Mr Dusty Barkalot stands accused of sleeping on the job, while Miss Myrtle and Miss Rosie were brutally attacked and murdered by Mr Fox.
It is believed that, had Mr Dusty been about his duties none of this would have happened.

Mr Dusty arrived at the hearing wearing a very smart tartan bow tie, and
an innocent expression. Sitting there in the dock it was very hard to imagine that he could be guilty of such negligence.

Miss Pearl, who lives on Snowdrop Lane said that she did see Mr Dusty on patrol late the previous night. As did numerous other folk who also gave their testimony.
The Lady at the big house however gave a more detailed report on Mr Dusty's activities on the said night and morning.
The Gentleman at the big house was away on a business trip and Mr Dusty was charged with the security of the big house while he was away. After the night patrol around the grounds of the estate Mr dusty took his position at the front of the big house guarding his mistress.

He was very diligent and barking a lot whenever anyone walked past the house or even on the opposite side of the road, such is his vigilance. On numerous occasions he would wake everybody up with his loud barkings and growlings whenever he heard a suspicious noise.
When the postman arrived early in the morning to deliver the mail it was feared Mr Dusty would charge right through the front window, such was his dedication to the job.  The postman was terrified, he threw his hands in the air dropped the mail and ran for the hills.

The nice tradesman who came to give a quote on the electrics was bitten on the ankle by Mr Dusty. Fortunately, however, after much apologizing by his mistress, the threat of litigation was dropped.

It was found by the hearing committee, that Mr Barkalot was definitely not sleeping on the job.
He was in fact engaged in the security of the big house, which sits at the other end of the estate on top of the hill, Therefore it would be impossible for Mr Dusty, or anyone else at the big house, to have heard or be aware of the fox attack at the bottom of the hill in Chickie Village.

It was also said that this is a good lesson for those who would judge someone guilty before hearing all the evidence. And that an attitude of innocent until proven guilty must be maintained here at Hollyhock Hill.

It was decided that Mr Dusty be given a new, pure wool, hand knitted jumper as compensation for having to go through such an unsettling ordeal.

Once outside Mr Dusty's mistress, gave him a big smoochy hug and told him he is a good boy.

Everyone cheered and clapped hands and then we all went around to Mademoiselle Gigi's cafe for afternoon tea. Chocolate croissants and hot frothy milk was on the menu.

D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s.

Reported by Jovi Woofley...New as it happens...