“All stand, the Honourable Judge Actavious Routing presiding.”

All stood as the judge entered the Courtroom. Usually the courtroom had only a handful of spectators present wanting to see justice dispensed, however the nature of this trial had leaked out and the courtroom was packed.

“You may be seated. Case four seven nine, John and Kathy Unschuldig V Red Cow Co.”

“Roger Gettem for the plaintiff Your Honour.”

“Philip Ratzig for the defence Your Honour.”

Roger Gettem stood up and walked around to the front of his desk.

“If it please the Court I will begin with my opening statement.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, here sits the defendant trying to appear the picture of innocence, but the reality is far from that.

I am sure that we are all aware of the advertising slogan of Red Cow energy drink. No matter where you look, or what radio station you turn to while driving there it is. Then when you are at home relaxing they bombard you with their message in your own living room. ‘Red Cow makes you fly.’

Now you might ask ‘who would believe that an energy drink can make you fly?’. Not you and I ladies and gentlemen of the jury for we are far too sophisticated. So who then?

Picture an innocent seven year old boy, constantly bombarded by this advertising desperately wanting to fly. In his spare time he sits and watches the birds circling overhead wishing to join them. One day a thought forms in his mind. This is the world of grownups, if they say it then it must be true.

At the school canteen he buys a can of Red Cow and like a precious treasure carries it up to the school clock tower. He waits until the school bell rings signalling time to go home. He is so eager to fly that he drinks it down in one go, not even stopping to breathe.

When he sees his mother approaching he calls out to her and steps off, he wants her to see him fly. His golden hair shines in the sun and his cry of delight turns to one of fright when he plummets to the ground.

What terrible thoughts must have gone through his mind as he fell towards the ground and the shock of impact as his bones shattered.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, had he died instantly on impact his suffering would have ended, however he clung to life, his body wracked with unimaginable pain. This seven year old was a fighter to the last.

He died cradled in his mother’s arms bathed by her tears. His last dying words to his mother was, ‘why didn’t I fly?’

Why indeed. It is time they were held accountable for what they advertise, Mr and Mrs Unschuldig ask for justice, but most of all Jason, an innocent seven year old asks for justice.

Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the jury.”