Day 097 - 06 Mar 95 - Page 03

     
     1   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Do you have any objection to a copy of your
     2        letter being shown?  I appreciate that that has references,
     3        obviously, to what the doctor says.
     4
     5   MS. STEEL:   I would rather that it is not.  I mean, if -----
     6
     7   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Do you understand the difficulty of deciding
     8        anything which is to do with procedure if the Judge has
     9        been given information by one party which another party
    10        does not have?
    11
    12   MS. STEEL:   I would be prepared to read parts of the letter if
    13        that would -----
    14
    15   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I think perhaps you should say in the hearing
    16        of those who represent McDonald's what you are prepared to
    17        say.  I think that would be helpful.  Do you want to think
    18        about it for a moment or two?
    19
    20   MS. STEEL:   Yes, OK.
    21
    22   MR. RAMPTON:  Would your Lordship like us to leave the court?
    23
    24   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  No, I do not think so -- you can because
    25        I will as well.  I mean, what I would like you to think
    26        about, if you would be so kind, with Mrs. Brinley-Codd,
    27        Mr. Rampton, is since I have mentioned the suggestion of
    28        stress affecting Ms. Steel's health, the extent to which it
    29        is necessary to know more than that.  That is all.
    30
    31   MR. RAMPTON:  My Lord, perhaps I could have five minutes outside
    32        with Mrs. Brinley-Codd?
    33
    34   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Yes.  What I will do, I will come back at 10
    35        to 11 unless I am asked to stay out for longer.
    36
    37                       (Short Adjournment)
    38
    39   MS. STEEL:  I will read out parts, if that is what you want me
    40        to do.
    41
    42   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Yes, all right.
    43
    44   MS. STEEL:  "I have been suffering from stress as a result of
    45        the court case and over the past month this has been
    46        increasing to a point where it is affecting my ability to
    47        present our case and to cope with tensions that may arise.
    48        The constant pressure and intensity of the case is
    49        exhausting and I am finding it impossible to keep up with
    50        the pace.  Whilst we appreciate the provision of breaks for 
    51        preparation time, I would also request breaks for a rest 
    52        for the sake of my health.  The attached letter is from my 
    53        doctor to confirm this".
    54
    55        I do not know whether it is necessary to read any more of
    56        that letter and whether you want me to read parts of the
    57        doctor's letter or not?
    58
    59   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I think I must leave it to you until I have
    60        heard what Mr. Rampton wants to say.  Can I put it, I am