Prosecuting lawyer gives his verdict on the Steven Gerrard case

David Turner QC the proscecuting lawyer in the Steven Gerrard case said:

“I was very happy actually. It should be remembered that as a prosecutor, I’m not trying to get a conviction at all costs.

“It will be said Gerrard – like Ken Dodd – should never have been tried in Liverpool. But I do not believe and nor did the trial judge this was a sympathy verdict against the evidence.

“In reality, once it was shown someone else had started the fight and his [Gerrard’s] reaction was almost instantaneous, and although forceful was not brutal, he had a strong case in self-defence.

“[The Recorder of Liverpool, Judge] Henry Globe, in his comments, was really saying that it is not right to think the jury was swayed by local sentiment.

“They listened carefully, they made notes, were obviously highly concerned and made a decision no one can criticise.”