Charges against the three accused were read out and each was asked if he was entering a plea. One of the defense lawyers stood and buttoned his suit jacket. “Your honor, my client, Gary Harbourn, wishes to plead not guilty on the grounds of insanity at the time of the offense.” The remaining lawyers stood in turn, declaring “not guilty” on behalf of their clients. Natasha arched her lower back, as if preparing for a physical battle. Judge Pascoe asked why the Crown intended to prosecute the three accused in the one trial. Despite his wearing glasses, Anya noticed his unnerving squint. The right eye deviated outward when he spoke. “Your Honor, we intend to argue that in the aggravated sexual assault and attempted murder of Sophie Goodwin, the three accused acted in a joint criminal exercise by committing the offenses together. In doing so, all of the participants are guilty of the same crimes, regardless of the individual parts played.” The defense lawyers argued for separate trials, no doubt to wear down the key witness.
