Originally posted by NotBlamedForNothing
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For some reason I always pictured PC Smith walking up the east side (by the Board School) of Berner St., so I'm dubious if Mortimer, inside her house on the west side could even hear someone walking on the other side.
This may be a point for discussion, because, I'm sure PC Smith says Stride & Parcel-man were stood opposite the club (east side), not in front of the club (west side), if this is the case then his recollection may be justified as he passed within a foot or two of them.
However, if he passed up the east side, directly across the front of Mortimer's house. This would justify her claiming to hear the 'heavy tramp', it was outside her door.
This though will call into question the accuracy of PC Smith's recollection, as Stride & Parcel-man were on the other side of the street, in the dull light, as he walked passed.
Regarding PC Smith's testimony. On his beat he no doubt will see numerous couples or single men coming and going all night long.
Then, out of the blue someone metaphorically, says "stop".
Now, PC Smith, you are in Commercial Rd., but think back half an hour ago, you were in Berner St. and you passed a man & woman stood together.
"Describe them".
How many couples pass through his mind, two, three, more?
To help him he is shown the body - "did you see this woman?"
Now, he is trying to think if he did, and where might he have seen her, and if she was with someone, and if so, what they both looked like. Also, if the man was carrying something, and then "accurately", describe what he was carrying?
It's not like he knew in advance this couple were coming up the street, nor did he take out a measuring tape and measure the package.
Yet, we are supposed to hang on every word he says as if he has a photographic memory.
I am suggesting witnesses in general often struggle to provide answers to questions, and PC Smith will be no different.
I don't see how the movements by Lave could suit what we know about Parcel-man.
I don't think Lave even went into Berner St., he says he went "as far as the street", which to me means he walked about inside the yard, but went as far as the gates, but no further.
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