The jury were now totally enthralled. None of its members had known quite what to expect when they came to court. Some thought it would be like the telly. In reality this was better than the telly because they were part of it.

Muirhead was about to embark upon uncharted territory. He knew about the conversation with Sharon McColl and the witness’s response at the parade. He knew that she had lied in her evidence. He did not know why. He was about to try to find out. This could be a hazardous exercise.

He looked down at the papers in front of him as if he was looking for some important piece of information. He knew the question he wanted to ask. Unfortunately, he didn’t know what the answer would be. This was too early in the trial to be breaking the golden rule. Sometimes though, needs must.

From the corner of his eye he could see the Advocate Depute. Since he was sitting facing the jury, he was trying to remain calm. The piece of tape he was fiddling with was now twisted into a large knot. It was perfectly obvious that the Crown did not know what might be about to come its way.

Although only a few seconds had elapsed, Muirhead was well aware that to the people in court this could seem like an age. The witness might take this opportunity to pull herself together. It was important to keep the momentum going.

‘Then why did you point to the accused as being the man in the pub?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘Why did you point to the accused as being the man in the pub?’

Muirhead’s voice now had a distinctly harsh edge to it. Barbara Potter would have given up her very soul if she could just run, faint, die, anything to get away from this man who was tormenting her. Her head was spinning. She felt she had to do something. She fell back onto the wooden benchseat in the witness box and burst into tears, sobbing into her hands.

Through her fingers she could see someone standing beside her. A saviour. She raised her head to be confronted by the macer holding a plastic cup of water – the courtroom panacea for all ills. It was becoming obvious that no one was coming to save her. She waved away the water and, with an air of resignation, stood up.

‘You must answer counsel’s question, Miss Potter. Are you ready to continue? We really must get on.’ As ever his Lordship was all heart.

‘What did he ask me?’

‘I want to know why you identified Mr Gallagher, the accused, in court?’

‘I was told to.’

The answer was barely audible to most people in the court. Muirhead heard it and exploded with his response.

‘What! What did you just say?’ Muirhead had not been sure what to expect, but he certainly had not expected this.

‘I was threatened.’