presiding judge: Avvocato, please don’t argue with my decisions. If you have other questions ask them. The question to which the prosecution objected is not admissible.45

avvocato costamagna: So you got home at 7.15 and your son ten minutes later. After coming home, did he go out again?

witness: Yes.

avvocato costamagna: How soon afterwards?

witness: I couldn’t say exactly. Not immediately. An hour later, slightly more.

avvocato costamagna: Are you sure?

witness: I’m certain.

avvocato costamagna: Thank you, I have no other questions.

presiding judge: Does the prosecution wish to cross-examine?

assistant prosecutor: Yes, Your Honour, thank you. Good morning, signora, as you know I’m the assistant prosecutor and I’m going to ask you some questions to get a clearer idea of what you’ve just told us. Is that all right?

witness: Yes.

assistant prosecutor: You told us that your son got home … at what time, did you say?

witness: About 7.30 or just before.

assistant prosecutor: And then he went out again?

witness: About an hour later.

assistant prosecutor: Then the police came to your home?

witness: Yes.

assistant prosecutor: At what time did the police arrive?

witness: I couldn’t say exactly.

assistant prosecutor: Had you already gone to bed?

witness: No, I was watching television. It might have been about eleven, maybe a little earlier. My son had been gone for some time by then.46

assistant prosecutor: Would you be surprised if I told you that the police came to your home at about 9.30?

witness: As I said, I can’t remember exactly what time the police came to my home.

assistant prosecutor: But it seems you remember very well the time your son came home.

witness: But that’s because —

assistant prosecutor: Please don’t interrupt, I haven’t yet asked my question. So, if I’ve understood correctly, you worked as a substitute teacher but also had other jobs. Is that correct?

witness: Yes, that’s correct.

assistant prosecutor: Still?

witness: I’m sorry?

assistant prosecutor: I asked you if you still do various jobs, including this assistance to elderly people, this keeping them company.

witness: Yes.

assistant prosecutor: And in particular, do you still work with the lady you were with that afternoon?

witness: Yes.

assistant prosecutor: How old is this lady? What’s her name?

witness: She’s eighty-seven now. Her name is Rosa Bonomo.

assistant prosecutor: Do you do the same shift you did then?

witness: I always go there in the afternoon.

assistant prosecutor: Yes, but do you do exactly the same shift you did then?

witness: No, not exactly. Let’s say the schedule is more flexible now, it depends on requirements.

assistant prosecutor: Is that a recent change?47

witness: No.

assistant prosecutor: How long ago did your schedule with this lady change?

witness: Do you want the exact date?