Jury will hear closing arguments in Little case
By William C. Lhotka
Of the Post-Dispatch
Friday, Apr. 01 2005
A jury in St. Louis County Circuit Court will hear closing arguments this
afternoon and then be asked to decide if Rams defensive end Leonard Little is
guilty of drunk driving and speeding on Highway 40 in Ladue last year.
The jury heard three prosecution and one defense witness this morning. Defense
attorney Scott Roseblum called only Ladue Police Officer Kenneth Andreski to
the stand.
Andreski was the backup officer to Officer Gregory Stork who had stopped
Little at 3:44 a.m. on April 24 near Highway 40 and Lindbergh Boulevard. Stork
testified yesterday that Little was windmilling his arms and unable to stand on
one foot during a sobriety test outside his 2003 Mercedes.
Rosenblum asked Andreski, who said he was standing about five feet behind
Little, if he saw the football player windmilling his arms or holding them
outward like wings of an airplane. Andreski said he didn't recall seeing that
happen.
Under questioning by prosecutor Mark Bishop, Andreski said he saw Little place
his foot down twice during a test requiring Little to stand on one leg, and he
saw Little fail twice to walk straight ahead in a so-called ``walk and turn''
test.
``Were you surprised how poor his balance is because he is such a good athlete?
Were you surprised he couldn't stand on one foot and couldn't walk an imaginary
line?'' Asked Bishop in a series of questions and Andreski replied
affirmatively.
Rosenblum pointed out -- and Andreski agreed -- that more than two foot touches
and two steps off a line are needed for failure of those two sobriety tests.
``Based on your observations, you couldn't say he was intoxicated, could you?''
the defense lawyer asked.
``No sir,'' the officer replied.
And Rosenblum rested his case.
Two comments from me:
1. Based on what I have read about the testimony, I'd be shocked if Little is convicted. In fact, I think the jury will probably rule in his favor before day's end.
2. Since I've openly criticized Hadley ane Bernie, let me give credit where it is due. William Lhotka, who has been reporting on the trial, has done a very good job of reporting the story.
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