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11 June 2001
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Lord Archer’s former secretary denied her evidence had been exposed as ‘nonsense’ by a tell-tale hair on a photocopier today (MON).
Angela Peppiatt, 56, was accused of forging the diary to cover up her dishonesty and expenses fiddles during her employment.
Archer’s defence barrister Nicholas Purnell QC claimed it was the ‘only reason’ for the scam.
He then pointed to the presence of a hair or fibre in five of the photocopies which proved they had been done at the same time – and on a different occasion to another batch of copies.
Mr Purnell said this did not ‘fit in’ with the receipt Mrs Peppiatt had kept from May 26, 1987, for two copies costing 30p.
‘I am suggesting that this story is nonsense,’ said the QC.
‘What ever you did it was done not because Lord Archer told you.
‘
He said he would be calling expert evidence to prove the photocopies were done on different machines.
Mr Purnell also claimed it was absurd to have a forged diary used in the case because anybody taking a close look would see a pristine diary with ‘blank page after blank page after blank page.
‘
He said: ‘The only reason anybody would have to fill out a replacement diary would be your reasons for hiding what would be discovered in you diary, namely the fact you had been stealing from your employer.
‘The truth is your were trying to keep your job by recreating that re-written diary that contained none of the personal references that would have identified your dishonesty.
‘
Mrs Peppiatt replied: ‘I might have done some things I am ashamed of but I am absolutely sure Jeffrey asked me to fill in this diary.
‘
After more than three days of cross-examination on behalf of Jeffrey Archer, Mr Purnell finally sat down.
Ted Francis’ defence barrister Roy Amlot QC then asked what she thought the relationship was between Lord Archer and Andrina Colquhoun at the time of the alleged sexual liaison with prostitute Monica Coughlan.
Mrs Peppiatt replied: ‘She was his mistress.
They would sometimes go to the Sambucco restaurant.
‘
Asked by Mr Amlot if they stayed in hotels together, she replied: ‘Yes.
‘
When asked about Mary Archer appearing at the 1987 libel trial and giving evidence in his support, Mrs Peppiatt said: ‘It was to show to the outside world that they were a couple and that Jeffrey could not possibly have been involved in this incident or have, outside his marriage, liaisons.
‘
Mr Amlot asked: ‘Did you ask him whether he had paid a prostitute?’
She replied: ‘No, I couldn’t believe it.
‘
Mr Amlot said: ‘Do you think you could easily have said no to him?’
Mrs Peppiatt said: ‘No not at all, you just didn’t say no to Jeffrey Archer.
‘
The trial continues.
ends
