Rocky
The more evidence that comes to light the tougher it would be for the guilty camp to put up an argument.
Because this is a case of circumstantial evidence everything seems to point to the jury should have found Jeremy innocent because of reasonable doubt.
Just the tiniest thing like the NOTW deal not coming to light or the withholding of some information about how bad Sheilas illness was probably would have changed the jurors verdict
Hartley was very bad tempered off late because we were all fed up with his 'I believe Mugford' statements and it was out in the open he was not impartial as he was a friend of the relatives
He kept that hidden for ages making his arguments and views more credible
It is going to be difficult to find anti Bamber people with the information out there now and there is something strange going on after Shonas message 'she was having to leave the forum'
It was a nice message and we hadn't fallen out so It's a big mystery
I agree with your first, second and third points. Though the second point seems to have been canceled out over the years, by the relatives' genuine belief in Jeremy's guilt and their successful ability to project this belief on to their associates. Now I suppose it could be argued that if the silencer evidence is falsified, then the relatives have a vested interest in shoring up their position. And it becomes difficult for us to decipher whether their belief in Jeremy's guilt actually is genuine. I suspect if it wasn't, Vidvic and Hartley would have sussed this by now.
I always got on with Hartley but at times I found his opposition to Mike exasperating. I believe both he and Vidvic (who I have also always personally found decent) have acted out of a misplaced loyalty to the relatives. They might disagree but that's how I see it.
I didn't see Shona's parting message but I got on very well with her, albeit we were on completely opposite sides.
Hey Rochy, Hope you are well Sir. Just thought i would clear up any conspiracy involving the disappearing posters who offered an alternative viewpoint.
The last time i spoke to Hartley by pm (about three or four weeks ago) he seemed exasperated by the forum and couldn't see the point of posting anymore. Nothing to do with the strength of argument against, being pissed off or a change in his opinion of the case, just lethargy. I think it is a real shame as his knowledge of the case was excellent.
I have spoken to Bob and Shona by pm and they seemed sick of posting and things turning personal all the time. I am sure Shona would word that last sentence better but i hope you get the gist. As an observer of the forum it has been interesting to watch as one counter arguer leaves the forum, the Pro Bamber forum members debate more vehemently with the next person with an alternative opinion until, well, we are now as extinct as the Dodo! Although this seems a criticism, it really isn't. The pro JB forum members are very sincere in their belief in a miscarriage of justice. The subject seems very personal to you and the proactive way you have tried to help JB's cause is a credit to you all.
For us with an alternative viewpoint, it just isn't so personal. If Jeremy Bamber gets an appeal and wins his freedom, then i wish him all the best. I speak for myself but posting on here has never been about oneupmanship with you pro JB'ers. I certainly won't be gloating if the CCRC reject his application. This is a man's life we are talking about. I also won't be upset if he succeeds in his application.
It is a shame that all the guys who offered an alternative argument have gone. I am sure that a lot of you will feel that personal battles have been won and we have retreated into a corner to die or lick our wounds. Personally i feel that us guys have disappeared not through the strength of your argument but because of the atmosphere of the debate.
In closing, I have always had a lot of respect for Mike, in that he allowed us guys to join in and post on this forum. I also feel by doing so, it added a lot of credence to the forum.
All the best
Si
P.S Shona, i am sorry i missed your last pm but i was logged on but not actually at my P.C and missed it, if that makes sense. Please get in touch on my e-mail account.