‘What are we to make of Mr Warwick, or Beswick, or whatever name he chooses to use? A liar? A cheat? A man whose ego and arrogance know no bounds? Well, these are the complimentary things one could say about him.

‘Arnold Warwick is an odious creature with a track record which demonstrates a catalogue of deception unrivalled in the history of our courts. And yet, and yet, ladies and gentlemen, he was presented to you as just another witness. No attempt was made by the Crown to demonstrate his true character, although the Crown must have known. You are supposed to believe that Charlie Gallagher, in common with many others, found this man so trustworthy, so sympathetic that he chose him as his confidant, his confessor. Never mind a secondhand car, would you buy a second hand for your watch from this individual?

‘In common with most con-men, Arnold Warwick is skilled in the art of deception. In Charles Gallagher he saw a chance to do himself a bit of good. You may have little doubt he pieced together his intricate web of lies from pieces of gossip and the pages of the tabloid press. Much as the Crown may try to rubbish this notion, the proof is before your eyes. Give Mr Warwick his due. Treat him with utter contempt.’

Muirhead was now in full flow. He varied the speed and tone of his voice, sometimes raising it to make a point, at others, almost whispering as if sharing a confidence with the jurors. As he was using no notes, he strode up and down before the jury box making regular eye contact with each of its occupants. Whether the audience was on his side or otherwise, it was captive. Muirhead had them where he wanted them.

‘Let me remind you of a witness the Advocate Depute, in his wisdom, saw fit not to mention at all.

‘Barbara Potter was the girl who was unwittingly used to set up Kevin Boyle. Set up by a man with an Irish accent. Clearly not Charlie Gallagher nor anyone proved to be connected to him. You will remember that she sought to identify Gallagher as being present when she was hired to seduce Kevin Boyle. Damning evidence, if true. In reality, utterly false. She identified Mr Gallagher only because she had been threatened by the man, the man with the Irish accent.

‘Time and time again, when you lift the stone you find something nasty lurking beneath.