Australian entertainer Rolf Harris, publicist to the stars Max Clifford, glam rocker Gary Glitter and now Kiwi cricketer Chris Cairns – London’s Southwark Crown Court has hosted its share of courtroom dramas.
A bleak-looking brick building on the south bank of the Thames is where Cairns, 45, will on Monday night (AEST) start his legal fight against criminal charges.
It is alleged the man who was once the world’s best all-rounder misled the court in 2012 British libel proceedings against Indian businessman Lalit Modi, making statements under oath he “knew to be false or did not believe to be true”.
If perjury in Britain is proven, it carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ jail.
Under question is his statement that he “never, ever cheated at cricket” and nor would he “contemplate doing such a thing”.
The trial will capture the eyes of the cricketing world, not only due to the high profile of Cairns, but for its potential to cast public light on match-fixing, seen as a blight on the gentlemen’s game.
It is scheduled for four weeks in front of Mr Justice Sweeney, who last year presided over the Harris case, sentencing the 85-year-old to jail after a jury found guilty him of sexual offences.
A swathe of high-profile cricket figures are slated to give evidence, including New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, former Black Caps bowling coach Shane Bond and NZ Cricket chief executive David White.
Sources say the witness list – which has not been made public – will also feature disgraced batsman Lou Vincent, Andre Adams and Hamish Marshall, all former Kiwi internationals.
Several New Zealanders who played in the Indian Cricket League are understood to have made statements to the Metropolitan Police.
Cairns was awarded damages when he won his libel case against Modi, who could not prove what he tweeted was true.
The Kiwi was awarded £90,000 in damages (A$193,000), for hurt feelings, injury to reputation and the need for vindication. He also won about A$708,000 in court costs.
Justice Bean said Modi had “singularly failed” to provide Cairns was involved in match-fixing or spot-fixing – where specific events that can be bet upon take place to order in a game – or even that there were strong grounds for suspicion that he was.
MEET THE PLAYERS
Who is Chris Cairns?
Forty-five-year-old son of cult hero Lance Cairns. Took more than 200 Test wickets and hit more than 3000 runs in 58 Tests. Wisden Player of the Year in 2000, a rare honour for a Kiwi. Three times awarded Player of the Year by NZ Cricket Almanack. Held the world record for most sixes in Tests (87) and only Richard Hadlee, Daniel Vettori and Chris Martin have taken more Test wickets for NZ. Test debut in 1989, last Test in June 2004, and his last ODI in 2006.
Who is Lalit Modi?
Indian businessman and cricket administrator who ran the Indian Premier League from 2007 until fired in 2010. One of the sport’s most flamboyant and controversial figures. In 2013 Modi, 52, was banned for life from cricket administration by the Board of Control for Cricket in India after a committee found him guilty of misconduct, indiscipline and financial irregularities. Modi denied any wrongdoing. Now lives in Britain, a virtual exile from India.
Who is Justice Nigel Sweeney?
Presiding judge who sent Australian entertainer Rolf Harris to jail for five years and nine months for indecently assaulting four girls in the UK between 1968 and 1986. “Take him down,” he told court officials before Harris was led from court. Oversaw the trial of Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, who attacked and killed British soldier Lee Rigby in a London street. As a barrister he had cases such as the 1984 IRA Brighton bombing trial.
Who is Orlando Powell, QC?
Representing Cairns, described by Chambers UK as “one of the most highly sought-after criminal silks, and as an extremely persuasive and impressive jury advocate. He is a supreme performer and an artist of the courtroom.” Cases included acting for the defence in the alleged manslaughter of a deportee and the murder of gambler by means of a “honey trap”. Has been involved in massive fraud cases.
What was the ICL?
Established in 2007 as a rival to the Indian Premier League. Popularly known as a ‘rebel’ league as it lacked the support of the International Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. With promises of hefty pay packets, it attracted an array of top players nearing retirement or recently retired. Played at makeshift venues, the ICL folded within two years and its players, among them Black Cap Shane Bond, were banned from international cricket for a period. As many as nine Kiwis turned out in the ICL: Bond, Chris Cairns, Daryl Tuffey, Lou Vincent, Nathan Astle, Chris Harris, Craig McMillan, Andre Adams and Hamish Marshall. Players later claimed to be out of pocket over unpaid wages to the tune of around $2 million.
WHAT IS FIXING?
Match-fixing: Dishonestly determining the outcome of a match before it is played. It generally requires several players or officials to be in collusion.
Spot-fixing: Illegal activity influencing a specific aspect of a game upon which a betting market exists – such as deliberately bowling a no ball in specific over, or a batsman ensuring he scores fewer than 10 runs. This can be carried out by a single player without collusion from team-mates or officials.
