AS THE future of convicted Cheshire au-pair Louise Woodward hangs in the balance, one Preston man has witnessed the controversy from his doorstep.

For Dr David Sutherland, a former pupil of Ribbleton Hall High School, lives just round the corner from the court-house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where most of the jurors come from.

The 27-year-old has been a genetic researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University for the past 18 months. David said: "Everyone is talking about the case, on the bus, at work, at Dunkin' Donuts. It's really big news. Every household had the TV or radio on to hear the verdict and most people here are shocked by the jurors' decision.

"Much of it comes down to television, playing to the cameras and using emotions. Women have been much more critical of Louise because the case involves the death of a baby."

The front pages of local newspapers The Herald and The Globe have been dominated by the death of Matthew Eappen since it hit the headlines months ago.

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