Harassment Charges for Woman Impersonating Lost Child
A woman who falsely claimed to be a missing girl has been found guilty of harassing the child's family. The judge is currently deciding on the appropriate punishment.
While the court is adjourned, the defendant waits for the final verdict.
Family Fears Repeat Harassment
The family's lawyer has requested a court order to prevent further communication from the defendant and another woman towards the family. According to the lawyer, the family is genuinely worried that they may face this kind of harassment again.
The attorney has also proposed that the two women should be prohibited from discussing the family. The lawyer of the second woman, however, suggested that any orders should be fair and not excessively harsh, noting that the family has not mentioned her in their statements.
Restraining Order Could Ban Woman from the Family's Home County
The prosecution has proposed that the defendant should be restricted from entering the county where the family resides as part of a potential restraining order. They are advocating for this restriction to remain in place indefinitely or until another decision is made.
However, the defence has argued that this proposal is excessively wide in its scope. The judge will now decide whether to approve or reject this application.
Confiscation and Deportation Likely for Convicted Woman
While the specific conditions of any restraining orders are still under discussion, the judge has already decided that the defendant's phones will be seized and destroyed, despite her wishes to keep them.
It was also revealed that the woman is likely to be deported following the hearing today.
Deliberation on Restraining Orders
Legal deliberations are currently underway regarding any potential restraining orders. The defendant will soon return to the courtroom to hear the final sentence.
In the meantime, the courtroom has been quieted to reduce the noise caused by the defendant's cries from behind the dock.
Emotional Display in Courtroom
The defendant has been audibly crying from the back rooms as she is escorted back to the dock to wait for her sentence. Her sobs have been so loud that they are almost drowning out the ongoing discussions between the judge and prosecutor.
Meanwhile, the other woman, who was cleared of the charges, is now seated in the public gallery. She has been observed laughing and chatting with her supporters.
Relief for Acquitted Woman
The woman who was cleared of charges has returned to the courtroom and is now seated in the gallery, conversing with her husband and supporters. She has even made a joke about celebrating the verdict with a bottle of champagne.
Defendants Awaited Verdict Hand-in-Hand
During the trial, the two women were seen in the dock, holding hands and wearing headsets. They were seen talking among themselves but their demeanor was noticeably more sober than at the start of the trial five weeks ago.
The courtroom reconvened for the verdicts after about seven-and-a-half hours of jury deliberations.
Imminent Sentencing for Harassment Charge
The court has been informed that the sentencing for the harassment charge will take place later today. The judge has previously mentioned that harassment can carry a maximum sentence of six months.
The defendant has been in custody since her arrest earlier this year.
Acquitted Woman Leaves Court in Tears
The woman who was cleared of charges has been attending court with a packed bag, prepared to be taken to prison if found guilty. However, she has walked out of court free of charges, visibly emotional as she left the dock and the courtroom.
Trial for Harassment of Missing Child's Family
Welcome to the coverage from the courtroom. We are awaiting the verdict in the trial of two women accused of stalking the family of a girl who went missing several years ago. Stay tuned for more updates on this case.