The Trial (Union, GG-based RP Report thread)
Trial Day Two – November 30th 2010
Paragon Times
The trial of Annette Barrington, aka Nitoichi, continued today with the prosecution giving him simple, but damning, account of the crimes. The defendant sat, stony-faced, through the description of the injuries sustained by Longbow Agent Keys, and the defence did not cross-examine the witnesses having acknowledged the facts of the case.
As its final act the prosecution called Miss Barrington to the stand. She was questioned on the murder of Agent Keys, confirming the facts of the case. Throughout the interrogation she remained calm, though she appeared pale and showed considerable contrition.
The defence began their case after a short break for lunch. Detective Marion, a psychic with the Paragon Police Department, and Sister Psyche testified that, at the time of the crimes, Miss Barrington was under the control of a personality calling herself “Rei.” Sister Psyche further testified that Rei had been destroyed in mental combat with a number of other heroes. Jason Caine, a teacher of magical history at the Salamanca Campus, testified that Rei had been created as the result of a misfired magical effect following an attempt by an unknown assailant to assassinate Miss Barrington.
After the technical witnesses, Ms Liberty and The Lady Grey were brought to the stand, in turn giving testimony as to Miss Barrington’s character prior to the assassination attempt. Ms Liberty also stated that Miss Barrington had given herself up voluntarily to face trial, which she stated to be further proof that the Rei personality was no longer in control.
The closing statements were short and largely a summary of the crimes and the given explanation for the plea of not guilty. The judge ordered that the jury be secluded to start deliberation in the morning.
Paragon Star
A host of heroes came to testify at the Nitoichi trial today with Sister Psyche herself giving evidence that Nitoichi was, in fact, off her rocker when she brutally murdered two Longbow agents. The defence did give a good account of itself, but the description given of the death of Agent Keys left several in the courtroom reaching for the sick bags. No one should be able to get away with horrific crimes like this, least of all someone calling themselves a hero.
Paragon Tattler
Page 2
Current favourite of the paparazzi, Shanna Connell, visited the trial of Nitoichi today. She kept up her normal (read ‘skimpy’) mode of dress, though with a slightly sober edge as befitting the occasion. She made a hasty, if discrete, exit during the afternoon, no doubt called back to the Huntington mansion where she currently lives. Lucky girl.
Page 16
In an article yesterday it was implied that Anastasia Kade was almost forty. Mrs Kade celebrated her thirtieth birthday this year.
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.
Trial Day Three December 1st 2010
Paragon Times
The jury have decided to take their time deciding the fate of Annette Barrington, aka Nitoichi. After a short summing up of their duties by the judge, the jury of metahumans and registered heroes retired to their jury room to begin their deliberations.
On hand to wait with Miss Barrington as the day dragged on were friends and colleagues of various degrees of fame. Doctor Richard Huntington III chose today to accompany Miss Shanna Connell to the courtroom, along with his sister, Samantha, and several other members of his household. Questioned by reporters regarding his presence, he said simply that he was there to lend support to his friend. Mrs Zorielle Rolando attended again, sitting beside a young woman bearing a striking resemblance to Miss Barrington. Neither were available for comment.
By 4pm, with no sign of the jury reaching a decision, the judge called them back into the courtroom. Finding that they needed more time to decide, he ordered them sequestered for another night. The case continues tomorrow.
Paragon Star
So, a bunch of cape-clad so-called heroes get another night in luxury accommodation at the expense of the tax payer while they drag out handing down a not guilty verdict in the case of Annette Nitoichi Barrington. We all know the murderer is walking, so why wait? Got to make a show of it, thats why.
Mercury Herald
As the jury continue to decide the fate of Annette Nitoichi Barrington, speculation has turned to the likely sentence handed down if, as many now suspect, the jury will accept the insanity plea.
The judge would be quite within his rights to have the defendant locked away in an asylum. Indeed, most persons who successfully plead insanity as a defence spend more time in incarceration than they would have done if found guilty of the crimes. However, no less a person than Sister Psyche has indicated that Miss Barrington is now in full control of her faculties.
There is precedent for a hero in this position to be remanded into some form of program requiring psychiatric evaluation while ensuring that they continue their work as a hero. The Unity Vigil has a long association with the citys youth rehabilitation program, the MYRS, and Vanguard has considerable experience in working with people on both sides of the law.
Paragon Tattler
A considerable treat for court watchers today as the Huntington household descended upon the trial of Nitoichi. With Shanna Connell and Samantha Huntington attending, as well as a bevy of other Huntington Harem beauties. Famous clubber, Sam, was dressed in her in an outfit fit for a stripper and looked awesome in it. Her playboy brother, Richard, who has been romantically linked with the foxy defendant in the past, also showed up, as did Internet fanboy favourite Fanservice Girl who made a brief appearance.
One mysterious lady seen seated beside Zorielle Rolando bore a striking resemblance to Nitoichi, though she hid it carefully behind a wide-brimmed hat and dark glasses. The Tattler plans to investigate since two hot Barrington heroines is just too good a future to hope for!
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.
Trial Day Four December 2nd 2010
Paragon Times
The conclusion of the Nitoichi trial today is bound to stir controversy. The jury finally delivered a verdict of Not Guilty on Grounds of Temporary Insanity at lunchtime. The judge handed down the sentence in a twenty minute statement after a break for lunch. Nitoichi is remanded to the custody of the Unity Vigil for psychiatric evaluation over the course of the next six months, continuing indefinitely if required. The judge stated that her work in the War Zone and other areas was too valuable to be restricted and the Unity Vigil, with its work under the MYRS program makes it a suitable group to handle this responsibility.
Conservative lobby groups have already issued statements that the sentence was too lenient. The prosecution, however, issued a statement that the judgement was fair. Longbow gave a similar statement late in the afternoon. The families of the two murdered agents were unavailable for comment. Vanguard leader, The Lady Grey, commented that a valuable resource in the fight against Earths enemies had been rightly freed to continue her efforts.
Miss Barrington refused to comment on the judgement on leaving court. She was collected by two Unity Vigil cruisers, accompanied by Mrs Zorielle Rolando and the UV Security Chief.
Paragon Star
It comes as no surprise that the self-confessed murderer known to the public as Nitoichi has walked scot free from court today. Two people are dead as the result of this womans actions, their distraught families can feel no sense of justice in this decision, and yet another psychotic, cape-wearing killer walks our streets because her mutant friends closed ranks around her and kept her safe.
No one can feel safe on the streets of Paragon City with the likes of Annette Barrington walking free.
Paragon Tattler
The Unity Vigil certainly knows how to put on a show! At the end of a relatively short trial, Annette Barrington, up and coming model and actress, was whisked away from press, friends and well-wishers by two very classy Vigil cruisers. It must be said that Michael Storm Sapphire Preston, Security Chief of the UV looks much more sexy in his costume, but both he and Zorielle Zortel Rolando gave a good impression of distinguished and reliable as they rolled up accompanied by a contingent of Zortels famous androids in full dress uniform.
Spotted amongst those watching Miss Barrington leave were Anastasia Kade, her manager and former Playboy model, and the mysterious Barrington twin we mentioned in yesterdays article. The two were together and speculation mounts that this new girl is Mrs Kades latest find. Enquiries made to the Paragon Pets Modelling Agency produced only a statement that the agency hoped Miss Barrington would be available for work soon, but her return to the limelight had not been formally discussed. No twin is on their books. Who is this mysterious stranger?
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.
Trial Day One November 29th 2010
Paragon Times
Today marked the start of the trial of one of Galaxy Citys best known heroes, Nitoichi, accused of two counts of murder and one of bank robbery. The day was taken up with jury selection and opening statements. The defences case is that Nitoichi was temporarily incapable of acting in accordance with the law.
The defendant, who gave her name as Annette Barrington, also known as Nitoichi, spoke only to confirm her name and give her plea, Not guilty on the grounds of temporary insanity. She was dressed in a relatively formal skirt suit and represented by a small team of lawyers. Notable in the audience were Zorielle Rolando and Ellie Stoneberg of the Unity Vigil, and Anastasia Kade, Miss Barringtons friend and manager.
More to follow in tomorrows session.
Paragon Star
Today it was revealed that yet another so-called hero, Nitoichi, has gone bad, been caught, and wants us to believe that she was insane at the time she murdered two defenceless Longbow officers. She is to be tried by a so-called jury of her peers. Yeah, like a bunch of other cape-wearing metas are going to convict her!
Mercury Herald
In court today on charges of murder and robbery was Nitoichi, a well-known member of Vanguard. She is claiming temporary insanity as a defence. Well, at least that is a different plea from the usual, I was mind-controlled.
Galaxy City Messenger
Nitoichi, a hero well known to this community, today stands trial for murder. The Messenger understands that Miss Barrington handed herself over to Ms Liberty herself and has spent much of her time in prison in solitary confinement at her own request. Utilising the Insanity Defence, Miss Barrington is steering a difficult course. If found not culpable, she has still admitted to the crimes she is accused of and must live with them, and her popularity will surely take a hit. Only time will tell how this turn of events will affect her.
Paragon Tattler
Annette Barrington, star of English mens magazines and rock videos, as well as the sword swinging hero, Nitoichi, of Galaxy City and the War Zone, was in court today. Frankly, she looked terrible. The short, blond hair doesnt sit her and she looked pale and a little drawn. She probably hasnt been getting enough sun in a little cell with no windows. The suit was totally not her best. The girl has legs, no point hiding them under a knee-length skirt! And not even a hint of that famous cleavage. Seriously, girl, play to the audience.
Now, Anna Kade in the audience, she looked hot! Her signature purple was looking a little more subdued than usual, but that girl still has it, even if she is pushing forty!
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.