'Huntley Innocent' Says New Defence Lawyer

'Huntley Innocent' Says New Defence Lawyer Muhammed Saeed al-Sahhaf

The Soham murder trial took an unexpected turn today when Ian Huntley unveiled
a new defence lawyer, the former Iraqi minister for information Muhammed Saeed
al-Sahhaf

There were audible gasps in the packed Old Bailey courtroom as al-Sahhaf signalled
a change of tactic by apparently laying the blame for the girls' deaths on "an
accident involving a bath".

Al-Sahhaf told the court: "Huntley did not kill them! Never! The prosecution, they
are planning to surrender. We know this. We have them surrounded. I have detailed
information about the situation...which completely proves that what they allege are
illusions. They lie every day."

Prosecution lawyers was apparently stumped by al-Sahhaf's statements which they
later described in court as "bizarre".

After his first day in court, al-Sahhaf spoke to reporters outside the Old Bailey.

"My feelings - as usual - we will win," he said. "We are in control. The prosecutors
are in a state of hysteria. Losers, they think that by trying to distort the feelings of
the people they will win. I think they will not win, those bastards."

--CONFIDENT: Huntley's new defence lawyer al-Sahhaf.

He said he was confident that both Huntley and Maxine Carr would be acquitted,
despite what many believe is overwhelming evidence against them.

"Our initial assessment is that they will both be found not guilty by a unanimous
verdict. I triple guarantee you, Ian Huntley is an innocent man. This is an illusion!
They are trying to sell to the others an illusion. These cowards have no shame
about lying."

He dismissed questions from reporters about his lack of legal experience.

"The situation is excellent," he said. "We're giving them a real lesson today. Their
case was destroyed. The tactics have backfired on them. They think we are
retarded... They are retarded! We are winning!"

The case continues.