... just read this defence appeal and the prosecution lawyer stating the police 'injuries' can only be explained by being 'assaulted' by Maguire. His defence lawyer states his 'golden leg' was targeted and attacked and they (police) told him that 'his career is over' and he was defending himself. The claimed motive of jealousy in the police actions sound a bit flimsy though. IF, and it is a big iF, the alleged violence occurred because the police did not state they were the police prior to the brawl (highly unlikely IMO) then a self defence claim would be reasonable if, as he claims, his client was in fear of his life or being kidnapped (feasible for a high profile, high income, footballer rather than merely a 'Joe public') tourist . Now if that is true then surely he must have evidence i.e. injuries -bruising etc . to his leg(s). If he has no such evidence then IMO he hasn't a 'cat in hells' chance of getting a 'not guilty' decision. However, the' bribe' claimed by the authorities SHOULD be dismissed as the argument of a 'lost in translation' (unless they have recording or word for word transcript of the conversation (highly unlikely) where he claims he was merely asking if he could pay the fine/bail? to get released was mis-interpreted as an attempted bribe is perfectly feasible and not beyond reasonable doubt. The fact that the original judge ruled against Maguire on that using hearsay alone is a bit suspicious. That said, without knowing the facts none of us can really determine guilt or innocence but the fact defence witnesses were not allowed in the first trial, it does sound a bit like a set up. I think it is a case of 'The truth will (not neccessarily) out'
I don’t think he’s the sort of character to be giving it the big ‘do you know who I am’. Strikes me more of the quiet family type. My guess is he was genuinely terrified.
I had a strange encounter with Greek "police" coming out of Thessaloniki airport. Two guys in haiwaan shirts (don't think they were five o) stopped me and demanded to see my passport, of course I told them to f**k off, they then produced their ID...guns...then after looking at my passport were convinced I was from London even though it states I live in Barnsley and the only flight in was from Manchester. They let me go after a lecture about always doing exactly what Greek police tell you to do and not being impressed after I told them that British police had badges and didn't dress like clowns. I think most of the police over there are corrupt.
Sounds like the undercover cops were brought in from mainland Greece. Reports state they are there to investigate organised crime groups (possibly Albanians). Seems strange Harry's sister allegedly gets spiked by such people and then a fight ensues, but its Harry and friends that are arrested. Did Harry and friends blow an operation and the police are taking it out on him? Are the police corrupt? Are all parties lying?
Had a few work related incidents with cops in Thessaloniki, will leave it at that but you raise a very valid point about corruption.
This drugged sister. Is there any evidence at all that it happened? And why didn't Harry and his family call police or an ambulance when they thought she had been?
I’d have a lot more respect for Maguire if he was just honest. They’d all met up & been boozing since 2pm & the incident happened at around midnight. Just say ‘we’d all got carried away & been drinking all day & I can’t really recollect what happened’. The constant changing of stories & the claim about his sister been stabbed & then injected but been allowed to fly home the next day sounds ridiculous. The idea that the Greek police would deliberately target Maguire is laughable. Tourism is Mykonos’ biggest industry. Loads of footballers go there every year spending fortunes. The last thing they want is for that to stop. It’s only a small place these cops will have friends & relatives involved in hotels, bars, restaurants etc.
Defence side said when they got into mini bus after the altercation they thought the police were taking them to hospital due to his sister's condition. They were instead taken to the police station. It's been mentioned above that witnesses for defence weren't allowed to give evidence, which I'm sure would have put meat on the bones of the counter argument. All seems a bit one sided, and until its heard in court Harry's legal team will keep quiet. If they start talking to the press it will undermine their defence and could be seen as trying to influence the judges mind. All very strange.
I agree with a lot of what you say, but it sounds like it was an outside force who did the arresting etc. Could that have been a factor? Drunken fights and handbags break out on the islands all the time, very few result in court action; a night in the cells, a fine and a baton to the legs is the usual punishment.
She didn't get arrested did she? Surely she would still have gone to the hospital, I'm not buying that aspect of the story. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle of the 2 versions of events.
Personally, I can’t wait to see him back at the heart of the Man U defence. I love seeing them concede goals!
Thing is, the sister never went to hospital. No way I wouldn't seek medical assistance after being stabbed with a syringe as supposedly happened.
