton and Wimbledon and also plays a bit too. He swims at Richmond, but not in the Thames.
|
Mike Oban
Mike enjoys playing and watching sports and is a budding football coach.
|
Jacqui Kerr
Jacqui enjoys all sports and has had a go at most! She loves talking, current affairs, music, and walking her polar bear sized dog.
David Walker
David´s philosophy is you only live once so go out and grab every opportunity no matter how small.
|
|
Paul Francis
Paul grew up in Fetcham and now lives in Teddington with his wife, two cats and a dog. He supports Fulham and plays in a band.
|
Sharmeen Ziauddin
Sharmeen lives in Worcester Park and loves lie-ins, kittens, books, politics, make-up and anything with sugar in it, but hates Monday mornings with a vengeance.
|
John Beesley
John lives in Hounslow. He enjoys beer and singing with barbershop quartets and choruses, though not necessarily in that order.
|
Emily Dexter
Emily is creative and has wide-ranging interests.
|
Amelia Beltrao
Amelia thinks living in New Malden definitely has its benefits: she gets the shops and beautiful riverside from Kingston, can walk her dogs on the common and visit the tennis in Wimbledon, as well as having a great range of Asian culture and cuisines on her high street.
|
Abby Chitty
Abby is from Southfields and her favourite band of all time is The Killers.
|
Nick Ellerby
Back in the UK after six years in Brazil, Nick is missing the sun. He's a big fan of cricket, stand-up comedy and all things radio.
|
Katie Waple
Katie presents both news and travel - find out more about her on the Presenters page.
|
|
|