‘Interestingly, that content showed details of four further importations through Newhaven Port using classic cars involving large quantities of drugs. These runs coincided with large deposits being made through LH Classics into the overseas bank accounts.’

‘They are nothing to do with me. You should be asking Michael Starr. He’s the drug baron, not me. He’s admitted it to this court!’

Cork persevered. ‘I suggest to you, Mr Gready, you refused to answer any questions because you had no plausible reason for having this damning evidence which shows your criminality, and this is something for the jury to take into account.’

‘I knew I was being set up so decided to keep quiet at that stage. I have explained to the court this morning that I am innocent and had nothing to do with any of this.’

Stephen Cork continued to question him at length, but the defendant steadfastly maintained his innocence.

‘Finally, Mr Gready,’ Cork said pointedly, ‘I put it to you that you are a thoroughly dishonest drug-dealing criminal and have made millions of pounds from the misery you inflict. You have been careful to hide your involvement but of course you didn’t consider that your loyal colleague, Michael Starr, would turn against you.’

‘The jury know I’m telling the truth,’ Gready said, confidently and directly.

Primrose Brown stood up, adjusting her gown. ‘My learned friend, Mr Cork, asked you about a key to the deposit box in your name and you denied owning it, is that correct?’

‘Yes, nothing to do with me. The key was found in my garden shed and it would be easy for anyone to access it.’

‘I would like you to look at the prosecutions exhibit JA/17, the form that was completed at the time the safety deposit box was rented back in 2004. I have copied the document for the benefit of the court.’ She then handed a bundle of copies to the court usher, David Rowland, for distribution.

‘Mr Gready, is that your signature on the document?’

‘It looks like mine and it is signed Terence Gready, but it is definitely not my signature. As I have said before, I know nothing about the deposit box.’

Brown then addressed the court. ‘No more questions, Your Honour, thank you.’

Terence Gready was escorted back to the dock.

Brown proceeded to hand a document to the prosecution counsel. ‘You have heard evidence from the defendant that he believes he has been framed by Mr Starr. My next witness will be a person recognized as the UK’s leading forensic handwriting expert, Professor Geoff Shaw of Magdalene College, Cambridge.’

Cork jumped up. ‘Your Honour, this is the first time I have heard about this witness, I must object.’

Jupp considered this for some moments before turning to Brown. ‘Why was this not passed to the prosecution before now?’

‘I apologize, Your Honour, but this evidence was only obtained this week when Starr unexpectedly gave evidence for the prosecution.’