Barristers switch from prosecution to defence on a case by case basis and some defence solicitors vary their workload by prosecuting for the likes of the RSPCA or Environment Agency. Changing positions is the courtroom norm, but it's not the done thing to swap sides mid-game though. Nevertheless, this is exactly what happened at Hendon Magistrates' Court in the late 80s as a local man was preparing to plead guilty to motoring offences. When the prosecutor failed to arrive the defence solicitor, keen to put the matter to bed, offered to stand in. Bizarrely, the bench agreed and so Patrick Cusack outlined the case against his client then launched into the reasons why the magistrates should be lenient in their punishment. And the result? The defendant was happy with the reasonable fine he was given and a cheerful Mr Cusack confirmed he would not be seeking 'double time' payment.
