Back in Court 13

Back in court 13 today and it's the closing speeches from both sides.

For the defence, barrister Ronald Thwaites QC told the jury that if they were to find for the applicant Richard Desmond they should give him no more than 40p, the cover price of The Daily Express. Guardian reporter Helen Pidd was one of six people on the Press bench.

Her second report is here.

It's true, court at this level can be real theatre and very engaging. Rival press barons, trust funds, pornography, journalists bullied, private jets, Lord Black in prison, recordings of 'phone calls, accuations of lying.....goodness, wasn't life at the BBC just dull by comparison.

The judge started his summing up this afternoon and will continue it tomorrow before the jury retire to consider their verdict.