The fresh evidence related to proposed testimony by former Northern Irish state pathologist Professor Jack Crane, concerning sworn affidavits from Ms Hand's former neighbours — Samantha O'Reilly and Stephen Cummins — who claimed they heard an altercation within Ms Hand's apartment at the time of the disputed incident in December 2018. Mark Mulholland KC, representing Mr McGregor, said he had an obligation to the court to withdraw this specific ground of appeal as it could not be legally sustained. The three-judge panel expressed surprise at the late withdrawal of the motion, with Justice Isobel Kennedy noting that the situation was “unsatisfactory.” Counsel for Ms Hand, John Gordon SC, said he had only been informed of the withdrawal 10 minutes before the appeal hearing was due to begin. He noted that his client had been “put through the wringer again” and argued that it had been alleged she was a liar—an allegation which, he said, had now been “conceded” by Mr McGregor. He further argued that Mr McGregor should face a charge of inducing others to commit perjury on his behalf. He added that “an apology would be a start” in making amends to his client. The judges rose to consider the impact of the withdrawal, and upon returning, concluded there was “no point” in allowing the ground of appeal to proceed when the plaintiff, Mr McGregor, no longer wished to pursue it. A motion for costs regarding the withdrawal will be made in due course. The appeal continues on the remaining grounds, which include the nature of the cross-examination of Mr McGregor during the trial last November.