Within a Year and a Day

The year and a day rule was an important element of homicide. The death of the victim had to occur within a year and a day of the act that caused their death.

Advances in medical science meant that this rule was abolished in England in 1996.

This is a follow up story from the previous one where young Brian Parsons pleaded guilty to the burglary charge.

When the night watchman dies some months later. The three accomplices are charged with his murder after the pathologist concludes that the whack on the head he received was the cause.

Harriet Peterson is contacted by Brian's distraught mother after her son is trying to get his life back together. Harriet knows that Brian is at a disadvantage, the other two got off the robbery charge.

Harriet is also junior counsel in the case. Sir John Gallagher (Philip Stone) is the QC in charge and he relishes a challenge.

A worthy follow up. Brian's mother becomes unhappy with Harriet as it all looks like a game to the lawyers. Then again Brian's accomplices regard it all as a game as well.

Excellent performance from Philip Stone who was a favourite of Stanley Kubrick.