Mixed Feelings

The meeting went well in many respects, according to Rebecca's sister Barbara and family friend and interpreter, Lucie.

Rebecca's Public Defender did not attend as was previously discussed. He indicated that the meeting with the judge should have a non legal emphasis; more of an emotional appeal from Rebecca and family. That seemed to be good advice in the end and both Barbara and Lucie report that the judge was very open and receptive to them and to what they had to say.

Barbara talked from her prepared notes and Lucie interpreted. Additionally, Barbara had the opportunity to present Rebecca's Lloyd's Bank statements. Those should have been made available to her in the case file, but it was uncertain if that had been done. So, now we know that the judge has accurate and complete information regarding the flow of money through Rebecca's accounts. Remember, the prosecutor has stated that numerous transactions had been made through Rebecca's accounts and that just was not the case.

Barbara says that the Judge seemed genuinely involved and it looked like she got "it". She was very receptive and gracious to them. She asked questions and they answered them.

Barbara also left a letter from Rebecca for the Judge to consider. In the end, she said that she will study the case and probably in 6-8 months will have her decision. Apparently, the judge is overwhelmed with her workload and will not have an answer back by November, as she had promised before. I was very disappointed to hear that.

With the possibility that an innocent woman is sitting in such an environment, for no reason, I was hoping the judge would place a higher priority on reviewing her case. I was hoping that this meeting would prompt the judge to be motivated in resolving the situation immediately. That is apparently not the case. So, although Barbara and Lucie had a good meeting, the additional time frame leaves me with mixed feelings.