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Sam H Arnold's avatar

I believe that anyone with ASD should be allowed an independent advocate for their best interests and this can’t be a lawyer. It is easy to manipulate someone with ASD and I wonder if that is what happened here. The defence were given an incentive to wrap the case up quickly and they ‘persuaded’ him to take the deal.

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Author Ed Anderson's avatar

I think you’re right about it all. I’m concerned that he was pushed into a deal that he can’t appeal or get out of

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RJ Sykes's avatar

Interesting article! If he had gone through a trial, what's to say it wouldn't have caused further outrage when his defense presented their case anyway, and how long would this have been dragged out for, after sentencing too. Appeals, media frenzy, speculation, for years after. Whether he was found guilty or innocent. It would never truly end. That's the problem with allowing such a case to become high profile. Countless other tragic cases would be deserving of such attention.

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Author Ed Anderson's avatar

One of the things I kept coming back to was how much did media coverage impact this case. And is there any scenario that the public would be happy with as an end. I think you’re right and there’s not.

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RJ Sykes's avatar

Indeed. Bias and politics have way too much sway on opinions.

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