Theories that TV presenter Jill Dando was executed

Theories that TV presenter Jill Dando was executed by Serbian hitmen were rubbished as ‘headline grabbers’, at the Old Bailey today.

Mr Orlando Pownall, for the prosecution, took a swipe at the defence case put forward by Jill’s accused murderer Barry George in his closing speech at the sensational trial.

He said the suggestion that the 37-year-old broadcaster was assassinated by order of Serbian terrorist Arkan was simply to grab the public’s attention.

He also criticised defence QC Michael Mansfield’s case because it did not explain George’s movements on the day of the killing – April 26, 1999.

He told jurors on Day 28 of the trial (WEDS): ‘You will have felt the weight of responsibility.

Last week you were told this case was hanging by the merest of threads.

‘To suggest Arkan and Serbian terrorists were responsible are good headline grabbers which may or may not have grabbed the public’s attention.

‘But we don’t seek to persuade the public – they have not heard from all the witnesses and their accounts.

‘

Mr Pownall attacked the evidence given by Major Peter Mead, a firearms forensic expert for the defence, who claimed the bullet casing found beside Jill’s body may have come from Yugoslavia.

Mr Pownall said: ‘One of the hallmark features of the case was that the crime was committed in a professional manner by professional hitmen planned and carefully executed.

‘Would a hitman abandon casing at the scene?

‘Did Major Mead say this bore all the hallmarks of professionalism? No.

Instinct and common sense will tell you there is nothing that resembles professionalism.

‘

Mr Pownall asked rhetorically, ‘Who would kill Jill Dando’, and said evidence of George’s background, his attempts at providing an alibi, witnesses identifying him, scientific evidence and the search of his home point the finger at him.

He dismissed the defence’s suggestion that Serbian terrorists had a genuine reason to kill the Crimewatch host despite her broadcasting a televised appeal on behalf of the Kosovans.

‘Why would they risk alienating the public and politicians whose views they wanted to influence?,’ said Mr Pownall.

‘Why didn’t they claim responsibility? Why not send a letter threatening revenge? Why keep the public guessing?’

Mr Pownall also criticised the defence for not proving the defendant’s whereabouts.

He said: ‘You were told by the defence you would hear about the defendant’s movements on the day of the killing.

Whatever you may have imagined – you heard nothing of his movements.

‘Neither did they prove that the killing had an accomplice waiting in a Range Rover

Jobless George, 41, who did not give evidence during the trial, denies murdering the BBC presenter on the doorstep of her Fulham home.

Mr Pownall’s closing speech is expected to last around two days.

The trial continues.

ends