1 00:00:00,960 --> 00:00:03,360 [♪ 'I'm Fine' by Self Esteem] 2 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Downloaded from YTS.MX 3 00:00:03,480 --> 00:00:08,880 ♪ I won't rein in my need 4 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX 5 00:00:10,360 --> 00:00:16,560 ♪ To be completely free... ♪ 6 00:00:16,680 --> 00:00:18,360 [♪ STOPS] 7 00:00:26,040 --> 00:00:28,400 Thoroughbreds! 8 00:00:28,520 --> 00:00:30,920 Every single one. 9 00:00:31,040 --> 00:00:33,080 Primed for the race. 10 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:37,720 Every muscle pumped, trained and ready for the sprint. 11 00:00:37,840 --> 00:00:39,840 Hold it together. Hold back. 12 00:00:39,960 --> 00:00:42,120 Keep the blood at just the right temperature. 13 00:00:42,240 --> 00:00:44,600 Just below boil. 14 00:00:44,720 --> 00:00:48,800 Waiting at the starting gates, then... 15 00:00:48,920 --> 00:00:50,400 'All rise!' 16 00:00:50,520 --> 00:00:53,280 – Out of the stalls. Hold back. – [RHYTHM POUNDING, RISING] 17 00:00:53,400 --> 00:00:54,600 Push forward. 18 00:00:54,720 --> 00:00:57,640 Know when to have restraint, when to find an opening. 19 00:00:57,760 --> 00:01:01,000 Ready to jump when the prosecution falters. 20 00:01:01,120 --> 00:01:03,280 Poised. Watching. 21 00:01:03,400 --> 00:01:04,960 Waiting. 22 00:01:05,080 --> 00:01:09,280 Nerves taut, mind operating on ten tracks at once. 23 00:01:09,400 --> 00:01:13,280 Blood pumping. Muscles tightly wound, waiting to spring. Waiting. 24 00:01:13,400 --> 00:01:16,120 It's starting to open up, wait. Wait. 25 00:01:16,240 --> 00:01:20,320 Careful. This is a measure of your skill set, the calm before. 26 00:01:20,440 --> 00:01:22,280 And there it is. 27 00:01:22,400 --> 00:01:25,480 Instinct pushes me forward. 'Your Honour.' 28 00:01:25,600 --> 00:01:29,240 I am on my feet. Eyes zooming in on me. 29 00:01:29,360 --> 00:01:31,920 'Application granted.' 30 00:01:32,040 --> 00:01:33,640 Yes! Yes! 31 00:01:33,760 --> 00:01:37,000 My client, big guy, looks, er, stunned. 32 00:01:37,120 --> 00:01:41,440 He doesn't quite know that I've won a point, but he feels the shift, likes it. 33 00:01:41,560 --> 00:01:46,560 My client hates the witness, but for me, the witness is just the witness. 34 00:01:46,680 --> 00:01:50,760 I sit down. The prosecution finishes. Then it's time. 35 00:01:50,880 --> 00:01:52,600 The judge looks at me. 36 00:01:52,720 --> 00:01:55,040 'It's your witness, Ms Ensler.' 37 00:01:55,160 --> 00:01:57,920 Yes. The witness is mine! 38 00:01:58,040 --> 00:02:03,240 The witness breathes in. I stand up, slowly, do up the button on my jacket. 39 00:02:03,360 --> 00:02:08,360 Courtroom silent, charged, waiting for me, the thrill of this. 40 00:02:08,480 --> 00:02:09,960 Play it cool! 41 00:02:10,080 --> 00:02:12,000 Yeah? Cool! 42 00:02:12,120 --> 00:02:14,800 Voice, measured and confident. Play it. 43 00:02:14,920 --> 00:02:18,640 Play it, it's yours. You're holding it in the pa-a-a-a-alm of your hand. 44 00:02:18,760 --> 00:02:22,760 Play with it! Stretch it out, it's yours. 45 00:02:22,880 --> 00:02:26,680 Cross-examination. It's the best part. All instinct. 46 00:02:26,800 --> 00:02:30,880 Ask the question. Repeat the answer, repeat it again. 47 00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:35,640 Watch the witness's face, let him think I am getting mixed up, 48 00:02:35,760 --> 00:02:38,920 that I'm a bit slow in understanding what happened. 49 00:02:39,040 --> 00:02:43,320 Flick through some pages, let him think I have lost my way. 50 00:02:43,440 --> 00:02:46,960 Hear breathing. A snicker from the prosecution counsel. 51 00:02:47,080 --> 00:02:49,160 Good. Good. Very good. 52 00:02:49,280 --> 00:02:51,200 Again, flick through some pages. 53 00:02:51,320 --> 00:02:54,600 My client shifts uncomfortably in the dock. Good. 54 00:02:54,720 --> 00:02:57,560 Then I repeat the question, watch the witness relax. 55 00:02:57,680 --> 00:02:59,160 Shoulders roll back. 56 00:02:59,280 --> 00:03:02,280 'This one doesn't seem to know what she's doing.' 57 00:03:02,400 --> 00:03:04,280 Judge, expressionless. 58 00:03:04,400 --> 00:03:07,520 But this judge has seen me before, seen the likes of me. 59 00:03:07,640 --> 00:03:10,800 Question one. Question two. Look worried about the answers. 60 00:03:10,920 --> 00:03:13,560 This emboldens him. 61 00:03:13,680 --> 00:03:16,080 Watch, yes, here he goes. 62 00:03:16,200 --> 00:03:20,560 Let the witness talk, over talk. Let him 'clarify'. Good. 63 00:03:20,680 --> 00:03:22,560 'Thanks for that, I wasn't sure...' 64 00:03:22,680 --> 00:03:24,560 See his eyes dismiss me. 65 00:03:24,680 --> 00:03:28,840 'This one must be straight out of uni or something. She's not that good.' 66 00:03:28,960 --> 00:03:32,680 Oh, ho-ho. This... It relaxes him. He's got the upper hand. 67 00:03:32,800 --> 00:03:36,360 He is now not careful, not afraid, no longer vigilant. 68 00:03:36,480 --> 00:03:39,400 He says something inconsistent. 69 00:03:39,520 --> 00:03:41,960 I let him explain it to me. 70 00:03:42,080 --> 00:03:46,200 Nodding. I'm nodding, while he digs himself in deeper. 71 00:03:46,320 --> 00:03:49,040 'OK,' I say, 'that's a bit clearer now, but...' 72 00:03:49,160 --> 00:03:52,520 He volunteers more information. 73 00:03:52,640 --> 00:03:57,440 I see the prosecutor put a finger to his own forehead. 74 00:03:57,560 --> 00:04:02,720 He knows and I know, but the guy about to bury himself, he talks on and on. 75 00:04:02,840 --> 00:04:06,760 I circle, nodding approval. 'Oh, I see, but why did that happen?' 76 00:04:06,880 --> 00:04:10,640 Judge's face, a mask. But the judge knows. 77 00:04:10,760 --> 00:04:14,320 There is blood in the water, and I let the witness swim on. 78 00:04:14,440 --> 00:04:18,880 No one can help him. And he swims right into it. 79 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:23,080 He leans back, flash of confidence across his face. 80 00:04:23,200 --> 00:04:26,600 I let him feel his control. Feel safe. 81 00:04:26,720 --> 00:04:30,720 Then, tip toe, tip toe. 82 00:04:30,840 --> 00:04:33,760 He crosses his arms as I approach. I circle. Circle again. 83 00:04:33,880 --> 00:04:35,760 Stop, flick through some pages. 84 00:04:35,880 --> 00:04:38,440 The judge and the other lawyers, they know what's coming. 85 00:04:38,560 --> 00:04:41,280 They know, they cringe for him. 86 00:04:41,400 --> 00:04:44,280 But they love it! They lean forward. 87 00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:47,360 The jury, the people in the gallery, no idea. 88 00:04:47,480 --> 00:04:51,040 And him, in the witness box, the one I'm talking to, no clue. 89 00:04:51,160 --> 00:04:53,320 Still, no fucking clue! 90 00:04:53,440 --> 00:04:55,400 'And, I'm sorry but, just to clarify, 91 00:04:55,520 --> 00:04:58,120 'I do have one more question, I hope you don't mind, 92 00:04:58,240 --> 00:05:00,040 'it will help me get the full picture.' 93 00:05:00,160 --> 00:05:02,560 Was that an eye roll from him? 94 00:05:02,680 --> 00:05:04,040 Perfect! 95 00:05:04,160 --> 00:05:06,800 But if he was watching the prosecution counsel, 96 00:05:06,920 --> 00:05:09,800 the guy turning his head down to the table, 97 00:05:09,920 --> 00:05:11,640 he might know, he might sense. 98 00:05:11,760 --> 00:05:15,440 If he wasn't so sure, so cocky, he'd feel it. Danger. 99 00:05:15,560 --> 00:05:17,920 Something is about to go down 100 00:05:18,040 --> 00:05:20,160 but no, he's in his element. 101 00:05:20,280 --> 00:05:22,760 He thinks he is the cat and I am the mouse. 102 00:05:22,880 --> 00:05:24,600 It is perfect. 103 00:05:24,720 --> 00:05:27,480 The prosecution counsel looks up. 104 00:05:27,600 --> 00:05:30,840 I stop moving. I stop paper shuffling. 105 00:05:30,960 --> 00:05:32,600 I look right at the witness. 106 00:05:33,200 --> 00:05:37,400 I ask my question. A strange flicker across his face. 107 00:05:37,520 --> 00:05:41,080 He glances quickly to the prosecutor. Prosecutor can't say anything. 108 00:05:41,200 --> 00:05:42,960 But his eyes! 109 00:05:43,080 --> 00:05:45,880 His eyes are straining, trying to say, 110 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:50,240 'Don't. Don't. Keep your wits about you. Don't fall into this trap.' 111 00:05:50,360 --> 00:05:54,040 And, my last circle. Then, bang! 112 00:05:54,160 --> 00:05:57,720 – ♪ Ah-ah... ♪ – I fire four questions like bullets. 113 00:05:57,840 --> 00:06:00,040 Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. 114 00:06:00,160 --> 00:06:03,280 Face, shock. Utter annihilation. 115 00:06:03,400 --> 00:06:05,480 And the look that I get, 116 00:06:05,600 --> 00:06:07,680 dawning. 117 00:06:07,800 --> 00:06:10,160 You fucking idiot! 118 00:06:10,280 --> 00:06:12,320 You thought you had this. 119 00:06:12,440 --> 00:06:15,080 But here I am. Watch the witness sweat. 120 00:06:15,200 --> 00:06:18,040 Silence. People in the gallery lean forward. 121 00:06:18,160 --> 00:06:20,560 'Wow! She's good!' 122 00:06:20,680 --> 00:06:23,320 My client, the accused, is awestruck. 123 00:06:23,440 --> 00:06:25,720 My eyes are on the witness's face. 124 00:06:25,840 --> 00:06:28,520 Now for the first time, he actually sees me. 125 00:06:28,640 --> 00:06:30,360 He is furious. 126 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:32,840 'Answer the question, please, Mr Bateman.' 127 00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:36,880 Professional. The prosecutor sits at the bar table, head down. 128 00:06:37,000 --> 00:06:40,480 It's all over now – he knows it, I know it, the judge knows it, 129 00:06:40,600 --> 00:06:43,760 the witness is about to really know it. 130 00:06:43,880 --> 00:06:47,600 [SWEETLY] 'Your honour, the witness is not answering the question.' 131 00:06:47,720 --> 00:06:49,200 Sweetest voice ever. 132 00:06:49,320 --> 00:06:52,200 The judge reminds Mr Bateman that he must answer the question. 133 00:06:52,320 --> 00:06:55,720 'Answer counsel's question, please, Mr Bateman.' 134 00:06:55,840 --> 00:06:58,560 A look of sheer hatred, at me. 135 00:06:58,680 --> 00:07:02,040 He's cornered. He is fucked. His head is down. 136 00:07:02,160 --> 00:07:05,000 He mumbles something. 'I'm sorry, I didn't hear that.' 137 00:07:05,120 --> 00:07:10,320 Judge, 'You must speak into the microphone for the transcript recording, Mr Bateman.' 138 00:07:10,440 --> 00:07:12,480 I smile benevolently. 139 00:07:13,720 --> 00:07:17,160 'Is it a yes then, sir? So you agree with me then?' 140 00:07:17,280 --> 00:07:21,240 The judge has had enough, the man is destroyed, he knows my tactics. 141 00:07:21,360 --> 00:07:25,440 'You have your answer, Ms Ensler.' Yes! 142 00:07:25,560 --> 00:07:29,040 I do. 'Thank you, Your Honour, I have no further questions.' 143 00:07:29,160 --> 00:07:31,080 Judge, 'Any re-examination?' 144 00:07:31,200 --> 00:07:33,040 The prosecutor stands, but no. 145 00:07:33,160 --> 00:07:37,080 No, there is no point digging his witness in further. It's a no-brainer. 146 00:07:37,200 --> 00:07:42,360 The witness walks past me, flashes me a look, utter confusion. 147 00:07:42,480 --> 00:07:45,480 What just happened? It's not emotional for me. It's the game. 148 00:07:45,600 --> 00:07:49,800 It's the game of law. I stand up again, completely professional. 149 00:07:49,920 --> 00:07:53,000 I submit 'there is no case to answer', call for a dismissal. 150 00:07:53,120 --> 00:07:55,080 The judge is swift. 151 00:07:55,200 --> 00:07:57,920 It is all over now. 152 00:07:58,040 --> 00:08:00,680 The barristers' rule is the winner can't flaunt it. 153 00:08:00,800 --> 00:08:03,840 Every winner might be the one who loses the next day. 154 00:08:03,960 --> 00:08:07,760 We don't call it losing. We call it 'coming second'. 155 00:08:07,880 --> 00:08:11,000 Today, the prosecutor came second. 156 00:08:11,120 --> 00:08:14,600 I pack up my files. Nod thanks to counsel for the prosecution. 157 00:08:14,720 --> 00:08:16,680 Don't make eye contact, blah, blah, blah. 158 00:08:16,800 --> 00:08:19,240 Motion for my client to up and leave. 159 00:08:19,360 --> 00:08:23,680 Everybody watches my walk, leather satchel across my chest. 160 00:08:23,800 --> 00:08:26,000 Undo my jacket button. 161 00:08:26,120 --> 00:08:27,600 Saunter. 162 00:08:27,720 --> 00:08:32,760 Turn at the door, nod to the judge, gesture for my client to do the same. 163 00:08:33,760 --> 00:08:37,280 Outside the courtroom, he's free. He gets to go home. 164 00:08:37,400 --> 00:08:40,640 His mother is weeping, she holds my hand to her heart. 165 00:08:40,760 --> 00:08:44,920 I like the mothers, they know, they understand. I tell them, 'I've got to run. 166 00:08:45,040 --> 00:08:49,000 'I've got another case to prepare. I don't want to see you in here again.' 167 00:08:49,120 --> 00:08:52,800 My client nods, shakes my hand. 168 00:08:52,920 --> 00:08:54,520 Respect. 169 00:08:54,640 --> 00:08:56,040 Power. 170 00:08:56,160 --> 00:09:00,920 Today, I was a winner. Today, I came first. 171 00:09:01,040 --> 00:09:03,720 ♪ Ah-ah ♪ 172 00:09:03,840 --> 00:09:06,360 Outside the court, I turn on my iPhone. 173 00:09:06,480 --> 00:09:09,120 I call Alice to debrief on my case. 174 00:09:09,240 --> 00:09:13,440 Someone else picks up. It's Jules. He asks me how it went. 175 00:09:13,560 --> 00:09:17,840 'I won.' [MIMICS] 'What's new?' he says. 176 00:09:17,960 --> 00:09:21,600 I throw files into a cab to the train station. I'm laughing on the phone. 177 00:09:21,720 --> 00:09:24,280 I hop out, the cabbie calls me back. 178 00:09:24,400 --> 00:09:27,320 'It's not an Uber!' I forgot to pay. Shit! 179 00:09:27,440 --> 00:09:29,640 I hang up. I feel bad, I give the driver a tip. 180 00:09:29,760 --> 00:09:34,720 I tell him my uncle drives a cab. Cabbie smiles at me. 181 00:09:34,840 --> 00:09:36,120 Euston. 182 00:09:36,240 --> 00:09:38,960 Catching the train to Liverpool, and I finally start to let it go – 183 00:09:39,080 --> 00:09:40,960 the adrenalin, the pace. 184 00:09:41,080 --> 00:09:42,840 I listen to some music. 185 00:09:42,960 --> 00:09:47,840 It's a long ride to Mum's, and the gloss of this legal life melts into my seat 186 00:09:47,960 --> 00:09:51,560 as the train makes its way to where I started out. 187 00:09:51,680 --> 00:09:54,200 I walk up the high street, stop at the corner shop, 188 00:09:54,320 --> 00:09:58,040 pick up Mum's favourite drink, a big bottle of Fanta. 189 00:09:58,160 --> 00:10:00,760 The guy behind the counter remembers me. 190 00:10:00,880 --> 00:10:03,880 We talk about how his business has slowed right down, 191 00:10:04,000 --> 00:10:06,520 the new Tesco Express on the corner. 192 00:10:06,640 --> 00:10:09,400 Mum is in the kitchen when I get there. 193 00:10:09,520 --> 00:10:12,960 Little brother, 'Mick!' can't hear me, he's playing his PlayStation. 194 00:10:13,080 --> 00:10:15,840 Older brother, Johnny, is in bed. 'Mum?' 195 00:10:15,960 --> 00:10:18,680 'He had a big night last night.' Again. 196 00:10:18,800 --> 00:10:21,200 The telly's on and the news is blaring. 197 00:10:21,320 --> 00:10:22,800 Outrage. 198 00:10:22,920 --> 00:10:26,440 Some poor family had been paid too much benefits. 199 00:10:26,560 --> 00:10:31,040 Me mum lights up a ciggie, tells me the Fanta isn't sugar-free. 200 00:10:31,160 --> 00:10:32,560 Fa-ail! 201 00:10:33,400 --> 00:10:35,760 Asks me to chop the veg. 202 00:10:35,880 --> 00:10:40,520 She's been cleaning offices all day, offices like the one I work in. 203 00:10:41,240 --> 00:10:42,800 Chop. Chop. 204 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:45,400 Chop. 205 00:10:46,000 --> 00:10:48,720 Chop. 'I won a case today.' 206 00:10:48,840 --> 00:10:52,520 'Oh, you got more criminals out on our streets then, did ya?' 207 00:10:52,640 --> 00:10:54,680 No fucking point replying! 208 00:10:54,800 --> 00:10:57,120 She goes out to her room, comes back, 209 00:10:57,240 --> 00:11:02,240 hands me a hot-pink, 100% polyester shirt. 210 00:11:02,360 --> 00:11:06,720 'I saw it on sale. It looks like what a lawyer would wear.' 211 00:11:06,840 --> 00:11:08,800 – It's not! – (AUDIENCE LAUGHS) 212 00:11:08,920 --> 00:11:12,280 But this is my mum's way of saying she is proud. 213 00:11:12,400 --> 00:11:14,440 She is tentative, 'Do you like it?' 214 00:11:14,560 --> 00:11:16,440 'I love it, Mum.' 215 00:11:16,560 --> 00:11:21,960 I stop chopping. I put it on for her right there in the kitchen. 216 00:11:22,080 --> 00:11:24,280 'Your brother, he got into a fight last night.' 217 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:25,960 'What? Not again!' 218 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:30,360 As I hug her, I feel her stiffen a little, she pulls away. 219 00:11:30,480 --> 00:11:32,760 'Mum, he should be working full time. 220 00:11:32,880 --> 00:11:36,640 'No, paying his way, not out at night drinking and partying. 221 00:11:36,760 --> 00:11:38,880 'Mum, he's a fucking loser!' 222 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:43,360 I turn, there's Johnny, my brother, standing right at the door. 223 00:11:43,480 --> 00:11:48,200 His face is contorted. Over his eyebrow is a dried bloody mess. 224 00:11:48,320 --> 00:11:51,080 He erupts. He almost spits at me. 225 00:11:51,200 --> 00:11:57,040 [MIMICS] 'Fancy fucking lawyer in your fancy fucking pink shirt, eh?' 226 00:11:57,160 --> 00:11:59,320 Johnny lurches at me. Mum screams. 227 00:11:59,440 --> 00:12:02,320 Micky can't hear anything with his PlayStation on. 228 00:12:02,440 --> 00:12:06,000 'Go on. Go on, hit me. Show me what a big guy you are.' 229 00:12:06,120 --> 00:12:08,080 And we are right back there. 230 00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:12,240 He doesn't hit me, he's never hit me. 231 00:12:12,360 --> 00:12:16,560 I feel bad that I've just said that. I just... I want him to be better. 232 00:12:17,360 --> 00:12:19,880 Not be this guy, the one with a blood-encrusted forehead, 233 00:12:20,000 --> 00:12:22,280 while breathing out last night's fumes as he speaks. 234 00:12:22,400 --> 00:12:27,560 This man, he... He was once my best mate. He did everything with me. 235 00:12:27,680 --> 00:12:31,440 Johnny swoops at the wall, vegetable pieces fly everywhere. 236 00:12:31,560 --> 00:12:33,120 I am just gonna leave. 237 00:12:33,240 --> 00:12:37,880 And the last thing that I see is my mum on the floor trying to pick them up. 238 00:12:38,000 --> 00:12:42,480 Pieces of carrots and broccoli. On her hands and knees. 239 00:12:44,040 --> 00:12:47,720 First day. University law school. 240 00:12:47,840 --> 00:12:50,080 Cambridge! Yes. 241 00:12:50,200 --> 00:12:54,560 Two hundred faces, each with three A stars at A-levels. 242 00:12:54,680 --> 00:12:58,320 I mean, all of us, on almost perfect scores. 243 00:12:58,920 --> 00:13:03,720 You know, all summer, everyone has looked at us as if we are 'something'. 244 00:13:03,840 --> 00:13:06,600 No longer a spotty sixth former. 245 00:13:06,720 --> 00:13:09,680 Now, someone to watch. 246 00:13:09,800 --> 00:13:13,560 I mean, society tells us law school means you're important. 247 00:13:13,680 --> 00:13:18,680 Everyone seems to believe it, except me. I'm still pretending. 248 00:13:19,600 --> 00:13:23,040 We take our seats in the induction lecture. I look around. 249 00:13:23,160 --> 00:13:25,400 Secretly fearful that perhaps I've fluked it, 250 00:13:25,560 --> 00:13:28,480 that someone's gonna burst through the door of the induction hall, 251 00:13:28,600 --> 00:13:32,880 call out my name and say, 'There's been a terrible mistake.' 252 00:13:33,760 --> 00:13:35,680 But I get swept up in it all. 253 00:13:35,800 --> 00:13:41,000 The Dean stands, telling us, [MIMICS] 'You are the crème de la crème!' 254 00:13:41,120 --> 00:13:44,120 She actually said that. I mean, we like it. 255 00:13:44,240 --> 00:13:47,440 Top law school, top city, top marks, top people. 256 00:13:47,560 --> 00:13:48,920 We like to hear this. 257 00:13:49,040 --> 00:13:52,120 'You will be the ones to change the country.' 258 00:13:52,240 --> 00:13:54,160 Then just like a lawyer, she stops. 259 00:13:54,280 --> 00:13:57,040 'But look to the person to your left.' 260 00:13:57,160 --> 00:13:59,280 We do. Me, I'm shy. 261 00:13:59,400 --> 00:14:03,080 Guy on my left is bloody gorgeous! 262 00:14:03,200 --> 00:14:07,320 And confident, I can tell he is from a posh school, yeah. 263 00:14:07,440 --> 00:14:10,480 He already knows he will be the one to change the country. 264 00:14:10,600 --> 00:14:15,520 We nod at each other, he takes in my outfit, I wither... 265 00:14:15,640 --> 00:14:18,280 It's obvious I'm not from where he's from. 266 00:14:18,400 --> 00:14:20,720 [AS DEAM] 'Now look to the person to your right.' 267 00:14:20,840 --> 00:14:25,200 The girl on my right has a haircut that screams 'private school'. 268 00:14:25,320 --> 00:14:30,400 I hold back, but she gives me a warm smile and then pulls a funny face. 269 00:14:30,520 --> 00:14:33,640 [SNORTS] I let out a small noise that is a laugh. 270 00:14:33,760 --> 00:14:39,120 [AS DEAN] 'Look back and hear this. One of the three of you will not make it. 271 00:14:39,240 --> 00:14:43,560 'Yes. One of the three of you will fail, make no mistake. 272 00:14:43,680 --> 00:14:46,280 'You are all in competition with each other. 273 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:49,600 'You are not friends, you are fighting each other. 274 00:14:49,720 --> 00:14:51,760 'The game starts now.' 275 00:14:51,880 --> 00:14:54,320 I can't look at either of them. 276 00:14:54,440 --> 00:14:56,920 One tick, two tick, third one gone. 277 00:14:57,040 --> 00:14:59,600 The other two, they think it's gonna be me. 278 00:14:59,720 --> 00:15:03,520 Yeah. Yeah, I am the one who won't make it because you can tell I don't belong here. 279 00:15:03,640 --> 00:15:04,960 I get angry at them. 280 00:15:05,080 --> 00:15:08,880 The girl starts typing on her phone, an expensive phone. 281 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:11,600 Oh, I can tell we won't talk again, yeah. 282 00:15:11,720 --> 00:15:15,040 She'll be a top lawyer and won't remember my name. It's OK. 283 00:15:15,160 --> 00:15:17,840 [AS DEAN] 'Out of those of you who even make it to the bar, 284 00:15:17,960 --> 00:15:20,320 'only one in ten of you will get Pupillage. 285 00:15:20,440 --> 00:15:23,000 'Only five of those might get Silk. 286 00:15:23,120 --> 00:15:26,880 'And only one has the chance at being a judge each decade.' 287 00:15:27,000 --> 00:15:29,880 I look to the boy to my left. [MIMICS HIM] 'Benedict.' 288 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:32,560 – Of course he's called Benedict. – (AUDIENCE LAUGHS) 289 00:15:32,680 --> 00:15:35,360 He glances at me. He has already dismissed me. 290 00:15:35,480 --> 00:15:37,320 Fuck you! 291 00:15:37,440 --> 00:15:39,600 The Dean stands, talks the law. 292 00:15:39,720 --> 00:15:43,840 [AS DEAN] 'Never assume anyone is telling the truth, even yourself. 293 00:15:43,960 --> 00:15:47,600 'There is no real truth, only legal truth. 294 00:15:47,720 --> 00:15:51,720 'Don't trust your gut instinct, trust your legal instinct. 295 00:15:51,840 --> 00:15:55,600 'You will get it wrong if you think you know what will happen. 296 00:15:55,720 --> 00:15:57,880 'You are the best of the best, 297 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:03,000 'prepare for the fight of your life because law school is just the beginning.' 298 00:16:03,120 --> 00:16:07,200 The boy on my left, Benedict, he gets through, just as I predicted. 299 00:16:07,320 --> 00:16:09,720 The girl on my right, Mia, 300 00:16:09,840 --> 00:16:14,080 she drops out after first year to go to acting school. 301 00:16:14,200 --> 00:16:19,600 But before she goes, Mia becomes my best friend – for life. 302 00:16:19,720 --> 00:16:21,200 Yes! 303 00:16:21,320 --> 00:16:23,480 Instincts can be wrong. 304 00:16:23,600 --> 00:16:26,520 Never assume you're telling yourself the truth. 305 00:16:26,640 --> 00:16:32,000 Don't trust what you think you know. This, this is not life, this is law. 306 00:16:32,800 --> 00:16:36,040 Another three sentence matters and I head back to chambers. 307 00:16:36,160 --> 00:16:39,680 Once I'm in my room, I go through the evidence of a big case tomorrow. 308 00:16:39,800 --> 00:16:44,200 It's a complex matter, but it's in good shape. 309 00:16:44,320 --> 00:16:46,080 It's been a long week this one. 310 00:16:46,200 --> 00:16:48,840 – We head to the PUB! – [♪ DANCE MUSIC POUNDING] 311 00:16:48,960 --> 00:16:51,080 There's a group there from law school. 312 00:16:51,200 --> 00:16:55,840 Those from my chambers, Alice, Julian. Adam? Oh, he never comes out. 313 00:16:55,960 --> 00:16:57,600 All of us there. 314 00:16:57,720 --> 00:17:01,120 Too many bottles of Prosecco and, er... 315 00:17:02,200 --> 00:17:03,880 ..four tequila shots. 316 00:17:04,000 --> 00:17:05,720 Each. 317 00:17:05,840 --> 00:17:09,480 Julian's hand lingers on my back as he talks to me. 318 00:17:09,600 --> 00:17:12,800 'Everyone up!' Dancing! 319 00:17:12,920 --> 00:17:15,280 Suit jackets flung on the backs of chairs. 320 00:17:15,400 --> 00:17:17,480 Noise. I smokes outside. 321 00:17:17,600 --> 00:17:20,200 1 a.m. still dancing. 322 00:17:20,320 --> 00:17:22,480 Julian's hand is on my waist. 323 00:17:22,600 --> 00:17:25,200 He's telling me he's just won a... 324 00:17:25,320 --> 00:17:29,360 a massive drug appeal, bloody incredible! 325 00:17:29,480 --> 00:17:32,320 Said he manoeuvred his way around the rules in the Grove appeal. 326 00:17:32,440 --> 00:17:34,000 Ooh, I'm dancing... 327 00:17:34,120 --> 00:17:37,360 I'm dancing real sexy now! 328 00:17:37,480 --> 00:17:39,440 Let go of it all! 329 00:17:39,560 --> 00:17:41,360 What? 330 00:17:41,480 --> 00:17:43,640 'Criminal defence barristers, yeah. 331 00:17:43,760 --> 00:17:46,600 'We believe in the law. We believe in the system.' 332 00:17:46,720 --> 00:17:49,120 Jules's eyes all over me. 333 00:17:49,240 --> 00:17:52,160 'We believe in innocent until proven guilty. 334 00:17:52,280 --> 00:17:54,920 'No, no, it's not just a catchphrase. 335 00:17:55,040 --> 00:17:58,120 'It is the bedrock of how you keep a society civilised.' 336 00:17:58,240 --> 00:18:02,160 Music has Jules up real close. I'm liking it. 337 00:18:02,280 --> 00:18:04,600 'Prosecutors, you work with the police. 338 00:18:04,720 --> 00:18:07,120 'No, no, no. You say you're fighting for justice. 339 00:18:07,240 --> 00:18:10,680 'You, you are fighting for jail time! 340 00:18:10,800 --> 00:18:14,560 'Defence is about human rights. Yes! 341 00:18:14,680 --> 00:18:16,320 'Human rights! 342 00:18:16,440 --> 00:18:19,440 'The right to innocence unless there is reasonable doubt.' 343 00:18:19,560 --> 00:18:22,920 I put my hand on Jules's waist, move in close. 344 00:18:23,040 --> 00:18:27,240 'Your liberty, your life is in our hands.' I toss my hair. 345 00:18:27,360 --> 00:18:29,760 'You want the best of the best, yeah? 346 00:18:29,880 --> 00:18:33,320 'You want the smartest, you want the most agile minds.' 347 00:18:33,440 --> 00:18:35,600 I flick Jules's wandering hand. 348 00:18:35,720 --> 00:18:37,880 'Hey, hey, everyone is watching!' 349 00:18:38,000 --> 00:18:43,320 'Those... Those who do not pre-judge you, who trust the system, that is us.' 350 00:18:43,440 --> 00:18:45,760 Jules is kissing my neck, it's nice. 351 00:18:45,880 --> 00:18:48,320 Alice gives me a look. Eye roll. 352 00:18:48,440 --> 00:18:53,520 'It's our job to find holes in the case, keep the police honest, protect society.' 353 00:18:53,640 --> 00:18:56,000 Alice knows I won't go home with Jules. 354 00:18:56,120 --> 00:18:58,480 I've got to be primed for a big case tomorrow. 355 00:18:58,600 --> 00:19:00,080 Shit! 356 00:19:00,200 --> 00:19:05,040 I peel Jules off me, I order an Uber, kiss Alice goodbye. 357 00:19:05,160 --> 00:19:09,440 I grab my jacket and I stumble out of the bar. 358 00:19:09,560 --> 00:19:13,680 By 8:30 a.m., after two soy lattes... 359 00:19:13,800 --> 00:19:17,640 – [♪ DANCE MUSIC STOPS] – ..I'm back in chambers! 360 00:19:17,760 --> 00:19:21,440 – (AUDIENCE LAUGHS) – Woo! Julian smiles at me. 361 00:19:22,080 --> 00:19:24,480 He's already there. I, er... 362 00:19:24,600 --> 00:19:28,360 I barge into Alice's room. She pours me a green tea. 363 00:19:28,480 --> 00:19:31,120 Ooh! 364 00:19:31,240 --> 00:19:33,560 Asks me what I'm working on. 365 00:19:33,680 --> 00:19:36,320 'Um, well, a burglary for Monday, 366 00:19:36,440 --> 00:19:39,120 'but then I've got two sexual assaults next week.' 367 00:19:39,240 --> 00:19:41,400 'Mm, tough,' she says. 368 00:19:41,520 --> 00:19:42,640 'I'll get them off. 369 00:19:42,760 --> 00:19:45,800 'One of them has PTSD from Afghanistan, so I'll milk that if he goes down, 370 00:19:45,920 --> 00:19:48,080 'make sure he's not potted.' Sent away. 371 00:19:48,200 --> 00:19:51,600 'You're doing a lot of sex assault at the moment.' 372 00:19:51,720 --> 00:19:55,360 'It's the cab rank rule.' She nods. 'I don't choose them, they choose me.' 373 00:19:55,480 --> 00:19:59,600 If your court diary is free and you get a brief for anything in your field of law – 374 00:19:59,720 --> 00:20:02,960 for me, criminal law – you have to say yes. 375 00:20:03,080 --> 00:20:06,760 It's like at the airport. Cabbies can't pick and choose what ride they want. 376 00:20:06,880 --> 00:20:09,400 They get what they get. It's the cab rank rule. 377 00:20:09,520 --> 00:20:13,760 'You don't think they're using you because you're a woman and it looks better?' 378 00:20:13,880 --> 00:20:15,760 'So what? Cab rank is cab rank.' 379 00:20:15,880 --> 00:20:19,800 'I just... I think barristers tend to hide behind the rule, is all.' 380 00:20:19,920 --> 00:20:22,200 'No, we play by the rules.' 381 00:20:22,320 --> 00:20:27,400 Alice, she came second in her last four hearings, yeah? Not good! 382 00:20:27,520 --> 00:20:30,720 I tell her I can flick her some small matters this week. I'm overbooked. 383 00:20:30,840 --> 00:20:34,080 She nods. She's pretty anxious about work. 384 00:20:34,200 --> 00:20:37,240 I wouldn't like to be her. You know the barristers' catchphrase? 385 00:20:37,360 --> 00:20:40,400 'You're only ever as good as your last brief.' 386 00:20:40,520 --> 00:20:42,520 Adam and Jules call me in. 387 00:20:42,640 --> 00:20:45,560 'Need to pick your brain on a complex matter.' 388 00:20:45,680 --> 00:20:48,760 Ah! I haven't lost a case in months. 389 00:20:48,880 --> 00:20:50,760 I mean, it feels good. 390 00:20:50,880 --> 00:20:55,760 Adam and I, we go down to the local Pret for lunch. 391 00:20:55,880 --> 00:20:59,280 We're in the queue with the corporate lawyers. 392 00:20:59,400 --> 00:21:03,240 Oh. Solicitors who specialise in company law. 393 00:21:04,600 --> 00:21:08,360 Italian suits, nice. Like, really nice ties. 394 00:21:08,480 --> 00:21:11,480 Women in silk shirts, group of five of them. 395 00:21:11,600 --> 00:21:13,960 They are a different breed. They're all... 396 00:21:14,080 --> 00:21:17,920 They're all corporate contracts. [SNORTS] Yawn! 397 00:21:18,040 --> 00:21:20,000 You know, they think barristers are arrogant. 398 00:21:20,120 --> 00:21:22,160 Yeah, well, I mean, maybe we are a bit. 399 00:21:22,280 --> 00:21:24,000 (AUDIENCE LAUGHS) 400 00:21:24,120 --> 00:21:28,600 Adam is talking about a law graduate who wants to come and work with him. 401 00:21:28,720 --> 00:21:31,680 We laugh about the previous pupils we've had in chambers. 402 00:21:31,800 --> 00:21:36,400 I tell him about Sophie. 'Young, new to criminal law.' He vaguely remembers her. 403 00:21:36,520 --> 00:21:38,680 I'm supervising her in a client conference. 404 00:21:38,800 --> 00:21:41,240 The client says he wants to plead not guilty, 405 00:21:41,360 --> 00:21:44,040 and she says to him, no, I swear to you, she says, 406 00:21:44,160 --> 00:21:47,400 'But tell me the truth, did you do it?' 407 00:21:47,520 --> 00:21:49,520 Adam shakes his head. So I jump in, you know. 408 00:21:49,640 --> 00:21:51,960 'Hold everything, Sophie.' Take her to one side. 409 00:21:52,080 --> 00:21:54,840 'What the fuck are you doing?' She's all, 'What? What?' 410 00:21:54,960 --> 00:21:57,600 I'm telling her, 'He's pleading not guilty. 411 00:21:57,720 --> 00:22:01,640 'What if he now tells you he did it? It limits what you can say in court?' 412 00:22:01,760 --> 00:22:06,400 She's goes, 'So?' No idea! Adam jokingly slaps his forehead. 413 00:22:06,520 --> 00:22:08,880 'You're walking an ethical tightrope, Sophie. 414 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:12,760 'You don't get to ask him if he did it. You take his instructions and that is it. 415 00:22:12,880 --> 00:22:15,200 'If he has a case, you run it. End of story. 416 00:22:15,320 --> 00:22:18,840 'You don't play God! You don't decide or judge.' 417 00:22:18,960 --> 00:22:22,680 Adam is laughing now. She said to me... No, I swear this is word for word. 418 00:22:22,800 --> 00:22:26,840 'But what if he did it? Would I still have to defend him?' 419 00:22:26,960 --> 00:22:29,200 Adam bites into his sandwich. 'Did she apologise?' 420 00:22:29,320 --> 00:22:32,720 'Are you kidding? She left, and she never came back.' 421 00:22:32,840 --> 00:22:35,080 [LAUGHING] We both laugh. 422 00:22:35,760 --> 00:22:37,720 Adam and I, we got voted 423 00:22:37,840 --> 00:22:41,600 the best criminal senior/junior defence barristers in chambers. 424 00:22:41,720 --> 00:22:44,920 Well, I mean, I have to admit, Adam is the best. 425 00:22:45,040 --> 00:22:48,800 Everyone knows it. He's a nice guy, too. Smart. 426 00:22:48,920 --> 00:22:50,960 And Adam cross-examines so politely. 427 00:22:51,080 --> 00:22:54,040 I mean, when he cross-examines a sexual assault victim, 428 00:22:54,160 --> 00:22:58,760 an alleged victim, he gently moves them into thinking he is on their side. 429 00:22:58,880 --> 00:23:03,000 He never goes in for the kill, he just lulls them with sympathy 430 00:23:03,120 --> 00:23:05,360 and then analyses their answers. 431 00:23:05,480 --> 00:23:08,360 His view is there is no need to cause pain. 432 00:23:08,480 --> 00:23:11,720 They're usually so uncorroborated, and the law is the law. 433 00:23:11,840 --> 00:23:14,960 If there is any doubt, then it's about uncovering it. 434 00:23:15,080 --> 00:23:19,320 It's helpful for me to talk to Adam. I mean, it makes me a better lawyer. 435 00:23:19,440 --> 00:23:22,240 Stand outside it, don't take sides. 436 00:23:22,360 --> 00:23:25,040 Test the law. Test it. Test it. 437 00:23:25,160 --> 00:23:28,400 And if the story has holes, then point them out. 438 00:23:28,520 --> 00:23:32,320 Because it's not just your case, it's the law that is at stake. 439 00:23:32,440 --> 00:23:35,120 And the law, it is there to protect everyone. 440 00:23:35,240 --> 00:23:38,040 It's to protect those who accuse, protect those who are accused, 441 00:23:38,160 --> 00:23:42,400 protect the police that don't cut corners, so the police that do are exposed. 442 00:23:42,520 --> 00:23:44,920 We can't just pre-judge someone. 443 00:23:45,040 --> 00:23:47,680 OK, OK, if a few guilty people get off, 444 00:23:47,800 --> 00:23:51,960 it's because the job was not done well enough by the prosecution and the police. 445 00:23:52,080 --> 00:23:54,440 Due process, it's everything. 446 00:23:54,560 --> 00:24:00,000 But there is always that question every dinner party. 447 00:24:00,120 --> 00:24:04,800 'How do you act for someone who you know did it?' 448 00:24:04,920 --> 00:24:07,200 But a lawyer's job is not that grand. 449 00:24:07,320 --> 00:24:12,640 Mm-mm, no, the job is not to know, it's to not know. 450 00:24:14,200 --> 00:24:17,080 The only way the system works is because we all play our roles. 451 00:24:17,200 --> 00:24:20,800 My role is defence. The prosecutor prosecutes. 452 00:24:20,920 --> 00:24:26,360 We each tell a story and the jury decide which story is the one they believe. 453 00:24:26,480 --> 00:24:28,760 They take the responsibility. 454 00:24:28,880 --> 00:24:32,480 A good lawyer just tells the best version of their client's story. 455 00:24:32,600 --> 00:24:37,840 Nothing more. Nothing else. Just a storyteller, a voice piece. 456 00:24:37,960 --> 00:24:40,520 Never judge, never ever judge. Never decide! 457 00:24:40,640 --> 00:24:43,560 The minute you do that, you are fucked! 458 00:24:43,680 --> 00:24:46,800 You've lost. Well, you are lost. 459 00:24:47,880 --> 00:24:51,760 Julian and I, we burn the midnight oil night after night. 460 00:24:51,880 --> 00:24:54,360 We are both booked out for weeks. 461 00:24:54,480 --> 00:24:58,280 Adam, he seems to somehow go home and work from there. 462 00:24:58,400 --> 00:25:02,320 Adam, he has a kid now. I mean, I don't know how he does it. 463 00:25:02,440 --> 00:25:05,320 He might just be the cleverest person I know. 464 00:25:05,440 --> 00:25:10,040 He can recite whole sections of the Criminal Justice Act. 465 00:25:10,160 --> 00:25:12,320 He's a fre-eak! 466 00:25:13,040 --> 00:25:17,080 But I like that he sees me as an equal, a brain to trust. 467 00:25:17,200 --> 00:25:19,440 Julian comes in, 468 00:25:19,560 --> 00:25:22,200 asks me about his GBH case. 469 00:25:23,000 --> 00:25:26,120 It's tricky. It looks bad for his client. 470 00:25:26,240 --> 00:25:29,320 Should he plead it out and get a lesser sentence? 471 00:25:29,440 --> 00:25:32,720 We head to his room, so he can pour us each a vodka. 472 00:25:32,840 --> 00:25:37,440 If his client pleads, he'll definitely do a few years, he has a past. 473 00:25:37,560 --> 00:25:42,040 But a guilty plea gives him a discount on the time he will serve. 474 00:25:42,160 --> 00:25:46,000 On the other hand, there's a strong chance the facts don't work for the police. 475 00:25:46,120 --> 00:25:48,240 It's a hard decision. 476 00:25:49,560 --> 00:25:51,520 I spot something. 477 00:25:51,640 --> 00:25:56,120 Looks like some of the officers fixed something to make it look better. 478 00:25:56,240 --> 00:26:00,360 It is a fundamental mistake. We laugh. [CHUCKLES] 479 00:26:01,080 --> 00:26:03,240 [CLOCK TICKING] 480 00:26:04,320 --> 00:26:06,920 Jules's eyes are on me. 481 00:26:08,800 --> 00:26:11,360 Moves in close. 482 00:26:11,480 --> 00:26:15,040 Too much vodka... Woops! 483 00:26:15,160 --> 00:26:18,400 I find myself kissing Jules. 484 00:26:18,520 --> 00:26:22,320 He... He is more gentle than I thought he would be. 485 00:26:22,440 --> 00:26:25,160 Boyish, sheepish, Jules! Who would have thought it? 486 00:26:25,280 --> 00:26:28,400 He... He is not a look I would usually find attractive. 487 00:26:28,520 --> 00:26:31,600 He's all, er... He's all clean and well pampered. 488 00:26:31,720 --> 00:26:36,160 He smells of expensive aftershave, son of a QC, 489 00:26:36,280 --> 00:26:39,840 but right now, he is exactly what I want. 490 00:26:39,960 --> 00:26:43,760 We fuck on the corner sofa in his office. 491 00:26:43,880 --> 00:26:49,040 We laugh about the cliché we are. 'Barristers doing it in chambers!' 492 00:26:49,960 --> 00:26:55,320 He nuzzles up close to me afterwards, says he was sure I would have a boyfriend. 493 00:26:55,440 --> 00:26:57,920 It's sweet. How did I become that girl? 494 00:26:58,040 --> 00:27:01,160 I tell him things I don't usually talk about, 495 00:27:01,280 --> 00:27:03,400 and he listens! 496 00:27:03,520 --> 00:27:06,680 About my family, my life, losing my dad. 497 00:27:06,800 --> 00:27:08,320 He's surprised. 498 00:27:08,440 --> 00:27:13,840 Says he always thought I was another private school girl. I laugh. 'Watch this! 499 00:27:13,960 --> 00:27:18,640 [AFFECTED ACCENT] 'I can do private school girl better than private school girls.' 500 00:27:18,760 --> 00:27:21,280 He's not sure how to take this. 501 00:27:22,280 --> 00:27:25,880 Am I mocking him and his people? 502 00:27:26,640 --> 00:27:29,840 He snores slightly as he falls asleep. 503 00:27:30,720 --> 00:27:32,360 I, er... 504 00:27:33,160 --> 00:27:35,720 Well, I read a case. 505 00:27:35,840 --> 00:27:37,800 I wake him at 4:00. 506 00:27:37,920 --> 00:27:42,800 I tell him I need to get back and... I've got to feed my cat. 507 00:27:42,920 --> 00:27:44,520 We dress. 508 00:27:44,640 --> 00:27:48,080 I order an Uber. He gets in the car with me. 509 00:27:48,200 --> 00:27:50,000 'Er... You're coming?' 510 00:27:50,120 --> 00:27:54,560 [MIMICS JULES] 'Or I could... I could not, if you'd prefer?' 511 00:27:54,680 --> 00:27:57,080 'Er, well, I need to sleep.' 512 00:27:57,200 --> 00:27:59,600 Jules is nervous. 513 00:27:59,720 --> 00:28:03,600 'Could we... Could we do something this week?' 514 00:28:03,720 --> 00:28:06,920 Jules is nervous! 515 00:28:07,040 --> 00:28:10,240 'Or we don't... We don't have to if you feel... 516 00:28:10,360 --> 00:28:12,760 'if you feel weird.' 517 00:28:12,880 --> 00:28:17,080 I do feel weird. Our rooms are on the same floor in chambers. 518 00:28:17,200 --> 00:28:21,320 It is Julian. [GASPS] I do want to see him again. 519 00:28:22,320 --> 00:28:26,200 Cross-examining police officers can be kind of... 520 00:28:26,320 --> 00:28:28,160 fun? 521 00:28:28,280 --> 00:28:32,040 I know, I know. Sounds bad, right? But some of them... 522 00:28:32,160 --> 00:28:35,000 Some of them can be so friggin' self-righteous. 523 00:28:35,120 --> 00:28:39,400 Show me an officer who hasn't run their story past their partner, 524 00:28:39,520 --> 00:28:41,840 trying to close the gaps. 525 00:28:41,960 --> 00:28:45,640 If you try to play God in this system, you are damned, 526 00:28:45,760 --> 00:28:48,120 but the police, they forget. 527 00:28:48,240 --> 00:28:50,720 They think they are the system. 528 00:28:50,840 --> 00:28:55,240 So, the trick is to get under their skin. 529 00:28:55,360 --> 00:28:59,520 If you aggravate them, they get defensive and they make mistakes, 530 00:28:59,640 --> 00:29:04,320 and you can discredit anything they have said before. 531 00:29:04,440 --> 00:29:06,480 Just last week, 532 00:29:06,600 --> 00:29:09,640 Snaresbrook Crown Court. 533 00:29:11,200 --> 00:29:15,840 'I suggest you are a man who is quick to anger, Constable.' 534 00:29:15,960 --> 00:29:19,120 [MIMICS OFFICER] 'No, and it's not Constable, it's Sergeant.' 535 00:29:20,120 --> 00:29:23,960 [SELF] 'I suggest you are a man who is likely to make mistakes, Constable.' 536 00:29:24,080 --> 00:29:26,520 [MIMICS] 'No, and it's Sergeant.' 537 00:29:26,640 --> 00:29:30,840 [SELF] 'But you have made some inconsistent statements in court today, 538 00:29:30,960 --> 00:29:34,920 'haven't you, Constable... Oh, I am sorry, Sergeant?' 539 00:29:35,040 --> 00:29:37,280 [MIMICS] 'I made a simple mistake.' 540 00:29:37,400 --> 00:29:40,640 [SELF] 'But you did read your partner's statement 541 00:29:40,760 --> 00:29:43,760 'before you wrote your own, didn't you, Sergeant?' 542 00:29:43,880 --> 00:29:47,760 [MIMICS] 'I don't know.' [SELF] 'I suggest that you do know, sir?' 543 00:29:47,880 --> 00:29:49,320 [MIMICS] 'Yes.' 544 00:29:49,440 --> 00:29:53,040 [SELF] 'Ah! Well, that's interesting! 545 00:29:53,160 --> 00:29:59,760 'Because your partner has said the exact opposite here in court today, Constable.' 546 00:29:59,880 --> 00:30:02,120 [SHOUTS ANGRILY] 'It's Sergeant!' 547 00:30:02,240 --> 00:30:04,360 [SELF] 'Oh, I am sorry. 548 00:30:04,480 --> 00:30:08,840 'I didn't mean to make you angry, sir. 549 00:30:08,960 --> 00:30:12,480 'Thank you so much for your frank answers and for assisting the court today.' 550 00:30:12,600 --> 00:30:14,640 Judge, 'Ms Ensler!' 551 00:30:14,760 --> 00:30:17,440 [SELF] 'Thank you, Your Honour, I have no further questions.' 552 00:30:17,560 --> 00:30:21,040 But cross-examination in a sexual assault case, 553 00:30:21,160 --> 00:30:23,280 it is a completely different thing. 554 00:30:23,400 --> 00:30:26,800 In sexual assault cases, it's usually just one person's word against the other. 555 00:30:26,920 --> 00:30:31,000 Yes, the sex act happened, but was it consensual or not? 556 00:30:31,120 --> 00:30:34,680 The story, it has to make legal truth. 557 00:30:34,800 --> 00:30:37,520 The defence doesn't have to prove she did consent. 558 00:30:37,640 --> 00:30:42,040 You just have to point out he did not know there was no consent. 559 00:30:42,160 --> 00:30:45,480 Was it reasonable for him to think it was OK? 560 00:30:45,600 --> 00:30:49,480 I feel for the alleged victim, the complainant, I really do. 561 00:30:49,600 --> 00:30:52,080 I can tell they're scared of what I might ask them. 562 00:30:52,200 --> 00:30:55,320 Some of the male barristers, they still use this tone, 563 00:30:55,440 --> 00:30:58,600 'Make them look like liars, doubt themselves.' 564 00:30:58,720 --> 00:31:01,760 I am clear and concise, nothing more. 565 00:31:01,880 --> 00:31:05,720 A complainant doesn't realise it, but they are actually lucky it's me doing this – 566 00:31:05,840 --> 00:31:07,920 testing the case, without destroying them. 567 00:31:08,040 --> 00:31:10,000 And yet, sometimes... 568 00:31:14,480 --> 00:31:17,040 I remember this one case. 569 00:31:18,600 --> 00:31:23,440 No screen in court. Her choice. 570 00:31:24,040 --> 00:31:28,640 This woman, she looked at me square in the face and she said, 571 00:31:28,760 --> 00:31:32,600 'I'm not getting anything out of this, I don't want to be here. 572 00:31:32,720 --> 00:31:35,920 'I'm just doing this to protect other women from this man.' 573 00:31:36,040 --> 00:31:39,480 Jenna. It shook me and I admired her. 574 00:31:39,600 --> 00:31:42,240 It is just... I am trained to think differently. 575 00:31:42,360 --> 00:31:44,000 Jenna lost. 576 00:31:44,120 --> 00:31:47,680 She was so composed throughout all her evidence, but afterwards, 577 00:31:47,800 --> 00:31:50,240 I saw her fold in two. 578 00:31:50,360 --> 00:31:52,280 What if he did it? 579 00:31:52,400 --> 00:31:54,880 I got him off. Shit! 580 00:31:55,000 --> 00:31:58,280 I can't think like that. The prosecutor should have done a better job. 581 00:31:58,400 --> 00:32:01,240 My job is just to point out holes in the Crown's story. 582 00:32:01,360 --> 00:32:06,200 Because, you know, I mean, we all think we know the absolute truth of our lives, 583 00:32:06,320 --> 00:32:10,480 but how many times have we sworn the dress we wore to a party was red, 584 00:32:10,600 --> 00:32:12,840 and then seen a photo of a blue dress? 585 00:32:12,960 --> 00:32:15,880 Swore we put our keys here, but left them there? People are fallible. 586 00:32:16,000 --> 00:32:18,080 And their word, it has to be tested, 587 00:32:18,200 --> 00:32:21,560 especially if someone's freedom is at stake. 588 00:32:21,680 --> 00:32:23,760 Did he intend to cause harm? 589 00:32:23,880 --> 00:32:28,400 Her word against his – I test her word, her version of the story in court. 590 00:32:28,520 --> 00:32:30,440 Test it, test it. 591 00:32:30,560 --> 00:32:33,560 And it's the jury who take the responsibility. 592 00:32:33,680 --> 00:32:36,040 I don't make the decision. Not me. 593 00:32:36,160 --> 00:32:39,520 'I'm sorry, Jenna, but I need to ask you a few questions. 594 00:32:39,640 --> 00:32:43,280 'You said you removed your clothing yourself, is that right? 595 00:32:43,400 --> 00:32:46,640 'We know that you had been drinking that night at a club. 596 00:32:46,760 --> 00:32:51,240 'But would you agree with me that you had three glasses of gin and tonic, 597 00:32:51,360 --> 00:32:56,320 'two vodka limes, and two or three glasses of wine? 598 00:32:56,440 --> 00:32:58,360 'And would I be correct to assume 599 00:32:58,480 --> 00:33:01,560 'that these were all at least standard bar sizes? 600 00:33:01,680 --> 00:33:05,680 'And then you invited my client back to your home, 601 00:33:05,800 --> 00:33:08,240 'were you both consumed more alcohol? 602 00:33:08,360 --> 00:33:10,720 'You agree you both drank vodka? 603 00:33:11,880 --> 00:33:14,640 'And is it possible that you were intoxicated? 604 00:33:15,520 --> 00:33:17,640 'And while you were intoxicated, 605 00:33:17,760 --> 00:33:23,200 'you agree that the events of that evening were a bit blurry, as you stated? 606 00:33:24,240 --> 00:33:29,240 'So, when you took off your clothing, you were not saying no, were you? 607 00:33:29,880 --> 00:33:33,440 'And if, in your mind, you had perhaps reconsidered, 608 00:33:33,560 --> 00:33:37,160 'you didn't manage to say this at any stage? 609 00:33:37,280 --> 00:33:41,840 'And I suggest to you that it wasn't until your sister asked about the evening 610 00:33:41,960 --> 00:33:45,680 'a few nights later that you first indicated 611 00:33:45,800 --> 00:33:48,480 'it might be sexual assault? 612 00:33:49,360 --> 00:33:50,960 'Thank you so much. 613 00:33:51,080 --> 00:33:53,800 'I am sorry if I've caused you any distress. 614 00:33:53,920 --> 00:33:56,840 'You understand my role is to ask questions 615 00:33:56,960 --> 00:33:59,600 'that can shed some light on the evening.' 616 00:34:00,320 --> 00:34:01,760 She hates me. 617 00:34:01,880 --> 00:34:04,920 Call Mia in a different time zone. 618 00:34:05,040 --> 00:34:07,880 Oh! She's in Australia. 619 00:34:08,000 --> 00:34:11,200 She's doing some... [AUSTRALIAN ACCENT] ..acting gig. 620 00:34:11,320 --> 00:34:14,480 Ooh, I miss her. I mean, we talk about everything. 621 00:34:14,600 --> 00:34:16,840 A long, long call. 622 00:34:16,960 --> 00:34:20,840 I'm on my balcony in my dressing gown with a cigarette. 623 00:34:20,960 --> 00:34:25,280 I tell her everything about Jules. She laughs. 624 00:34:25,400 --> 00:34:30,160 She asks more questions. Mia says she thinks I'm falling for him. 625 00:34:30,280 --> 00:34:33,320 [SQUEALS] Maybe she's right. No! Maybe. 626 00:34:33,440 --> 00:34:36,240 Tessa and Julian. Julian and Tess. 627 00:34:36,360 --> 00:34:37,800 Oh, stop! 628 00:34:37,920 --> 00:34:43,160 I told Alice the next day, 'Well, we might have been flirting a bit.' 629 00:34:43,280 --> 00:34:46,560 She said she could see it heading that way, mm. 630 00:34:46,680 --> 00:34:51,240 Told me to enjoy it, said he's a great guy, that I look really happy. 631 00:34:51,360 --> 00:34:55,920 I never told Adam, I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's a chambers thing. 632 00:34:56,040 --> 00:34:58,800 Also, him and Jules are really good mates. 633 00:34:58,920 --> 00:35:02,720 Or did I not want Adam to think of me as Julian's girlfriend? 634 00:35:02,840 --> 00:35:05,120 I'm not sure. 635 00:35:05,240 --> 00:35:07,360 Still not sure. 636 00:35:07,480 --> 00:35:12,040 Alice and I, we go shopping, have lunch. I buy a dress. I wear it that night. 637 00:35:12,160 --> 00:35:15,600 But before I leave, I prep my brief for Monday. 638 00:35:15,720 --> 00:35:18,720 I pack my horsehair wig into my barrister's bag, 639 00:35:18,840 --> 00:35:20,920 robes folded in there, too. 640 00:35:21,040 --> 00:35:23,840 I run into a QC in the square outside. 641 00:35:23,960 --> 00:35:26,880 He says he was very impressed with the work I've been doing. 642 00:35:27,000 --> 00:35:29,080 It feels great. What a compliment! 643 00:35:29,200 --> 00:35:33,720 He asks if I'm interested in a tenancy that's become available in his chambers. 644 00:35:33,840 --> 00:35:37,040 It's a prestigious chambers with top-level silks. 645 00:35:37,160 --> 00:35:40,040 I'm speechless. It's a huge honour. 646 00:35:40,160 --> 00:35:42,920 He suggests I come by and grab coffee with him. 647 00:35:43,040 --> 00:35:46,560 I... I dare to nod. [NERVOUS LAUGH] 648 00:35:46,680 --> 00:35:50,880 I am not sure I could ever justify the cost of the new chambers. 649 00:35:51,000 --> 00:35:55,200 But, I mean, it gets me thinking, you know... 650 00:35:55,320 --> 00:35:57,360 I mean if things with Julian go well, 651 00:35:57,480 --> 00:35:59,960 maybe moving eventually might be a good idea. 652 00:36:00,080 --> 00:36:03,160 You can't be a couple in the same chambers. 653 00:36:03,280 --> 00:36:05,080 Stop. 654 00:36:05,200 --> 00:36:09,800 Julian meets me at the Japanese place on the corner. 655 00:36:11,640 --> 00:36:13,680 We talk about work, 656 00:36:13,800 --> 00:36:14,880 life, 657 00:36:15,000 --> 00:36:16,800 books, everything. 658 00:36:16,920 --> 00:36:20,320 We pour saké for each other. 659 00:36:20,440 --> 00:36:24,760 There are a few people we know at the other end of the restaurant. 660 00:36:24,880 --> 00:36:28,680 We giggle as we duck our heads. [CHUCKLES] We leave. 661 00:36:28,800 --> 00:36:33,720 'Shall we... Shall we get some wine? 662 00:36:33,840 --> 00:36:37,840 'Get some gelato from the posh place up the road?' 663 00:36:39,840 --> 00:36:42,040 We Uber it to mine. 664 00:36:43,320 --> 00:36:45,160 (AUDIENCE LAUGHS) 665 00:36:45,280 --> 00:36:47,360 Kissing in the back. 666 00:36:47,480 --> 00:36:49,200 Slowly. 667 00:36:49,320 --> 00:36:51,160 Warm. 668 00:36:51,280 --> 00:36:53,800 When we get to my place, he... 669 00:36:53,920 --> 00:36:57,120 He, er... He pours us some wine. 670 00:36:57,240 --> 00:36:59,880 'I'll get the... I'll get the sound system happening. 671 00:37:00,000 --> 00:37:01,200 'Fuck! 672 00:37:01,320 --> 00:37:02,640 'Alexa! 673 00:37:02,760 --> 00:37:04,160 'Play... 674 00:37:04,280 --> 00:37:07,160 'Play something like, er... 675 00:37:07,280 --> 00:37:09,200 'Coldplay.' 676 00:37:09,320 --> 00:37:11,360 Because I know he's a fan. 677 00:37:11,480 --> 00:37:13,880 – [♪ SOFT MUSIC] – We both grab a spoon, 678 00:37:14,000 --> 00:37:16,000 dig into the gelato box together, 679 00:37:16,120 --> 00:37:17,880 feeding each other. 680 00:37:18,000 --> 00:37:20,640 The wine is a nice red, smooth, 681 00:37:20,760 --> 00:37:23,040 mixed with the cool gelato, 682 00:37:23,160 --> 00:37:26,640 and we kiss in icy bliss. 683 00:37:28,280 --> 00:37:30,240 And talk. 684 00:37:30,360 --> 00:37:34,680 We talk about past relationships. 685 00:37:34,800 --> 00:37:37,160 Well, mine are not that many, but... 686 00:37:37,280 --> 00:37:40,680 Oh! He has a few. 687 00:37:40,800 --> 00:37:42,000 We drink. 688 00:37:42,120 --> 00:37:47,520 He's telling me he's been doing pro bono work in a legal centre. 689 00:37:47,640 --> 00:37:50,680 I love that! I swoon a bit. 690 00:37:50,800 --> 00:37:52,800 We talk about his family. 691 00:37:52,920 --> 00:37:57,440 His dad is a top barrister and his mum is a physiotherapist. 692 00:37:57,560 --> 00:37:59,240 Of course. 693 00:37:59,920 --> 00:38:01,680 We kiss. 694 00:38:01,800 --> 00:38:03,360 I feel dizzy. 695 00:38:03,480 --> 00:38:08,040 I'm not sure if it's the kiss or the wine. I take off my dress. 696 00:38:08,160 --> 00:38:11,280 Julian takes off his shirt and cups my breasts. 697 00:38:11,400 --> 00:38:15,440 Somehow, my bra is also gone. 698 00:38:16,720 --> 00:38:18,600 It's hot and sexy. 699 00:38:18,720 --> 00:38:23,600 We move to my room, head to the bed, seem to fall into having sex. 700 00:38:23,720 --> 00:38:27,680 It's nice, smooth, different from the time in chambers. 701 00:38:27,800 --> 00:38:31,320 We doze off. I'm not sure for how long. 702 00:38:31,440 --> 00:38:34,040 Later that night, kissing and touching. 703 00:38:34,160 --> 00:38:38,240 I close my eyes. We are in sync. It's nice. 704 00:38:38,360 --> 00:38:40,400 Until I get this... 705 00:38:40,520 --> 00:38:43,600 this overwhelming desire to, er... 706 00:38:44,480 --> 00:38:46,120 ..to vomit! 707 00:38:46,560 --> 00:38:50,320 I push him off me. I rush to the loo, just make it. 708 00:38:50,440 --> 00:38:56,200 Vomiting my guts out. I feel everything hideous. 709 00:38:56,320 --> 00:38:57,840 Vomiting. 710 00:38:57,960 --> 00:39:00,640 The dank smell of the toilet bowl. 711 00:39:00,760 --> 00:39:02,400 [RETCHING] 712 00:39:03,440 --> 00:39:05,200 Am I naked? 713 00:39:05,320 --> 00:39:10,400 Squatting on the floor, and Julian is in my bed hearing me vomit. 714 00:39:10,520 --> 00:39:12,360 [MIMICS JULIAN] 'Are you OK?' 715 00:39:12,480 --> 00:39:14,320 [RETCHING] 716 00:39:14,440 --> 00:39:17,400 [SELF] 'Yeah, I'm fine, it's just the... 717 00:39:17,520 --> 00:39:21,400 'It's just the red wine mixed with... [RETCHES] 718 00:39:21,520 --> 00:39:23,880 '..with the ice cream.' 719 00:39:27,520 --> 00:39:31,120 – [DEEP RUMBLING RISING] – I feel crap. I can't move. 720 00:39:31,240 --> 00:39:33,440 I must have been there for a while. 721 00:39:33,560 --> 00:39:38,280 I feel Julian lift me, carrying me carefully back to the bed. 722 00:39:38,400 --> 00:39:41,800 I keep my face away. I must smell dreadful. 723 00:39:41,920 --> 00:39:45,440 He whispers in my ear, 'Are you OK?' 724 00:39:45,560 --> 00:39:48,480 'Yeah. Yeah, I'm just a bit...' 725 00:39:48,600 --> 00:39:50,800 [RETCHES] 726 00:39:50,920 --> 00:39:52,880 I fall partly asleep. 727 00:39:53,000 --> 00:39:56,160 And then Julian's face is kissing mine. 728 00:39:56,280 --> 00:39:58,160 I try to move. 729 00:39:58,280 --> 00:40:01,680 'I need to brush my teeth.' I can't kiss like this. 730 00:40:01,800 --> 00:40:04,360 I still feel ill, dizzy, drunk. 731 00:40:04,480 --> 00:40:07,440 I laugh, 'I feel gross!' 732 00:40:07,560 --> 00:40:09,680 [LAUGHING, MUSIC FADES] 733 00:40:09,800 --> 00:40:14,040 He tells me I am beautiful, keeps kissing me. 734 00:40:14,160 --> 00:40:15,920 I move my face. 735 00:40:16,040 --> 00:40:18,840 His hands are all over me. I feel... 736 00:40:19,800 --> 00:40:21,640 I feel sick still. 737 00:40:21,760 --> 00:40:25,880 And then somewhere from the corners of my mind, I hear him say, 738 00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:29,480 'Just lay there and let me make love to you.' 739 00:40:29,600 --> 00:40:31,520 I squirm again. 740 00:40:31,640 --> 00:40:35,120 I feel his hands and legs pushing against me. 741 00:40:35,240 --> 00:40:37,640 Suddenly, I am very awake. 742 00:40:37,760 --> 00:40:43,120 He is on top of me, but his hand is over my face. 743 00:40:43,240 --> 00:40:46,840 'Hang on. This is all too... No.' 744 00:40:46,960 --> 00:40:48,680 I can't breathe. 745 00:40:48,800 --> 00:40:51,360 'Stop. I need to brush my teeth, Julian. 746 00:40:52,160 --> 00:40:55,160 'Julian!' I tried to push him with my hands, 747 00:40:55,280 --> 00:40:58,520 but he takes my hands and I can't move, and... 748 00:40:58,640 --> 00:41:00,520 and... 749 00:41:00,640 --> 00:41:03,120 He's inside of me. 750 00:41:04,640 --> 00:41:10,400 It's rough and painful and it... it hurts something horrible. 751 00:41:10,520 --> 00:41:13,320 I feel myself leave my body. 752 00:41:13,440 --> 00:41:15,360 This is not happening. 753 00:41:15,480 --> 00:41:18,880 No. No. Not happening. I should... 754 00:41:19,000 --> 00:41:23,520 [GASPING] I should find a way to want this, yeah, 755 00:41:23,640 --> 00:41:27,000 yeah, or... or scream, but I can't... I can't scream. 756 00:41:27,120 --> 00:41:31,480 His hand is over my mouth. I feel such panic. 757 00:41:31,600 --> 00:41:34,400 I struggle to get out from under him. 758 00:41:34,520 --> 00:41:37,240 It goes on and on. 759 00:41:37,360 --> 00:41:40,280 I try to... to bite his hand. 760 00:41:40,400 --> 00:41:42,800 I writhe around and I try to kick him. 761 00:41:42,920 --> 00:41:45,200 I can't breathe properly. He... 762 00:41:46,640 --> 00:41:50,080 He is in a different place. I am not there with him. 763 00:41:51,360 --> 00:41:55,680 He doesn't seem to know. He does not seem to care. Or is he... 764 00:41:57,560 --> 00:42:00,160 Is he a completely different person? 765 00:42:00,280 --> 00:42:04,440 How can he not know? How can he not know? 766 00:42:04,560 --> 00:42:07,080 I feel a searing pain inside of me. 767 00:42:07,200 --> 00:42:10,080 I want to vomit again. There is no way out. 768 00:42:10,200 --> 00:42:13,000 His hand is gone... 769 00:42:20,200 --> 00:42:22,880 [WHIMPERS] 770 00:42:23,000 --> 00:42:25,280 But I am not speaking. 771 00:42:26,400 --> 00:42:30,560 Eyes on the ceiling and there is just this... 772 00:42:32,400 --> 00:42:34,760 ..this strange denial. 773 00:42:34,880 --> 00:42:37,880 Julian slumped on top of me. 774 00:42:38,000 --> 00:42:40,840 I am there, but I am not. 775 00:42:43,360 --> 00:42:45,400 Julian snores. 776 00:42:46,960 --> 00:42:49,600 I cry silently. I... 777 00:42:50,400 --> 00:42:52,760 I struggle out of bed, I... 778 00:42:54,400 --> 00:42:58,120 I stagger to the loo, naked, and I vomit. 779 00:42:58,240 --> 00:43:03,400 And I vomit and I vomit, and I brush my teeth. I... 780 00:43:03,520 --> 00:43:05,920 I scrub my body. Skin red. 781 00:43:06,040 --> 00:43:09,720 I... I sit in the shower, thinking. Just... 782 00:43:10,520 --> 00:43:12,720 Just trying hard to, er... 783 00:43:12,840 --> 00:43:14,920 to think the... 784 00:43:15,040 --> 00:43:17,680 'The restaurant bill indicates 785 00:43:17,800 --> 00:43:20,760 'there was a lot of saké drunk by the both of you.' 786 00:43:20,880 --> 00:43:24,520 – [DISTANT POUNDING RHYTHM] – 'Witnesses saw you laughing, yes?' 787 00:43:24,640 --> 00:43:28,000 'You said you removed your clothing yourself, is that right?' 788 00:43:28,120 --> 00:43:33,280 'There are two empty red wine bottles at your house, wouldn't you agree?' 789 00:43:33,400 --> 00:43:36,960 'You told people you were hooking up with him.' 790 00:43:37,080 --> 00:43:39,080 'Had you slept with the defendant before?' 791 00:43:39,200 --> 00:43:42,840 'Did you invite him to your home, to your bed?' 792 00:43:42,960 --> 00:43:44,280 I... 793 00:43:44,400 --> 00:43:50,160 I sit in the shower. What do I do now? Should I call someone? 794 00:43:51,040 --> 00:43:54,640 I... I get out of the shower, skin red from the heat. 795 00:43:54,760 --> 00:43:57,840 I... I dress in clothes that I have in the spare room. 796 00:43:57,960 --> 00:44:00,760 Summer clothes, because I am not going back in there. 797 00:44:00,880 --> 00:44:03,200 I... I clean up the living room, 798 00:44:03,320 --> 00:44:05,720 even though I know I... I should leave it in case. 799 00:44:05,840 --> 00:44:08,080 Just in case I wanna... 800 00:44:09,160 --> 00:44:12,040 I want to hit rewind and... what? He's in my bed. 801 00:44:12,160 --> 00:44:16,440 I see me, I see my life, the one I have built, my career. 802 00:44:16,560 --> 00:44:19,240 My career. What do I do now? 803 00:44:19,360 --> 00:44:22,480 Because, here I am. What do I do now? 804 00:44:23,120 --> 00:44:27,440 Let him take everything away from me? Become a witness in my own courtroom? 805 00:44:27,560 --> 00:44:30,560 With Jules, Julian, and all his dad's contacts. 806 00:44:30,680 --> 00:44:34,080 Running his defence by Adam, brilliant Adam. 807 00:44:34,200 --> 00:44:35,840 Calling witnesses. 808 00:44:35,960 --> 00:44:38,960 Mia, Alice, Uber driver, waiter at the restaurant. 809 00:44:39,080 --> 00:44:43,240 People who saw us laughing, gelato server, off-licence guy. 810 00:44:43,360 --> 00:44:45,480 No. Nope. 811 00:44:45,600 --> 00:44:49,160 This is the legal truth, this is how the law tries to understand. 812 00:44:49,280 --> 00:44:51,080 No. No. 813 00:44:51,200 --> 00:44:54,440 [VOICE BREAKING] I can't do it. I don't know what to do. I... 814 00:44:56,240 --> 00:45:00,200 I leave my own place. I'm not sure why, where to go... 815 00:45:00,320 --> 00:45:02,880 – [RAIN FALLS] – I wander down the street. 816 00:45:03,760 --> 00:45:06,240 Freezing in a skirt and sandals. 817 00:45:07,160 --> 00:45:10,240 I walk for three hours until I cannot walk any more. 818 00:45:10,360 --> 00:45:13,280 I... I come to a cab rank. 819 00:45:13,400 --> 00:45:15,520 I get in the first taxi. 820 00:45:15,640 --> 00:45:18,720 I want to get to Euston station, catch the train to my mum's. 821 00:45:18,840 --> 00:45:22,160 'Sorry, love, I'm only doing airport rides this morning.' 822 00:45:22,280 --> 00:45:25,440 'What?' 'Love, I haven't waited an hour for that lousy ride.' 823 00:45:25,560 --> 00:45:28,280 'Well, guess what, mate? You don't get to choose.' 824 00:45:28,400 --> 00:45:31,320 'It's my taxi!' 'You... You're at a cab rank. 825 00:45:31,440 --> 00:45:34,480 'You go where the ride goes, that is the rule.' 'Not this time.' 826 00:45:34,600 --> 00:45:37,920 'You can get suspended for breaking the rule so if you don't take me, 827 00:45:38,040 --> 00:45:41,360 'I will report you and I will make sure that you go down.' 828 00:45:41,480 --> 00:45:44,480 'I want you to open the door and get out of my cab.' 'No.' 829 00:45:44,600 --> 00:45:47,920 'If you don't get out, I'm gonna call the police.' 'That's not fair.' 830 00:45:48,720 --> 00:45:52,480 The guy turns around. I see his face take me in, it changes. 831 00:45:52,600 --> 00:45:55,040 'It is not fair!' 832 00:45:58,440 --> 00:46:01,240 All I can think of is my mum and... 833 00:46:03,560 --> 00:46:05,960 I just want to be home with her. 834 00:46:07,480 --> 00:46:11,520 I want to wrap myself up against her on the old floral sofa. 835 00:46:11,640 --> 00:46:14,960 I want to feel the rough heat of her. 836 00:46:17,200 --> 00:46:21,720 The cabbie hands me a tissue. How much time passes? Blow my nose. I... 837 00:46:23,360 --> 00:46:28,320 I see his eyes in the rear-view mirror, kind eyes now. 838 00:46:30,320 --> 00:46:32,600 'I don't know where to go.' 839 00:46:34,200 --> 00:46:35,800 The cabbie waits. 840 00:46:38,040 --> 00:46:40,360 I look at the car clock. 841 00:46:40,480 --> 00:46:42,960 6:09 a.m. 842 00:46:45,320 --> 00:46:49,480 Legal instinct tells me this is a losing case, but I... 843 00:46:52,280 --> 00:46:54,040 I ask the cabbie. 844 00:46:56,360 --> 00:46:59,880 'Can you take me to the nearest police station, please?' 845 00:47:00,000 --> 00:47:02,000 [POUNDING STOPS] 846 00:47:03,640 --> 00:47:06,520 [♪ SOFT, MELANCHOLIC MELODY] 847 00:47:15,320 --> 00:47:21,040 ♪ When you've just woke up in the morning 848 00:47:22,800 --> 00:47:28,640 ♪ And the sunlight finds your face 849 00:47:30,240 --> 00:47:36,600 ♪ I will always love you like that 850 00:47:37,880 --> 00:47:47,520 ♪ When the make-up leaves no trace... ♪ 851 00:47:56,720 --> 00:47:58,320 [♪ STOPS] 852 00:47:58,440 --> 00:48:00,760 [♪ RISING TENSION] 853 00:48:27,960 --> 00:48:31,120 [♪ MELANCHOLIC MELODY, RISING TENSION] 854 00:49:21,400 --> 00:49:23,240 [♪ STOPS] 855 00:49:23,360 --> 00:49:25,880 This is me. 856 00:49:26,000 --> 00:49:28,880 Outside, looking in. Watching myself. 857 00:49:29,000 --> 00:49:32,200 Moving through the doors. Sound of my heels on the floor. 858 00:49:32,320 --> 00:49:34,440 Inner London Crown Court. 859 00:49:34,560 --> 00:49:37,680 This is me, moving through the security system. 860 00:49:37,800 --> 00:49:40,760 Detached. Objective. This is me, bag on the belt. 861 00:49:40,880 --> 00:49:43,640 This time, no lawyer's ID, no easy pass. 862 00:49:43,760 --> 00:49:45,440 Just me. 863 00:49:45,560 --> 00:49:47,840 Moving through the metal detector. Alarm rings. 864 00:49:47,960 --> 00:49:50,640 – [ALARM BLARING] – I take off my shoes, back through again. 865 00:49:50,760 --> 00:49:54,720 This is me being swiped by the handheld metal detector. 866 00:49:54,840 --> 00:49:57,720 This time, I'm... I'm over there. 867 00:49:57,840 --> 00:49:59,800 I see black robes swishing. 868 00:49:59,920 --> 00:50:02,720 Horsehair wigs leaning in toward each other. 869 00:50:02,840 --> 00:50:06,200 Paper, folders, confident chatter. Did one of them see me? 870 00:50:06,320 --> 00:50:08,280 Oh, God. Head down. 871 00:50:08,400 --> 00:50:11,200 This is me, picking up my bag and mobile, 872 00:50:11,320 --> 00:50:13,880 walking to the lift with the witness support service. 873 00:50:14,000 --> 00:50:18,040 This is me, Tessa Ensler. This time, no barrister's wig, no robe. 874 00:50:18,160 --> 00:50:22,120 This is what it feels like. Same court, no armour. 875 00:50:22,240 --> 00:50:25,520 This is me, digging my nails into my wrists. 876 00:50:25,640 --> 00:50:29,560 This is me, walking into the lift, look at the floor. 877 00:50:29,680 --> 00:50:32,880 Doors shut. Ding. Barristers, solicitors, police. 878 00:50:33,000 --> 00:50:35,760 Exit, enter, exit, ding. Level two. 879 00:50:35,880 --> 00:50:39,680 This is me walking out of the lift. Find the meeting room. 880 00:50:39,800 --> 00:50:44,520 This is me, in a small windowless room. 881 00:50:44,640 --> 00:50:48,840 White plastic table. Green chair. Waiting. Waiting. 882 00:50:49,880 --> 00:50:53,160 I've been waiting for 782 days, 883 00:50:53,280 --> 00:50:55,800 and now today is the day. 884 00:50:55,920 --> 00:51:00,520 Three years at university, one year at bar school and seven years of practice. 885 00:51:00,640 --> 00:51:02,440 I have always believed and now... 886 00:51:02,560 --> 00:51:05,960 Now, I need to know that I was not mistaken, 887 00:51:06,080 --> 00:51:10,600 that I can still believe in you, can trust, can still hold on to you. 888 00:51:10,720 --> 00:51:16,520 Believe that you will show me that before the law, there is justice. 889 00:51:16,640 --> 00:51:19,760 But I am here and you look so different from this end, 890 00:51:19,880 --> 00:51:22,920 from this seat in this windowless room. 891 00:51:23,040 --> 00:51:25,520 The prosecutor, Richard, he comes into the room. 892 00:51:25,640 --> 00:51:30,120 Richard Lawson. I'm lucky he is well respected, he knows the law. 893 00:51:30,240 --> 00:51:32,960 And here we are, Inner London Crown Court, 894 00:51:33,080 --> 00:51:37,400 Richard in his silk robes and wig, ready to run the case. 895 00:51:37,520 --> 00:51:39,960 After all those adjournments. Paperwork. 896 00:51:40,080 --> 00:51:44,240 Yeah. Me, thinking, frustrated, just weighed down by it. 897 00:51:44,360 --> 00:51:50,080 Today is 782 days since the first day at the police station. 898 00:51:50,200 --> 00:51:53,240 – [THUD] – The officer was a big guy. 899 00:51:53,360 --> 00:51:55,240 Posters of missing people. 900 00:51:55,360 --> 00:51:59,280 One of a sad-looking woman with bruises on her face. 901 00:51:59,400 --> 00:52:01,360 'This is not love.' 902 00:52:01,480 --> 00:52:05,440 A sticker, 'Be a Hero. Stop Crime Before it Happens.' 903 00:52:05,560 --> 00:52:08,360 Not stuck straight. Someone... Someone's tried to deface it, 904 00:52:08,480 --> 00:52:12,760 but it looks like the pen didn't work properly on the shiny sticker. 905 00:52:12,880 --> 00:52:15,720 I was led into an interview room. 906 00:52:16,440 --> 00:52:20,160 I've only ever seen video footage of rooms like this one – 907 00:52:20,280 --> 00:52:25,280 watching my client's interrogation with my feet up on the desk in chambers. 908 00:52:25,960 --> 00:52:29,840 All my sass and outrage at the tricks the police play. 909 00:52:30,960 --> 00:52:33,560 It's different when you're in here. 910 00:52:33,680 --> 00:52:36,520 I'm cold, shivering. 911 00:52:36,640 --> 00:52:38,800 Skirt, top, sandals. 912 00:52:38,920 --> 00:52:40,920 Dressed from the spare room. 913 00:52:41,040 --> 00:52:42,760 I want to ask for a woman, I need to, 914 00:52:42,880 --> 00:52:45,120 but I don't want to get the big officer offside. 915 00:52:45,240 --> 00:52:46,840 He must've read my mind. 916 00:52:46,960 --> 00:52:50,880 He's telling me I can come back when the sexual assault unit is on, 917 00:52:51,000 --> 00:52:56,760 or a woman on duty, but I just... I want to get it over with. 918 00:52:56,880 --> 00:52:59,560 He puts his coffee on the table, 919 00:52:59,680 --> 00:53:01,920 scratches around. 920 00:53:02,040 --> 00:53:04,440 Then the questions start. 921 00:53:05,840 --> 00:53:07,280 'Er, yes.' 922 00:53:07,400 --> 00:53:10,120 'Er... Tessa Jane Ensler. No.' 923 00:53:10,240 --> 00:53:12,120 'No, thank you. Yes.' 924 00:53:12,240 --> 00:53:14,960 'Yes. I recognise I'm being recorded, yes.' 925 00:53:16,440 --> 00:53:19,120 'I... I wanted to report... 926 00:53:21,080 --> 00:53:24,280 'Because I think... Because I was... 927 00:53:26,400 --> 00:53:29,360 'Something happened to me. I was just... 928 00:53:30,680 --> 00:53:33,720 'Last night, this morning, I... 929 00:53:33,840 --> 00:53:36,840 'I... I was sexually assaulted. 930 00:53:36,960 --> 00:53:39,320 'And I wanted to, er...' 931 00:53:39,440 --> 00:53:41,880 'Yes. Yes, he is known to me.' 932 00:53:42,000 --> 00:53:43,800 'Julian Brookes.' 933 00:53:43,920 --> 00:53:48,400 'No. No, we work together. I don't know about... about five years.' 934 00:53:49,320 --> 00:53:51,440 'A relationship? 935 00:53:51,560 --> 00:53:54,360 'Sort of. No. No, well, I mean... No. 936 00:53:54,480 --> 00:53:57,520 'Last night, it wasn't the first time that we'd been together. 937 00:53:57,640 --> 00:54:01,200 'We weren't... We hadn't defined anything, so... 938 00:54:01,320 --> 00:54:05,000 'So, no. No. No, not a 'relationship'. No. 939 00:54:06,400 --> 00:54:10,040 'Last week, we had... We had sex.' 940 00:54:11,240 --> 00:54:13,840 'No. No, well, it was at work.' 941 00:54:13,960 --> 00:54:17,000 'No. No, no, no, it was after hours. 942 00:54:17,120 --> 00:54:19,760 'His office. It just... It sort of happened like that.' 943 00:54:19,880 --> 00:54:22,720 'Yes, I consented. That time.' 944 00:54:22,840 --> 00:54:25,920 Silence as he takes this down. Then he asks. 945 00:54:26,040 --> 00:54:28,960 This is where I have to describe the rape. 946 00:54:29,080 --> 00:54:33,200 I don't want to be a victim, damaged. No. No. I want to be a survivor, but... 947 00:54:33,320 --> 00:54:35,280 'Where was this hand?' 948 00:54:35,400 --> 00:54:37,160 'Your leg? His arm?' 949 00:54:37,280 --> 00:54:39,960 'So, did you use your other hand to push him away?' 950 00:54:40,080 --> 00:54:43,200 'Fight back? Will he have marks where you fought him?' 951 00:54:43,320 --> 00:54:45,560 'On his hand where you bit him?' 952 00:54:45,680 --> 00:54:48,480 Then other body parts. More questions. 953 00:54:48,600 --> 00:54:50,280 I can't look at the officer any more. 954 00:54:50,400 --> 00:54:53,240 'I... I... I don't know. I don't know.' 955 00:54:53,360 --> 00:54:55,200 Humiliation. Distress. 956 00:54:55,320 --> 00:54:57,320 Wrong or foolish behaviour? 957 00:54:58,680 --> 00:55:00,440 Was it me? 958 00:55:00,560 --> 00:55:02,800 What did I do wrong? I mean, was I foolish? 959 00:55:02,920 --> 00:55:06,040 What should I have done? The officer wants my phone. 'No, no. 960 00:55:06,160 --> 00:55:10,080 'I need it!' He's not happy about this. He leaves the room. 961 00:55:11,360 --> 00:55:13,680 I'm alone again. 962 00:55:13,800 --> 00:55:15,400 Waiting. 963 00:55:15,520 --> 00:55:17,320 Waiting. He returns. 964 00:55:17,440 --> 00:55:20,080 Again about the phone. I can't... Won't. 965 00:55:20,200 --> 00:55:23,760 'It's my family, friends, my work!' The officer gives me a look. 966 00:55:23,880 --> 00:55:25,680 I know I am being difficult, 967 00:55:25,800 --> 00:55:29,120 but he tells me a car will take me to the Havens? 968 00:55:30,760 --> 00:55:35,840 A forensic medical examination? I have to tell him. 969 00:55:37,120 --> 00:55:39,840 'It might not come up with much because I... 970 00:55:39,960 --> 00:55:42,840 'I had a shower straight after.' 971 00:55:42,960 --> 00:55:44,960 Oh, my God! 972 00:55:46,000 --> 00:55:49,960 I am a... I am a fucking idiot! 973 00:55:51,360 --> 00:55:55,480 'I've had a shower. I've washed everything away. I mean... 974 00:55:56,120 --> 00:56:00,120 'What if he says we did not have sex? How can I prove...? No. 975 00:56:01,160 --> 00:56:05,160 'No. He's not that stupid. He would have to admit to that fact, surely? 976 00:56:05,280 --> 00:56:09,280 'He would just say... He would just say that it was consensual sex, won't he?' 977 00:56:09,400 --> 00:56:12,600 I look back at the officer. He's chewing gum. 978 00:56:12,720 --> 00:56:16,880 'Wait till he gets a bastard defence barrister, they could say anything then.' 979 00:56:17,000 --> 00:56:20,880 I tell him, 'Julian is a bastard defence barrister.' 980 00:56:21,000 --> 00:56:23,440 He stops chewing, rolls his eyes. 981 00:56:23,560 --> 00:56:25,880 Looks at me as if I've done it deliberately – 982 00:56:26,000 --> 00:56:28,480 picked the most challenging defendant. 983 00:56:28,600 --> 00:56:34,880 I hear myself, small voice, I mention, 'I, too, am a defence barrister.' 984 00:56:35,760 --> 00:56:38,440 I don't know how to interpret the look that I get. 985 00:56:38,560 --> 00:56:41,480 Is it smug or is it genuinely sympathetic? 986 00:56:41,600 --> 00:56:44,400 I can't read it, not now, flat voice. 987 00:56:44,520 --> 00:56:47,880 'Ah! Now you need us though, don't you?' 988 00:56:48,000 --> 00:56:49,560 'Sorry?' 989 00:56:49,680 --> 00:56:53,320 Richard asks me a question. Something about being ready? Calm? 990 00:56:53,440 --> 00:56:57,280 I answer, but I don't, I can't, I don't know what I said. 991 00:56:57,400 --> 00:57:01,840 Eyes on the table. White plastic turning dirty cream. 992 00:57:01,960 --> 00:57:06,080 Richard asks me if I'm sure about refusing video evidence. 993 00:57:06,200 --> 00:57:10,120 'Yes. I want to look Julian right in the eye.' 994 00:57:10,240 --> 00:57:11,880 This is me, 995 00:57:12,000 --> 00:57:16,200 waiting for the court to call the matter with Julian's name on it. 996 00:57:16,320 --> 00:57:17,920 The Queen v Julian Brookes. 997 00:57:18,040 --> 00:57:21,760 It's on the court list, for every single person to see. 998 00:57:21,880 --> 00:57:25,040 The Queen v Julian Brookes. 999 00:57:25,160 --> 00:57:27,520 This is me, knowing the jury are being empanelled. 1000 00:57:27,640 --> 00:57:30,880 Courtroom 1. Julian's barrister, his QC. 1001 00:57:31,000 --> 00:57:33,960 He's probably hoping for as few women as possible. 1002 00:57:34,080 --> 00:57:37,800 Talking strategy. Julian in there, giving his opinion. 1003 00:57:37,920 --> 00:57:42,160 Making sure he has the best possible chance of being found not guilty. 1004 00:57:42,280 --> 00:57:46,560 Me, I sit here, waiting till I'm allowed in. 1005 00:57:46,680 --> 00:57:49,120 Richard has to return to the courtroom. 1006 00:57:49,240 --> 00:57:51,960 He puts his hand on my shoulder. I flinch. 1007 00:57:53,680 --> 00:57:55,440 I can't help it. 1008 00:57:55,560 --> 00:58:00,840 Richard is talking to me, mouth moving. 'Is someone coming to be with you?' 1009 00:58:00,960 --> 00:58:02,800 'Mm-hm. Mm-hm.' 1010 00:58:03,720 --> 00:58:05,360 Fuck! 1011 00:58:05,480 --> 00:58:07,320 I will not cry. 1012 00:58:07,440 --> 00:58:12,440 Hospital bed at the Havens. The forensic medical examination. 1013 00:58:12,560 --> 00:58:16,280 White gown, waiting for the nurse. 1014 00:58:16,400 --> 00:58:18,880 'Name, please?' 'Tessa Jane Ensler.' 1015 00:58:19,000 --> 00:58:21,480 My phone beeps. A text. 1016 00:58:22,400 --> 00:58:26,560 Oh, my God. It's him. It's Julian! 'Date of birth?' 1017 00:58:26,680 --> 00:58:31,160 'Where are you? Don't tell me you've gone into work! J. 1018 00:58:31,280 --> 00:58:34,320 'Kiss. Kiss.' The phone feels contaminated. 1019 00:58:34,440 --> 00:58:37,840 I delete it. Instantly regret deleting evidence. 1020 00:58:37,960 --> 00:58:42,200 What is wrong with me? I keep doing this! I should have given the officer my phone. 1021 00:58:42,320 --> 00:58:46,840 'Residential address?' I go cold. He is still at my fucking flat. 1022 00:58:46,960 --> 00:58:51,120 I overcome my urge to throw the phone to the ground, smash it to bits. 1023 00:58:51,240 --> 00:58:52,560 It beeps again. 1024 00:58:57,760 --> 00:59:02,760 'PS, hope you're OK after everything? I'm heading off home.' 1025 00:59:02,880 --> 00:59:05,600 'After everything?' question mark. I'm confused. 1026 00:59:05,720 --> 00:59:09,160 'Blood pressure?' Is he worried about himself? About what he did? 1027 00:59:09,280 --> 00:59:12,720 'Temperature?' This time, I am smart. I save the text. 1028 00:59:12,840 --> 00:59:14,520 I even screenshot it. 1029 00:59:14,640 --> 00:59:19,120 It's 8:30 a.m. and a woman with gloves is examining my vagina. 1030 00:59:19,240 --> 00:59:22,960 Photographs. Eyes on the ceiling. Gritted teeth. 1031 00:59:23,080 --> 00:59:28,000 And Julian is in my flat, taking a shower in my bathroom? 1032 00:59:28,120 --> 00:59:30,080 Looking through my fridge? 1033 00:59:30,200 --> 00:59:33,040 Yesterday, I had imagined, hoped, 1034 00:59:33,160 --> 00:59:36,520 that we might be having breakfast together this morning and... 1035 00:59:36,640 --> 00:59:40,440 What am I doing here? I tell the nurse, 'I... I am not sure.' 1036 00:59:40,560 --> 00:59:43,240 She stops. Stands. The nurse says something kind. 1037 00:59:43,360 --> 00:59:46,960 I don't register it, she is done. I will not cry. 1038 00:59:47,080 --> 00:59:50,200 She asks if I have somewhere to go, someone to be with? 1039 00:59:50,320 --> 00:59:52,680 I... I don't know. 1040 00:59:53,560 --> 00:59:56,240 I feel out of control. What if I'm overreacting? 1041 00:59:56,360 --> 00:59:58,280 I am not. I am not. 1042 00:59:59,120 --> 01:00:01,680 But am I? I know Julian. I have known him for years. 1043 01:00:01,800 --> 01:00:04,400 'This is not love.' 1044 01:00:06,200 --> 01:00:10,080 'Are they going to arrest him now?' The nurse is not sure. 1045 01:00:10,200 --> 01:00:12,600 She asks if I want to speak to a social worker. 1046 01:00:12,720 --> 01:00:16,720 'No. No, thank you. Can I just leave?' The nurse calls the police officer in. 1047 01:00:16,840 --> 01:00:20,040 The big officer says he'll take the forensic evidence with him. 1048 01:00:20,160 --> 01:00:22,160 He'll be in touch, but I... 1049 01:00:23,560 --> 01:00:26,560 'Are you going to arrest him?' 1050 01:00:26,680 --> 01:00:30,520 'Yes. Unless... Do you want us to arrest him?' 1051 01:00:30,640 --> 01:00:33,160 I can't say yes and I can't say no, 1052 01:00:33,280 --> 01:00:35,560 but he can't just get away with it, can he? 1053 01:00:35,680 --> 01:00:37,640 Pretend it didn't happen? 1054 01:00:37,760 --> 01:00:41,320 I want him to know what he did. I don't want a text asking if I'm OK. 1055 01:00:41,440 --> 01:00:45,360 I am not fucking OK. I am not OK. 1056 01:00:45,480 --> 01:00:48,000 'Will you be willing to give evidence in court? 1057 01:00:48,120 --> 01:00:51,760 'I don't want to discourage you from moving forward, but it will be tough.' 1058 01:00:51,880 --> 01:00:55,600 Then he says, 'The Crown Prosecution Service will decide 1059 01:00:55,720 --> 01:00:58,600 'if the case is good enough to go to trial.' 1060 01:00:59,600 --> 01:01:04,240 I know this, of course I know it, but it is like a slap. 1061 01:01:04,360 --> 01:01:06,600 I don't get to decide. No. 1062 01:01:06,720 --> 01:01:11,400 No, my life is in the hands of the police, the CPS, the court system. 1063 01:01:11,520 --> 01:01:13,320 I have no control. 1064 01:01:13,440 --> 01:01:18,480 So much at stake – my privacy, my family, my friends. 1065 01:01:18,600 --> 01:01:20,680 [CRYING] Everything. I am scared. 1066 01:01:26,360 --> 01:01:28,920 [STEADYING HER BREATH] 1067 01:01:32,880 --> 01:01:35,360 But there is this person inside of me, 1068 01:01:35,480 --> 01:01:39,360 that girl who fought and fought to be seen. 1069 01:01:39,480 --> 01:01:43,720 Look to your left, look to your right, who won't make it? 1070 01:01:43,840 --> 01:01:48,320 She is brave, and if I do nothing, I... 1071 01:01:50,480 --> 01:01:52,880 ..I think I could lose her. 1072 01:01:55,760 --> 01:01:59,120 'Yes. Yes, I will give evidence in court.' 1073 01:01:59,760 --> 01:02:01,400 My mum arrives. 1074 01:02:01,520 --> 01:02:03,680 Sensible pants, sensible shoes. 1075 01:02:03,800 --> 01:02:07,920 Clutching her straw bag, the one I gave her for her birthday. 1076 01:02:08,040 --> 01:02:09,960 It's a beach bag! 1077 01:02:10,080 --> 01:02:14,240 I told her, 'Pop your sunscreen and your towels in it and off you go.' 1078 01:02:14,360 --> 01:02:16,880 [MIMICS] 'When do I have time to go to the beach?' 1079 01:02:17,000 --> 01:02:18,520 Fa-ail! 1080 01:02:18,640 --> 01:02:23,120 She looks so afraid, and she is here because of me. 1081 01:02:23,240 --> 01:02:25,960 I mean, everything feels like my fault these days. 1082 01:02:26,080 --> 01:02:30,480 After 782 days, I cannot stop all the voices. 1083 01:02:30,600 --> 01:02:33,600 'You fucked a guy on a sofa in work.' 1084 01:02:33,720 --> 01:02:38,360 'You invite him back to your home.' 'You're so drunk you even vomit.' 1085 01:02:38,480 --> 01:02:40,720 Berating myself. 1086 01:02:40,840 --> 01:02:44,440 'You didn't scream or kick enough, you just froze. 1087 01:02:44,560 --> 01:02:49,120 'In the middle of it all, you just froze. What is wrong with you? 1088 01:02:49,240 --> 01:02:51,360 'No. You're pathetic. 1089 01:02:51,480 --> 01:02:53,920 'You let him sleep in your bed after he'd done that to you, 1090 01:02:54,040 --> 01:02:56,400 'while you cried in the shower? 1091 01:02:56,520 --> 01:02:59,880 'Julian, he is a good barrister, he does lots of pro bono work, 1092 01:03:00,000 --> 01:03:02,280 'what are you doing to him? 1093 01:03:02,400 --> 01:03:06,120 'What if he really thought you were consenting?' 1094 01:03:06,240 --> 01:03:10,280 I dig into my thighs with my nails, make myself feel the pain. 1095 01:03:10,400 --> 01:03:13,480 'Come on, Tess, remember. 1096 01:03:13,600 --> 01:03:17,400 'The law says... It says you cannot do this to a woman. 1097 01:03:17,520 --> 01:03:21,280 'You can't hold her down, keep her trapped while you... 1098 01:03:22,240 --> 01:03:25,480 '..you push, you... push yourself inside of her. 1099 01:03:25,600 --> 01:03:29,640 'You can't rape and then pretend it was consensual, can you, Mum?' 1100 01:03:29,760 --> 01:03:33,760 She hands me a sandwich. Strawberry jam?! 1101 01:03:33,880 --> 01:03:37,720 Me stomach can't take it, but she looks so worried. 1102 01:03:39,160 --> 01:03:41,240 She looks so old now. 1103 01:03:41,800 --> 01:03:44,880 Deep bags under her eyes. 1104 01:03:45,000 --> 01:03:46,680 Silence. 1105 01:03:46,800 --> 01:03:48,480 Chew white bread. 1106 01:03:48,600 --> 01:03:52,840 The overly sweet taste of... [SNIFFS] ..strawberry and butter. 1107 01:03:53,520 --> 01:03:55,360 She gets up... 1108 01:04:00,200 --> 01:04:03,280 ..and she completely engulfs me 1109 01:04:03,400 --> 01:04:05,760 in this gruff hug. 1110 01:04:05,880 --> 01:04:10,400 'Be your strong self! Don't let the bastards get you down! 1111 01:04:10,520 --> 01:04:16,000 'Even if they get away with it, you don't let them ruin our Tessa.' 1112 01:04:17,640 --> 01:04:19,080 Mm-hm. 1113 01:04:19,920 --> 01:04:21,400 Mm-hm. 1114 01:04:21,520 --> 01:04:23,360 I won't cry, I won't. 1115 01:04:24,240 --> 01:04:25,600 I won't. 1116 01:04:27,880 --> 01:04:30,600 The trial is set down for just three days. 1117 01:04:31,200 --> 01:04:33,600 It's only me giving evidence, not Julian. 1118 01:04:33,720 --> 01:04:37,440 Today, Julian is pleading not guilty. 1119 01:04:37,560 --> 01:04:40,400 He won't admit what he did, but I know he knows. 1120 01:04:40,520 --> 01:04:44,600 I mean, I know he must know. He's not stupid. 1121 01:04:44,720 --> 01:04:46,440 He's just convinced himself 1122 01:04:46,560 --> 01:04:50,000 and all the people he asked to write letters of support for him, 1123 01:04:50,120 --> 01:04:52,240 people I know. 1124 01:04:52,360 --> 01:04:54,520 He's convinced himself and them 1125 01:04:54,640 --> 01:04:58,320 that I'm a liar and I am doing this to destroy him. 1126 01:04:58,440 --> 01:05:02,840 He has convinced himself that he is the victim. 1127 01:05:03,880 --> 01:05:09,640 While me, I'm forced to say the words, relive it all in front of everyone. 1128 01:05:09,760 --> 01:05:13,640 Why? How can he sit there and not be cross-examined? 1129 01:05:13,760 --> 01:05:16,840 He did this to me. I am the one on trial. 1130 01:05:16,960 --> 01:05:18,640 Mum's face. 1131 01:05:19,280 --> 01:05:24,120 I can't help thinking she knows what it is to be violated somehow. 1132 01:05:26,000 --> 01:05:28,120 I will never ask. 1133 01:05:29,600 --> 01:05:32,200 White bread is in lumps in my throat. 1134 01:05:32,320 --> 01:05:34,840 Swallowing is hard. Richard appears. 1135 01:05:34,960 --> 01:05:39,640 'We have a jury? How many women?' 'Four.' 1136 01:05:39,760 --> 01:05:41,760 'Is that good?' me mum asks. 1137 01:05:41,880 --> 01:05:43,520 I don't know. 1138 01:05:43,640 --> 01:05:46,320 I mean, women can be just as bad at believing other women. 1139 01:05:46,440 --> 01:05:48,480 Why is that, eh? 1140 01:05:48,600 --> 01:05:50,280 Why is that? 1141 01:05:50,400 --> 01:05:52,680 Me mum goes off to find the loo. 1142 01:05:52,800 --> 01:05:54,800 I'm alone again. 1143 01:05:54,920 --> 01:05:56,760 Mia, I need her. 1144 01:05:56,880 --> 01:06:00,880 I get out my phone. I scroll through this morning's text. 1145 01:06:01,000 --> 01:06:03,280 She's doing Shakespeare. 1146 01:06:03,400 --> 01:06:05,480 On a cruise ship? 1147 01:06:05,600 --> 01:06:09,240 I feel stronger. Mia is on team Tessa. 1148 01:06:09,360 --> 01:06:11,600 Richard, he is in the courtroom. 1149 01:06:11,720 --> 01:06:13,680 Once he gives the prosecution opening address, 1150 01:06:13,800 --> 01:06:15,640 I will be called in as the first witness. 1151 01:06:15,760 --> 01:06:19,160 Julian in there able to hear everything. 1152 01:06:19,280 --> 01:06:20,840 The opening. 1153 01:06:20,960 --> 01:06:24,320 I mean, sitting back knowing he will not have to say a word. 1154 01:06:24,440 --> 01:06:28,600 I... I psyche myself up for what's to come. 1155 01:06:30,640 --> 01:06:32,640 I get out my mirror, 1156 01:06:32,760 --> 01:06:34,160 fix my make-up. 1157 01:06:34,280 --> 01:06:37,400 My outfit, it's chosen from my lawyer's wardrobe. Yeah. 1158 01:06:37,520 --> 01:06:42,040 It's a perfect blend of 'I am a... 'I am a strong woman! 1159 01:06:42,160 --> 01:06:44,840 'I am not ashamed and I am not a slut.' 1160 01:06:44,960 --> 01:06:47,480 My mum comes in just as a police officer enters – 1161 01:06:47,600 --> 01:06:51,240 a young woman, so tiny in her uniform, baton in her holster. 1162 01:06:51,360 --> 01:06:53,000 'They're calling for you now, Tessa.' 1163 01:06:53,120 --> 01:06:55,800 'Can you take my mum with you?' 1164 01:06:55,920 --> 01:06:58,440 She nods, she takes my mum's arm. 1165 01:06:58,560 --> 01:07:01,200 but before she leaves, she turns at the door, 1166 01:07:01,320 --> 01:07:04,160 squeezes my upper arm like a friend... 1167 01:07:08,960 --> 01:07:10,640 A sister. 1168 01:07:15,120 --> 01:07:17,040 This is me. 1169 01:07:18,880 --> 01:07:21,240 Walking into the courtroom 1170 01:07:21,360 --> 01:07:23,240 to give my evidence. 1171 01:07:23,360 --> 01:07:25,840 This is me. 1172 01:07:25,960 --> 01:07:28,680 Bowing to the judge, 1173 01:07:28,800 --> 01:07:33,160 as I make my way in and up to the witness stand. 1174 01:07:34,240 --> 01:07:36,400 This is me. 1175 01:07:36,520 --> 01:07:39,560 Standing in the witness box 1176 01:07:39,680 --> 01:07:42,480 as the words coming out of my mouth declare 1177 01:07:42,600 --> 01:07:45,120 'that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, 1178 01:07:45,240 --> 01:07:47,560 'the whole truth and nothing but the truth.' 1179 01:07:47,680 --> 01:07:50,280 The air is still. I look up. 1180 01:07:50,400 --> 01:07:54,840 Julian's dad with his mum and brother seated up front in the gallery. 1181 01:07:54,960 --> 01:07:57,200 How they hate me. 1182 01:07:57,320 --> 01:07:59,600 I turn, look at Julian, 1183 01:07:59,720 --> 01:08:01,600 suited-up, seated in the dock. 1184 01:08:01,720 --> 01:08:04,560 A QC and a junior at the starting gate. 1185 01:08:04,680 --> 01:08:07,240 Julian looks right back at me. 1186 01:08:07,360 --> 01:08:10,200 It feels like he is going to mouth 'I'm sorry,' 1187 01:08:10,320 --> 01:08:12,640 but instead, almost imperceptible, 1188 01:08:12,760 --> 01:08:15,520 a shaking of his head saying, 'What have you done?' 1189 01:08:15,640 --> 01:08:19,600 I look at the jury. They will be the ones, these strangers. 1190 01:08:19,720 --> 01:08:23,040 I look at the judge. He's looking at a file on his laptop. 1191 01:08:23,160 --> 01:08:26,960 Bar table, bench. Panic. All the barristers are men! 1192 01:08:27,080 --> 01:08:29,640 The judge, the judge's clerk, 1193 01:08:29,760 --> 01:08:33,800 the prosecuting counsel, the police, the instructing solicitor. 1194 01:08:33,920 --> 01:08:37,640 I am the only woman. Even the court usher is a man! 1195 01:08:37,760 --> 01:08:41,240 I am the only one – the only woman. 1196 01:08:41,360 --> 01:08:43,760 I can feel my heart thumping, 1197 01:08:43,880 --> 01:08:46,840 the blood actually rushing through me. 1198 01:08:46,960 --> 01:08:52,840 And after 782 days, after being asked over and over again, 1199 01:08:52,960 --> 01:08:55,840 'Are you sure you want to go through with this?' 1200 01:08:55,960 --> 01:08:59,560 After all the snide and embarrassed looks at work, 1201 01:08:59,680 --> 01:09:01,640 the doubts people have expressed about me, 1202 01:09:01,760 --> 01:09:06,600 the statements, the rape kit, the ongoing scouring of my own body, 1203 01:09:06,720 --> 01:09:11,600 the nightmares, the vomiting, the digging into my own flesh, 1204 01:09:11,720 --> 01:09:14,000 I am here. I am right here. 1205 01:09:14,120 --> 01:09:16,800 And the system I dedicated my life to, 1206 01:09:16,920 --> 01:09:20,280 it's called upon, by me, to find the truth, 1207 01:09:20,400 --> 01:09:22,120 to provide justice. 1208 01:09:22,240 --> 01:09:25,280 The prosecutor, Richard, stands to start the prosecution case. 1209 01:09:26,440 --> 01:09:28,960 Twice, I've seen Julian. The first... 1210 01:09:30,720 --> 01:09:33,280 The first time, 1211 01:09:33,400 --> 01:09:35,240 the police, 1212 01:09:35,360 --> 01:09:38,280 well, they hadn't... they hadn't arrested him yet. 1213 01:09:38,400 --> 01:09:40,960 They called, they said it was imminent, 1214 01:09:41,080 --> 01:09:44,160 but they wouldn't do it in his workplace. Right! 1215 01:09:44,280 --> 01:09:46,480 'It's an interesting case, though. 1216 01:09:46,600 --> 01:09:49,080 'Two defence barristers fighting it out in court!' 1217 01:09:49,200 --> 01:09:53,040 was an interesting concept for the Crown Prosecution Service. 1218 01:09:53,160 --> 01:09:56,360 The horrible humour in it for them all. The CPS. 1219 01:09:56,480 --> 01:09:59,080 They all knew me before. Before. 1220 01:09:59,200 --> 01:10:01,600 Always on the other side, before. 1221 01:10:02,400 --> 01:10:05,320 I tried to prep my brief on Sunday. Tired, weepy. 1222 01:10:05,440 --> 01:10:07,920 I could not concentrate. Slept badly. 1223 01:10:08,040 --> 01:10:10,600 And then Monday, catch the train in. 1224 01:10:10,720 --> 01:10:13,480 I'm standing across the street from chambers. 1225 01:10:13,600 --> 01:10:17,000 Knees weak, head spinning. I sit down on some steps. 1226 01:10:17,120 --> 01:10:19,800 I call Alice, ask her to meet me across the street. 1227 01:10:19,920 --> 01:10:21,520 I'm hyperventilating. 1228 01:10:21,640 --> 01:10:25,920 I ask her to run my case that day, I tell her I have a virus. 1229 01:10:26,040 --> 01:10:29,120 She puts me in a cab home. I'm terrified. 1230 01:10:29,240 --> 01:10:33,760 How will I ever go back to chambers to work with Julian there? 1231 01:10:33,880 --> 01:10:36,920 I finally... I finally... I call my mum. 1232 01:10:37,040 --> 01:10:39,560 She's not happy to hear from me, she's at work. 1233 01:10:39,680 --> 01:10:42,040 But I tell her, 1234 01:10:42,160 --> 01:10:45,760 and within a couple of hours, she is at my place. 1235 01:10:45,880 --> 01:10:49,920 I tell her what happened in as little detail as possible. 1236 01:10:50,040 --> 01:10:52,800 She doesn't seem shocked or desperate. 1237 01:10:52,920 --> 01:10:55,960 She does seem filled with a fury she is trying to control. 1238 01:10:56,080 --> 01:10:59,600 I tell her, 'Don't tell my brother, Mum. We both know why.' 1239 01:10:59,720 --> 01:11:01,520 She is very clear with me. 1240 01:11:01,640 --> 01:11:05,640 'You go back to work. You do not let this ruin everything you've worked for. 1241 01:11:05,760 --> 01:11:08,520 'This is your job, your income, your career.' 1242 01:11:08,640 --> 01:11:11,720 I... I try again on Tuesday. 1243 01:11:11,840 --> 01:11:15,600 I manage to make it inside chambers. Everyone is busy. 1244 01:11:15,720 --> 01:11:18,480 I head to the photocopier, and I smack bang run into him. 1245 01:11:18,600 --> 01:11:22,040 'Hey.' He's searching my face for something. 1246 01:11:22,160 --> 01:11:25,560 'Are we good?' I guess my look says, 'Nah!' 1247 01:11:25,680 --> 01:11:29,440 'Look, Tess, I'm sorry if I've upset you somehow. 1248 01:11:29,560 --> 01:11:34,080 'Let me take you for lunch this week.' I want to say something, but I am just... 1249 01:11:34,200 --> 01:11:39,440 He hesitates. 'Look, I can barely remember, I drank so much.' 1250 01:11:39,560 --> 01:11:42,520 He waits, then, 'Well, we both did.' 1251 01:11:42,640 --> 01:11:46,120 We could put it down to that and this whole thing would go away, wouldn't it? 1252 01:11:46,240 --> 01:11:51,200 Yeah. Couldn't I just put this down to a really bad drunken sex night? 1253 01:11:51,320 --> 01:11:55,040 'Anyway, I'm sorry if I've upset you somehow.' 1254 01:11:55,160 --> 01:11:58,840 My voice is screaming, but only inside my head. 1255 01:11:58,960 --> 01:12:01,040 Upset me? Somehow? You... 1256 01:12:01,160 --> 01:12:03,680 You raped me. 1257 01:12:03,800 --> 01:12:05,920 You held me down and you... 1258 01:12:06,040 --> 01:12:10,960 Suddenly, Alice is upon us, and then I am photocopying. 1259 01:12:11,080 --> 01:12:16,160 Later that day, I grab a coffee with the QC I ran into on Friday. 1260 01:12:16,280 --> 01:12:18,640 He tells me all the attributes of his chambers, 1261 01:12:18,760 --> 01:12:21,560 the amazing barristers I would be working with. 1262 01:12:21,680 --> 01:12:24,440 I tell him I would be delighted to take it. We shake hands. 1263 01:12:24,560 --> 01:12:29,320 I tell myself I will just work harder to cover the cost of the new chambers. 1264 01:12:29,440 --> 01:12:35,120 The second time I have to face Julian is... is after he's been arrested. 1265 01:12:35,240 --> 01:12:37,360 It's an afternoon court foyer. 1266 01:12:37,480 --> 01:12:41,360 I know I should just walk past him, we are not supposed to speak. 1267 01:12:41,480 --> 01:12:45,800 But stupidly, my eyes look right at him. I freeze. 1268 01:12:45,920 --> 01:12:49,920 'How could you do this to me?' He... He is convincing. 1269 01:12:50,040 --> 01:12:52,120 'I really like you, Tess. 1270 01:12:52,240 --> 01:12:55,240 'I mean, I was hoping we'd find something special together. 1271 01:12:55,360 --> 01:12:58,320 'I held your hair while you vomited, for Christ's sake. 1272 01:12:58,440 --> 01:13:02,400 'But this, what you've said, are you out of your fucking mind?' 1273 01:13:02,520 --> 01:13:05,240 I look him in the face, 'You know what happened.' 1274 01:13:05,360 --> 01:13:08,800 'Whatever it was, I am not a criminal. This is not who I am. 1275 01:13:08,920 --> 01:13:11,560 'And, my God, you are not a victim! 1276 01:13:11,680 --> 01:13:13,960 'You know if you continue to go through with this, 1277 01:13:14,080 --> 01:13:16,160 'you're going to destroy my career. 1278 01:13:16,280 --> 01:13:18,560 'You do realise that, don't you?' 1279 01:13:18,680 --> 01:13:21,840 He walks away. I consider telling the police. 1280 01:13:21,960 --> 01:13:25,480 He spoke to me, he breached his bail conditions, but I... 1281 01:13:25,600 --> 01:13:28,800 I'm not allowed to speak to him either. 1282 01:13:29,600 --> 01:13:31,520 I go to the bathroom. 1283 01:13:31,640 --> 01:13:35,280 I lock the door. I'm in there for a long time. 1284 01:13:35,400 --> 01:13:38,080 I vomit and I wash my face, 1285 01:13:38,200 --> 01:13:40,600 and I cry and I cry and I cry. 1286 01:13:41,520 --> 01:13:43,360 Richard clears his throat, 1287 01:13:43,480 --> 01:13:45,840 gives me a sympathetic smile, 1288 01:13:45,960 --> 01:13:48,640 and then he is all professional. 1289 01:13:48,760 --> 01:13:51,960 'Can you tell the court your name and occupation?' 1290 01:13:52,080 --> 01:13:54,280 I won't take my eyes off him. 1291 01:13:54,400 --> 01:13:57,400 'In your own words, can you please tell the court 1292 01:13:57,520 --> 01:14:00,760 'about the first night you spent with Julian Brookes?' 1293 01:14:00,880 --> 01:14:03,640 As I speak about the first night in chambers, 1294 01:14:03,760 --> 01:14:05,320 I hear a snicker. 1295 01:14:05,440 --> 01:14:08,400 I involuntarily dart my eyes out to seek who it is. 1296 01:14:08,520 --> 01:14:11,040 There are extra people in the gallery, Julian's friends. 1297 01:14:11,160 --> 01:14:16,360 Old school buddies? Uni mates? They all look the same. 1298 01:14:16,480 --> 01:14:19,800 This is them showing support for one of their own. 1299 01:14:19,920 --> 01:14:22,680 'And after the vodka in Mr Brookes' office?' 1300 01:14:23,840 --> 01:14:30,240 My mum hears how her daughter had sex with a man in an office on his sofa. 1301 01:14:30,360 --> 01:14:33,440 I cringe when I'm asked the detail, catch her face. 1302 01:14:33,560 --> 01:14:36,560 Her look doesn't change in any way. 1303 01:14:36,680 --> 01:14:38,440 'Turning to the night in question, 1304 01:14:38,560 --> 01:14:41,920 'can you please tell the court, in your own words, what happened?' 1305 01:14:42,040 --> 01:14:46,080 I look at the jury, a man seated in the middle. I feel anxious. 1306 01:14:46,200 --> 01:14:49,520 A woman juror is looking at me, I avoid her eye. 1307 01:14:49,640 --> 01:14:52,800 I don't want to do anything that suggests manipulation. 1308 01:14:52,920 --> 01:14:54,640 I speak. 1309 01:14:54,760 --> 01:15:00,200 Japanese, gelato, Uber, my place, wine. Having sex earlier in the night. 1310 01:15:00,320 --> 01:15:04,360 'And then?' I... I have to speak about the vomiting in the bathroom. 1311 01:15:04,480 --> 01:15:07,080 Was I naked? How long was I there? 1312 01:15:07,200 --> 01:15:10,400 Julian carefully carrying me back to the bed. 1313 01:15:10,520 --> 01:15:15,000 And it occurs to me in this moment, in court, as I am answering this question, 1314 01:15:15,120 --> 01:15:19,280 that Julian carefully carrying me back to the bed 1315 01:15:19,400 --> 01:15:22,080 means he wasn't too drunk that he could not remember. 1316 01:15:22,200 --> 01:15:25,640 He has lied to me about being so drunk. 1317 01:15:25,760 --> 01:15:28,360 He was able to lift me and walk steadily back. 1318 01:15:28,480 --> 01:15:32,600 He didn't fall or stumble. He knew what he was doing, but... 1319 01:15:35,040 --> 01:15:37,480 This will be used against me. Yeah. 1320 01:15:37,600 --> 01:15:42,600 They will say I was the only drunk one in this story, so I am the less reliable one. 1321 01:15:42,720 --> 01:15:47,040 I answer the questions aloud. In my head, I am cross-examining myself. 1322 01:15:47,160 --> 01:15:51,040 I'm using my own defence skills to doubt my very own story. 1323 01:15:51,160 --> 01:15:56,280 I realise I've been doing this for two years and 52 days. 1324 01:15:56,400 --> 01:16:01,320 Finding fault in my story. Trapped again and again and again. 1325 01:16:01,440 --> 01:16:04,200 Dig my nails into my palms. 1326 01:16:04,320 --> 01:16:08,640 I will not freeze up this time. I will not question my memory. 1327 01:16:08,760 --> 01:16:11,560 I will not minimise what's happened. I will not embellish. 1328 01:16:11,680 --> 01:16:14,200 I know what happened that night. 1329 01:16:14,320 --> 01:16:18,520 Then Richard. The rape. 'Explain where each of your limbs were.' 1330 01:16:18,640 --> 01:16:22,960 I try to explain to Richard, but I'm not as clear as I need to be. 1331 01:16:23,080 --> 01:16:26,920 'Can you tell the court what you were thinking at the time?' 1332 01:16:27,040 --> 01:16:30,800 How I didn't want this. Felt trapped. I could not move properly. 1333 01:16:30,920 --> 01:16:36,200 'Did you make it clear to Mr Brookes that you were not consenting to sex?' 1334 01:16:36,320 --> 01:16:41,040 'Yes. I did. I said, "No. Stop." I tried to push him away.' Didn't I? 1335 01:16:41,160 --> 01:16:44,760 'Did you say anything else? Scream?' 1336 01:16:44,880 --> 01:16:49,000 'Yes. Yes, I tried to, but his hand was over my mouth.' 1337 01:16:49,120 --> 01:16:51,160 'Then what?' 1338 01:16:51,280 --> 01:16:56,200 'Er... I could hardly breathe, I froze. 1339 01:16:56,320 --> 01:17:00,760 'Then pain searing through my body. Shock. Dissociation.' 1340 01:17:00,880 --> 01:17:04,480 It's happening even now. More questions. More details. 1341 01:17:04,600 --> 01:17:06,520 More humiliation. 1342 01:17:06,640 --> 01:17:10,400 This is me, giving my testimony in court. 1343 01:17:10,520 --> 01:17:12,400 Final question from Richard. 1344 01:17:12,520 --> 01:17:17,320 He sits down, smiles at me, pleased with the examination-in-chief. It's gone well. 1345 01:17:18,440 --> 01:17:20,320 I'm alone again. 1346 01:17:20,440 --> 01:17:21,800 Waiting. 1347 01:17:21,920 --> 01:17:26,480 Fingers jittery. Hands, armpits, I mean, shins sweating. 1348 01:17:26,600 --> 01:17:31,120 I look up. I see Alice and Adam at the back of the courtroom. 1349 01:17:31,240 --> 01:17:33,160 Adam has a beard now. 1350 01:17:33,280 --> 01:17:36,120 It's been so long since I've been in touch with either of them. 1351 01:17:36,240 --> 01:17:38,920 I've been working at the new chambers for over two years now. 1352 01:17:39,040 --> 01:17:41,520 I have managed to avoid all of them. 1353 01:17:41,640 --> 01:17:45,720 Adam, he wrote me an email telling me he believed me. 1354 01:17:45,840 --> 01:17:49,280 He intimated that Julian had had another experience, 1355 01:17:49,400 --> 01:17:52,040 not as serious, but... 1356 01:17:52,160 --> 01:17:54,520 Not admissible, it was hearsay. 1357 01:17:55,480 --> 01:17:58,600 Wrote that if I needed him, I should just call. 1358 01:17:58,720 --> 01:18:02,640 I never did. Why? Why didn't I reach out to Adam? 1359 01:18:02,760 --> 01:18:05,280 Was I ashamed? Yes. 1360 01:18:05,400 --> 01:18:08,200 Check Mum. She hasn't moved a muscle. 1361 01:18:08,320 --> 01:18:13,000 Beach bag clutched on her lap, young officer by her side. 1362 01:18:13,120 --> 01:18:14,880 Waiting. 1363 01:18:15,000 --> 01:18:17,120 And I know, more than anyone, 1364 01:18:17,240 --> 01:18:21,040 this next part, it is where the real work is done. 1365 01:18:21,160 --> 01:18:25,520 Take a sip from a glass of water on my left, hand shaking. 1366 01:18:25,640 --> 01:18:28,400 The defence counsel stands slowly. 1367 01:18:29,240 --> 01:18:35,600 This is it – the cross-examination by the best QC money can buy. 1368 01:18:36,840 --> 01:18:38,640 Thoroughbred. 1369 01:18:38,760 --> 01:18:41,280 And... bang! 1370 01:18:41,880 --> 01:18:43,440 'Yes. Yes. No.' 1371 01:18:43,560 --> 01:18:47,400 'No. I think so. No, it was the second time. Yes.' 1372 01:18:47,520 --> 01:18:49,400 'I think so. Sorry?' 1373 01:18:49,520 --> 01:18:52,320 'No. Yes, I'm sure. I don't know.' 1374 01:18:52,440 --> 01:18:54,880 'Maybe my idea. I think so.' 1375 01:18:55,000 --> 01:18:58,520 'Do I agree? Yes. Yes, yes. A few.' 1376 01:18:58,640 --> 01:19:03,480 'Quite a few, yes. Six. Well, perhaps, yes, maybe eight.' 1377 01:19:03,600 --> 01:19:05,320 Richard is on his feet. 'Your Honour!' 1378 01:19:05,440 --> 01:19:07,560 I have already given evidence about blah, blah, blah. 1379 01:19:07,680 --> 01:19:09,600 I feel hot. 'Overruled.' 1380 01:19:09,720 --> 01:19:11,360 'Yes. Yes.' 1381 01:19:11,480 --> 01:19:13,600 'Um... I don't remember. No.' 1382 01:19:14,440 --> 01:19:16,120 'I don't know. I vomited.' 1383 01:19:16,240 --> 01:19:19,400 'I don't know for sure. I don't understand.' 1384 01:19:19,520 --> 01:19:21,360 'I don't know.' 'Yes, I was.' 1385 01:19:21,480 --> 01:19:23,360 'Yes, I did like him at the time. 1386 01:19:23,480 --> 01:19:26,960 'I only told two friends, Mia and Alice.' 1387 01:19:27,080 --> 01:19:29,680 'I'm not sure, I don't know.' 'Yes. Yes. I think so.' 1388 01:19:29,800 --> 01:19:31,840 Richard is on his feet again, I don't follow. 1389 01:19:31,960 --> 01:19:36,280 Richard looks worried, my throat feels dry. Then it's me again. 1390 01:19:36,400 --> 01:19:40,320 'No. No, I think I could have walked back to the bed. No.' 1391 01:19:40,440 --> 01:19:43,520 'Well, I know because I walked to the shower after the...' 1392 01:19:43,640 --> 01:19:47,280 Richard is saying something. Sits down. QC is back to me. 1393 01:19:47,400 --> 01:19:50,240 'Yes. Yes, I liked him then...' But I'm cut off. 1394 01:19:50,360 --> 01:19:53,080 'I don't know.' Weird pause. 1395 01:19:53,200 --> 01:19:56,600 They haven't made their major defence arguments but I can feel them coming. 1396 01:19:56,720 --> 01:19:59,200 Richard is in the dark as much as I am. 1397 01:19:59,320 --> 01:20:02,320 I go from Richard's face to the QC's face to Richard's face. 1398 01:20:02,440 --> 01:20:06,960 And when the first of their points arrive, I am dumbstruck. 1399 01:20:07,080 --> 01:20:09,680 'Sorry, what are you saying? No. No, no, no. 1400 01:20:09,800 --> 01:20:12,720 'I don't understand the question. No.' 1401 01:20:12,840 --> 01:20:17,080 'No, it was not my hand on my mouth. What, my own hand? No. 1402 01:20:17,200 --> 01:20:22,160 'It was Julian's hand. My breath? Yes. I might have touched my own mouth, yes.' 1403 01:20:22,280 --> 01:20:26,400 'But no. No, no. That's not what happened. I didn't want to have sex. I felt sick.' 1404 01:20:26,520 --> 01:20:27,920 'No, you're wrong. 1405 01:20:28,040 --> 01:20:30,080 'I didn't want to have sex because I felt awful, 1406 01:20:30,200 --> 01:20:35,200 'not just because my breath was sour from vomiting. No. I remember it very well.' 1407 01:20:35,320 --> 01:20:37,240 'Yes, but... What? No. No. 1408 01:20:37,360 --> 01:20:41,800 'No, I did not put my hand on my mouth to protect Julian from my sour breath. 1409 01:20:41,920 --> 01:20:43,280 'No, I... That's not what... No.' 1410 01:20:43,400 --> 01:20:47,200 But then all these questions about Julian's arms, his hands. 1411 01:20:47,320 --> 01:20:49,960 Which one was holding down which of my wrists? 1412 01:20:50,080 --> 01:20:55,400 I realise they're trying to say that if Julian had one hand on each of my wrists, 1413 01:20:55,520 --> 01:20:58,080 then he had no extra hand to cover my mouth. 1414 01:20:58,200 --> 01:20:59,680 So, I was mistaken. 1415 01:20:59,800 --> 01:21:02,440 I wasn't actually pinned down and, of course, I could breathe. 1416 01:21:02,560 --> 01:21:05,120 In fact, the hand on my mouth must have been mine, 1417 01:21:05,240 --> 01:21:08,600 just saving Julian from my bad vomit breath. 1418 01:21:08,720 --> 01:21:12,160 The QC is saying, if it was my own hand on my own mouth, 1419 01:21:12,280 --> 01:21:16,200 as he suggests, then I could have used it to push Julian away. 1420 01:21:16,320 --> 01:21:20,440 Or I could have removed my own hand from my own mouth and just screamed. 1421 01:21:20,560 --> 01:21:23,560 My mind is messy. I can't catch up. 'No. No.' 1422 01:21:23,680 --> 01:21:28,800 'No. I tried to get away. I told him, I said no. I struggled. 1423 01:21:28,920 --> 01:21:31,920 'It was... It was his hand on my mouth.' 1424 01:21:32,040 --> 01:21:37,000 'How? Yes, yes. Yes, I did. Yes. Yes. I think that's how. 1425 01:21:37,120 --> 01:21:41,640 'I tried to push him as best as I could, but he was... No. No. 1426 01:21:41,760 --> 01:21:45,080 'No, he was squashing me.' My mind is scrambled. 1427 01:21:45,200 --> 01:21:47,880 I can feel a terrible wrong being done to me right now, 1428 01:21:48,000 --> 01:21:51,000 that this line of questioning, it's making me look confused. 1429 01:21:51,120 --> 01:21:54,960 Because I am, I am really confused. 1430 01:21:55,080 --> 01:21:58,440 Julian told his lawyer, or did the QC think it was a better story 1431 01:21:58,560 --> 01:22:01,600 that I put my own hand on my own mouth and therefore, what? 1432 01:22:01,720 --> 01:22:04,920 I was the only one stopping myself from screaming or speaking, 1433 01:22:05,040 --> 01:22:07,960 and I could have taken it away at any stage 1434 01:22:08,080 --> 01:22:10,560 to... to speak up or push him away. 1435 01:22:10,680 --> 01:22:15,280 The QC is saying that it's my own hand and my own mouth. 'As if it were a game.' 1436 01:22:15,400 --> 01:22:17,000 'A game?' 1437 01:22:17,120 --> 01:22:21,280 'Like the game of sex at chambers.' That's what Julian said? A game. 1438 01:22:21,400 --> 01:22:23,320 I look around briefly. 1439 01:22:23,440 --> 01:22:25,280 Thinking. Thinking. 1440 01:22:25,400 --> 01:22:28,360 I see Adam. I feel like I'm gonna pass out. 1441 01:22:28,480 --> 01:22:31,960 Adam is willing me to remember. He knows I am stuck. 1442 01:22:32,080 --> 01:22:34,760 And I... I remember! 1443 01:22:35,680 --> 01:22:38,400 Right there in court, I remember! 1444 01:22:38,520 --> 01:22:44,440 I say, 'Julian, he had both of my wrists in one of his hands, 1445 01:22:44,560 --> 01:22:46,400 'pulled high above my head. 1446 01:22:46,520 --> 01:22:49,560 'Then his other hand, it was over my mouth and nose as well. 1447 01:22:49,680 --> 01:22:52,440 'I could barely breathe.' I am shaking. 1448 01:22:52,560 --> 01:22:57,280 My eyes on Julian now. How dare you? How dare you? 1449 01:22:57,400 --> 01:23:00,720 And why am I up here being made to look like a liar? 1450 01:23:03,840 --> 01:23:06,080 Julian won't meet my eye. 1451 01:23:07,400 --> 01:23:10,160 He looks over to his family. 1452 01:23:10,280 --> 01:23:12,760 His father gives him a confident nod. 1453 01:23:12,880 --> 01:23:16,400 The QC apologises to me for making me uncomfortable. 1454 01:23:18,040 --> 01:23:20,360 He's being nice to me now, 1455 01:23:20,480 --> 01:23:25,080 and like every victim I have cross-examined before, I fall for it. 1456 01:23:25,200 --> 01:23:27,520 I ache for niceness. 1457 01:23:27,640 --> 01:23:31,160 I feel so broken I want to go with him, just to get it over with. 1458 01:23:31,280 --> 01:23:33,040 I want to be reeled in. 1459 01:23:33,160 --> 01:23:35,800 The questions start again. First, compassion. 1460 01:23:35,920 --> 01:23:39,600 'I understand it was a terribly difficult and confusing night for you. 1461 01:23:39,720 --> 01:23:42,800 'You were ill.' I sway a bit. Then flattery. 1462 01:23:42,920 --> 01:23:45,480 The QC suggests that I'm a top barrister, 1463 01:23:45,600 --> 01:23:48,320 a woman other people speak of in such high terms. 1464 01:23:48,440 --> 01:23:50,400 'A barrister who is seen to be easily 1465 01:23:50,520 --> 01:23:53,440 'the smartest of her bar call, of her generation.' 1466 01:23:53,560 --> 01:23:57,320 This... This is going somewhere awful, I feel it. 1467 01:23:57,440 --> 01:23:59,560 He brings up my new room. 1468 01:23:59,680 --> 01:24:02,880 Calls it a larger, more prestigious room. What? 1469 01:24:03,000 --> 01:24:06,400 Says it was between Julian and myself who would get that room. 1470 01:24:06,520 --> 01:24:10,680 Has the shortlist in his hands right now. 'It only has two names on it.' 1471 01:24:10,800 --> 01:24:14,680 Mine and Julian's. I've never seen this list, I never knew this. 1472 01:24:14,800 --> 01:24:16,720 Was there a question? 1473 01:24:16,840 --> 01:24:19,960 'My name, it might be on that list, but I... I never applied for that room.' 1474 01:24:20,080 --> 01:24:24,280 I go on. Even though the QC is intimating he doesn't need me to, I speak over him. 1475 01:24:24,400 --> 01:24:26,800 'I never applied for that room. 1476 01:24:26,920 --> 01:24:29,520 'I never saw any reason to have such a large room 1477 01:24:29,640 --> 01:24:33,960 'when my old room, it had more space in it than I've ever had in my entire life.' 1478 01:24:34,080 --> 01:24:37,920 I notice the tiniest moment when the QC does a mental shift. 1479 01:24:38,040 --> 01:24:41,080 He assumed, as a successful barrister, 1480 01:24:41,200 --> 01:24:45,080 that I wanted the larger room, the more prestigious chambers at any cost. 1481 01:24:45,200 --> 01:24:49,240 Jury members shift in their seats. They understand. 1482 01:24:49,360 --> 01:24:52,360 'Don't ever trust your own instincts, sir,' I want to say. 1483 01:24:52,480 --> 01:24:55,880 'Day one law school. Only trust your legal instincts.' 1484 01:24:56,000 --> 01:24:59,000 He computes. His voice almost a snarl. 1485 01:24:59,120 --> 01:25:03,600 'But I see you're enjoying that room now, aren't you, Ms Ensler?' No time to answer. 1486 01:25:03,720 --> 01:25:07,000 The next question comes fast to cover up for what he didn't see coming. 1487 01:25:07,120 --> 01:25:09,800 He implies that I made up the story of rape 1488 01:25:09,920 --> 01:25:13,320 as payback to Julian for telling his friends and colleagues 1489 01:25:13,440 --> 01:25:17,600 about me having sex with him on his sofa at chambers. Slap! 1490 01:25:17,720 --> 01:25:21,480 This is news to me! This is what Julian was telling people 1491 01:25:21,600 --> 01:25:24,840 while I was talking to Mia about a potential relationship? 1492 01:25:24,960 --> 01:25:29,720 I fade just a little. I catch my breath. I find my way. 1493 01:25:29,840 --> 01:25:33,800 My body has been turned inside out by the evidence I have had to give, 1494 01:25:33,920 --> 01:25:37,120 that this final humiliation, it is just a small cut. 1495 01:25:37,240 --> 01:25:40,000 'I can honestly tell you, sir, that I had no idea 1496 01:25:40,120 --> 01:25:42,040 'Julian had spoken to anyone about me like that.' 1497 01:25:42,160 --> 01:25:43,760 He does an about turn. 1498 01:25:43,880 --> 01:25:46,960 Did I admit that my new room in my new chambers 1499 01:25:47,080 --> 01:25:49,600 was a strategic move for me to increase my income? 1500 01:25:49,720 --> 01:25:54,120 I tell him I was offered this new room with a QC I admire. And he cuts me off. 1501 01:25:54,240 --> 01:25:57,360 Implies I made up a rape story to discredit Julian 1502 01:25:57,480 --> 01:25:59,280 and be the one offered the new tenancy. 1503 01:25:59,400 --> 01:26:03,520 I interrupt. 'I moved chambers to get away from Julian, to work without fear. 1504 01:26:03,640 --> 01:26:06,160 'Do not forget I made my statement to the police 1505 01:26:06,280 --> 01:26:09,120 'on the very night of the sexual assault, hours after it occurred.' 1506 01:26:09,240 --> 01:26:11,760 'This is not relevant to my question, Ms Ensler, 1507 01:26:11,880 --> 01:26:14,040 'please refrain from elaboration.' 1508 01:26:14,160 --> 01:26:17,400 Richard is up, 'Let her finish.' Judge lets me. 1509 01:26:17,520 --> 01:26:21,640 'I don't know any woman who would happily drink with a man, eat a meal, 1510 01:26:21,760 --> 01:26:25,920 'with all witnesses saying how much we talked together, laughed and got along...' 1511 01:26:26,040 --> 01:26:28,880 'I submit, Your Honour.' 'Submission sustained.' 1512 01:26:29,000 --> 01:26:30,440 'Would Your Honour please remind the witness 1513 01:26:30,560 --> 01:26:32,520 'to answer the question and not make speeches.' 1514 01:26:32,640 --> 01:26:35,280 'If you are implying that I planned the entire night 1515 01:26:35,400 --> 01:26:38,120 'to stage something like this, I have no words. 1516 01:26:38,240 --> 01:26:41,160 'The last 782 days of my life 1517 01:26:41,280 --> 01:26:44,440 'have been something I would never wish upon any human being.' 1518 01:26:44,560 --> 01:26:45,920 'Your Honour!' 'Ms Ensler.' 1519 01:26:46,040 --> 01:26:50,520 'For you to stand there and suggest to me that I am in any way holding a vendetta 1520 01:26:50,640 --> 01:26:52,960 'against Mr Brookes is to suggest to me...' 1521 01:26:53,080 --> 01:26:55,840 'Your Honour, the witness is not...' I keep talking. 1522 01:26:55,960 --> 01:27:00,360 'Mr Julian Brookes' QC here will at some stage tell you the jury 1523 01:27:00,480 --> 01:27:05,360 'what Mr Brookes might have lost, but I will tell you what I have lost. 1524 01:27:07,480 --> 01:27:09,720 'I have lost my dignity. I... 1525 01:27:09,840 --> 01:27:11,720 'I have lost my sense of self. 1526 01:27:11,840 --> 01:27:16,600 'I have lost my career path, friends, peace of mind, safety, 1527 01:27:16,720 --> 01:27:20,400 'sense of joy in my sexuality. 1528 01:27:21,400 --> 01:27:24,880 'But most of all, I have lost my faith in this, the law, 1529 01:27:25,000 --> 01:27:27,400 'the system I believed would protect me. 1530 01:27:27,520 --> 01:27:29,960 'It was the system I dedicated my life to.' 1531 01:27:30,080 --> 01:27:34,120 Julian's QC is calling out, asking for an intervention from the judge. 1532 01:27:34,240 --> 01:27:38,800 But after 782 days, all ten tracks in my brain are lighting up. 1533 01:27:38,920 --> 01:27:40,600 I have found my voice. 1534 01:27:40,720 --> 01:27:43,320 It's different, but it is mine. I keep speaking. 1535 01:27:43,440 --> 01:27:46,000 I hear 'submission' over and over. 1536 01:27:46,120 --> 01:27:49,720 'Your Honour. Your Honour.' Loud, outraged, trying to drown out my voice. 1537 01:27:49,840 --> 01:27:51,520 I do not waver. 1538 01:27:51,640 --> 01:27:55,000 The judge asks me to please just answer the question. 1539 01:27:56,920 --> 01:27:58,800 I'm calm. 1540 01:27:58,920 --> 01:28:02,000 'Your Honour, there are some things I am going to say.' 1541 01:28:02,120 --> 01:28:03,880 Confident. Like a lawyer. 1542 01:28:04,000 --> 01:28:07,880 Julian's QC is on his feet. Requesting a 'voir dire'. 1543 01:28:08,000 --> 01:28:11,720 The judge nods. The jury start to file out. 1544 01:28:11,840 --> 01:28:15,960 A 'voir dire' is a legal term, where the jury are sent out 1545 01:28:16,080 --> 01:28:19,160 so they don't hear something that might be prejudicial. 1546 01:28:19,280 --> 01:28:24,440 Strangely, the phrase originates from 'to speak the truth'. 1547 01:28:25,400 --> 01:28:27,880 The last juror looks at me as he exits. 1548 01:28:28,000 --> 01:28:30,160 The media are poised. Judge. 1549 01:28:30,280 --> 01:28:35,600 'You have very little scope here, Ms Ensler. Please be concise.' 1550 01:28:36,720 --> 01:28:38,960 I breathe slowly. 1551 01:28:40,240 --> 01:28:41,920 In. 1552 01:28:44,360 --> 01:28:46,000 Out. 1553 01:28:47,600 --> 01:28:50,760 I find the face of the young police officer. 1554 01:28:51,960 --> 01:28:54,560 Her hand is over my mum's hand. 1555 01:28:57,360 --> 01:29:02,840 I see all the women who came before me 1556 01:29:02,960 --> 01:29:05,240 and all of those who will come after. 1557 01:29:05,360 --> 01:29:07,600 I see Jenna. 1558 01:29:08,800 --> 01:29:10,800 'I am not getting anything out of this. 1559 01:29:10,920 --> 01:29:13,960 'I am just doing this to protect other women.' 1560 01:29:14,920 --> 01:29:18,680 I look up at Julian's boys in the gallery. 1561 01:29:19,600 --> 01:29:22,920 'Your Honour, I am here in a unique position. 1562 01:29:23,040 --> 01:29:25,360 'Usually, I stand at the bar, 1563 01:29:25,480 --> 01:29:29,560 'but now I am in this courtroom as a witness, a complainant, a victim. 1564 01:29:29,680 --> 01:29:33,480 'As a barrister, I have questioned women in sexual assault cases 1565 01:29:33,600 --> 01:29:38,560 'on the assumption that evidence can be delivered in a clean, logical package, 1566 01:29:38,680 --> 01:29:43,120 'and now I have seen from my own attempts here that it cannot be. 1567 01:29:43,240 --> 01:29:45,960 'In all of my professional life, 1568 01:29:46,080 --> 01:29:49,640 'I have participated in a system that has done this to women, 1569 01:29:49,760 --> 01:29:52,040 'and now I know it is not right. 1570 01:29:52,160 --> 01:29:55,640 'It is not reasonable, because now I know, 1571 01:29:55,760 --> 01:29:58,920 'from my own life, both as a woman and a lawyer, 1572 01:29:59,040 --> 01:30:01,440 'that the lived experience of sexual assault, 1573 01:30:01,560 --> 01:30:05,480 'it is not remembered in a neat, consistent, scientific parcel. 1574 01:30:05,600 --> 01:30:08,920 'And it's because of that, the law often finds evidence "unbelievable". 1575 01:30:09,040 --> 01:30:12,600 'So, I understand a witness can be mistaken in their evidence. 1576 01:30:12,720 --> 01:30:15,960 'I have suggested it time and time again. 1577 01:30:16,080 --> 01:30:20,160 'But this is not a car accident, or a home invasion. 1578 01:30:20,280 --> 01:30:21,960 'This is rape. 1579 01:30:22,080 --> 01:30:25,080 'It's a crime against the person and now I know. 1580 01:30:25,200 --> 01:30:29,240 'You know, when a woman says "no", when her actions say "no", 1581 01:30:29,360 --> 01:30:32,040 'it is not a subtle, unreadable thing at all. 1582 01:30:32,160 --> 01:30:35,200 'Yet before this, I too, I would suggest that she was mistaken. 1583 01:30:35,320 --> 01:30:42,080 'But when a woman has been violated, it is a corrosive wound. 1584 01:30:42,200 --> 01:30:47,000 'It is one that starts with terror and pain deep into the body. 1585 01:30:47,120 --> 01:30:50,560 'It then overtakes the mind, the soul. 1586 01:30:50,680 --> 01:30:53,920 'Yet before this, I too, I would suggest that "she was confused". 1587 01:30:54,040 --> 01:30:57,400 'I mean, the message is, if we do not deliver our evidence neatly 1588 01:30:57,520 --> 01:31:01,600 'in a clear linear story, with consistency in recall, then we are lying. 1589 01:31:01,720 --> 01:31:05,560 'Yet before this, I would point out inconsistencies as proof of doubt. 1590 01:31:05,680 --> 01:31:08,840 'I would tell the jury they couldn't possibly be sure. 1591 01:31:08,960 --> 01:31:10,920 'As a lawyer I know, I know, 1592 01:31:11,040 --> 01:31:15,960 'the law, it cannot jettison consistency entirely, but in sexual assault cases, 1593 01:31:16,080 --> 01:31:19,600 'can we keep using it as the litmus test of credibility? 1594 01:31:19,720 --> 01:31:24,000 'Because, as a victim, let me tell you 1595 01:31:24,120 --> 01:31:28,560 'the rape and the perpetrator, they are vividly recalled. 1596 01:31:28,680 --> 01:31:31,880 'The peripheral details, not so clearly. 1597 01:31:32,000 --> 01:31:35,520 'If a woman is rattled by having to relive the nightmare in court, 1598 01:31:35,640 --> 01:31:39,760 'if a woman's experience of rape is not as the court likes it to be, 1599 01:31:39,880 --> 01:31:42,840 'then we conclude that she is prone to exaggeration 1600 01:31:42,960 --> 01:31:46,400 'and it's because of this she is so often disbelieved. 1601 01:31:46,520 --> 01:31:49,360 'So here in court, I want to call it out.' 1602 01:31:49,480 --> 01:31:51,800 There is a flurry from the courtroom gallery. 1603 01:31:51,920 --> 01:31:56,440 'The law of sexual assault, it spins on the wrong axis. 1604 01:31:56,560 --> 01:31:59,160 'A woman's experience of sexual assault, 1605 01:31:59,280 --> 01:32:02,400 'it does not fit the male-defined system of truth. 1606 01:32:02,520 --> 01:32:07,080 'So... So it cannot be truth, and therefore, there cannot be justice. 1607 01:32:07,200 --> 01:32:12,080 'The law has been shaped by generations and generations of men.' 1608 01:32:12,200 --> 01:32:16,080 I can see Julian's QC on his feet, but I can't hear him any more. 1609 01:32:16,200 --> 01:32:18,440 'There was a time, not so long ago, 1610 01:32:18,560 --> 01:32:24,760 'when courts like this did not see non-consensual sex in marriage as rape, 1611 01:32:24,880 --> 01:32:28,080 'did not see that battered women, 1612 01:32:28,200 --> 01:32:32,680 'they fight back in a manner distinct from the way that men fight. 1613 01:32:32,800 --> 01:32:36,160 'Yet once we see, I mean, we cannot unsee, can we? 1614 01:32:36,280 --> 01:32:39,560 'Now I see from my own experience 1615 01:32:39,680 --> 01:32:43,200 'that we have got it all wrong when it comes to sexual assault. 1616 01:32:43,320 --> 01:32:45,400 'We don't interrogate the law's own assumptions, 1617 01:32:45,520 --> 01:32:48,560 'instead we persist on interrogating the victims. 1618 01:32:49,840 --> 01:32:53,680 'The law is an organic thing. It is defined by us. 1619 01:32:53,800 --> 01:32:58,160 'It is constructed by us, in light of our experiences. 1620 01:32:58,280 --> 01:33:01,440 'All of ours, so there are no excuses any more. 1621 01:33:01,560 --> 01:33:07,240 'It must change because the truth is that one in three women are sexually assaulted 1622 01:33:07,360 --> 01:33:10,960 'and their voices, they need to be heard, they need to be believed 1623 01:33:11,080 --> 01:33:13,040 'in order for justice to be done.' 1624 01:33:13,160 --> 01:33:16,920 I can see Julian's QC on his feet again. I hear the judge. 1625 01:33:17,040 --> 01:33:20,440 I have gone beyond what I am allowed to say, well beyond. 1626 01:33:35,560 --> 01:33:37,760 'One in three women. 1627 01:33:42,160 --> 01:33:43,880 'Look to your left. 1628 01:33:45,560 --> 01:33:47,360 'Look to your right. 1629 01:33:49,960 --> 01:33:51,920 'It's one of us.' 1630 01:33:54,320 --> 01:33:56,880 I feel my cheeks hot, hot. 1631 01:33:57,000 --> 01:33:59,280 Hot. I am done. I'm done. 1632 01:33:59,400 --> 01:34:01,400 I am so done. 1633 01:34:01,520 --> 01:34:03,880 I see my mum. [CHUCKLES FONDLY] 1634 01:34:04,000 --> 01:34:05,840 Richard. 1635 01:34:05,960 --> 01:34:08,920 The QC and Julian. 1636 01:34:10,640 --> 01:34:13,080 I feel a wave of sadness. 1637 01:34:14,000 --> 01:34:16,760 Not despair, just pure sadness. 1638 01:34:18,120 --> 01:34:21,400 I know the jury, they won't find Julian guilty. 1639 01:34:24,960 --> 01:34:27,440 But a weight has been lifted. 1640 01:34:28,480 --> 01:34:31,040 I see three journalists writing madly, 1641 01:34:31,160 --> 01:34:34,400 courtroom artist staring at me as he takes notes. 1642 01:34:34,520 --> 01:34:38,080 The judge tells me not to speak unless I am asked a question. 1643 01:34:38,200 --> 01:34:42,320 He's calling the jury back in. Voir dire over. 1644 01:34:46,000 --> 01:34:48,120 I hold my head up. 1645 01:34:49,640 --> 01:34:52,640 I see Adam at the back of the courtroom, he nods. 1646 01:34:54,240 --> 01:34:57,400 I find the open face of the young police officer. 1647 01:34:58,320 --> 01:35:01,800 This young woman in a uniform usually worn by men. 1648 01:35:01,920 --> 01:35:04,480 She locks eyes with me... 1649 01:35:07,440 --> 01:35:11,440 ..and in this brightly lit, suffocating courtroom, 1650 01:35:11,560 --> 01:35:17,720 standing here in front of everyone, while my mum clutches her straw bag, 1651 01:35:17,840 --> 01:35:20,280 right here, right now, 1652 01:35:20,400 --> 01:35:24,200 meeting the eyes of that one young woman... 1653 01:35:26,480 --> 01:35:28,760 ..it makes me feel... 1654 01:35:32,320 --> 01:35:34,440 ..something good. 1655 01:35:34,560 --> 01:35:37,120 [♪ LOW, SOMBRE TONES] 1656 01:35:44,680 --> 01:35:47,720 I've been a defence barrister long enough. 1657 01:35:48,680 --> 01:35:54,440 You know when the jury comes back quickly that someone is 'not guilty'. 1658 01:35:57,120 --> 01:36:00,240 The defence team are shaking Julian's hand. 1659 01:36:00,360 --> 01:36:02,720 Julian is thrilled. 1660 01:36:05,600 --> 01:36:11,240 The roar from his boys in the gallery is loud and there is clapping. 1661 01:36:14,120 --> 01:36:17,000 Richard is saying something to me but I... 1662 01:36:17,120 --> 01:36:20,600 I can't hear or I... I can't compute. 1663 01:36:22,040 --> 01:36:25,480 The young police officer has materialised beside me. 1664 01:36:26,400 --> 01:36:28,840 She puts her hand on my shoulder. 1665 01:36:29,760 --> 01:36:32,680 I know I have to stand, but I don't. 1666 01:36:34,240 --> 01:36:38,680 The jury file out – not one of them can meet my eye. 1667 01:36:39,560 --> 01:36:41,920 All of this and they... 1668 01:36:43,720 --> 01:36:45,600 They didn't believe me. 1669 01:36:45,720 --> 01:36:48,240 The legal system, it made me look like a liar. 1670 01:36:48,360 --> 01:36:50,720 Julian, he will never have to say sorry, 1671 01:36:50,840 --> 01:36:53,600 never have to admit what he did, never have... 1672 01:36:55,480 --> 01:36:58,280 The legal system, it feels faulty and mixed up. 1673 01:36:58,400 --> 01:37:01,800 The legal system, it feels broken. 1674 01:37:05,320 --> 01:37:07,240 Look to your left. 1675 01:37:09,760 --> 01:37:11,760 Look to your right. 1676 01:37:13,080 --> 01:37:15,200 I am broken, too. 1677 01:37:16,680 --> 01:37:19,480 But I am still here. 1678 01:37:19,600 --> 01:37:22,040 And I will not be silenced. 1679 01:37:23,560 --> 01:37:25,400 Richard is beckoning to my mum. 1680 01:37:25,520 --> 01:37:28,760 She gathers her straw bag, stands, comes over to us. 1681 01:37:28,880 --> 01:37:30,720 [MIMICS] 'Come on, love.' 1682 01:37:32,640 --> 01:37:36,840 I don't know what to cling to, how to stand, 1683 01:37:36,960 --> 01:37:41,200 how to walk out of this courtroom, how to leave this building. 1684 01:37:41,320 --> 01:37:45,040 All that I know is that... 1685 01:37:45,160 --> 01:37:47,280 somewhere, 1686 01:37:47,400 --> 01:37:49,920 some time, 1687 01:37:50,040 --> 01:37:52,040 somehow... 1688 01:37:55,520 --> 01:37:58,280 ..something has to change. 1689 01:38:26,920 --> 01:38:32,080 ♪ No, not me 1690 01:38:34,800 --> 01:38:42,000 ♪ I won't rein in 1691 01:38:43,680 --> 01:38:52,320 ♪ My need to be 1692 01:38:52,440 --> 01:39:01,360 ♪ Completely 1693 01:39:01,480 --> 01:39:27,240 ♪ Free ♪ 1694 01:39:28,840 --> 01:39:31,720 (APPLAUSE, CHEERS) 1695 01:39:36,880 --> 01:39:39,120 (WHISTLES, CHEERS) 1696 01:39:59,560 --> 01:40:01,800 (HUGE CHEER) 1697 01:40:04,200 --> 01:40:07,720 Subtitles by Stagetext www.stagetext.org