Gruffs get Tough

 by Pamela Winning

William Gruff Senior left court a free man today. His family celebrated as the judge cleared him of all charges relating to an incident on the Eastside Bridge. The judge also declared that fourteen acres of land on each side of the bridge belonged to the Gruff family by birth-right and granted them all official freedom of movement.

Although Mr Gruff had admitted wrestling with Mr Troll, of no fixed abode, and pushing him into the river, the jury found him not guilty of attempted murder, not guilty of grievous bodily harm and not guilty of common assault. It was accepted that Mr Gruff was trying to protect his family.

The jury had heard evidence from Will Gruff Junior and Little Billy Gruff.  They told how they had been threatened and bullied by Mr Troll who blocked them from crossing the bridge until they gave him money. Each time, Mr Troll demanded more. The last time, Little Billy Gruff had managed to make a recording of Mr Troll’s menacing behaviour on his mobile phone, which had been played to the court.

In summing up, the judge concluded that the Gruff family should be free to reside on their land without fear or confrontation.

At an earlier hearing, Mr Troll was remanded in custody to face trial at a later date.