Editorial: Cairns saga reaches conclusion after case

Chris Cairns has been found not guilty of perjury.

Pinnochio, Superman and Cinderella are walking through a school gala day.

Superman enters and wins the Strongest Man competition. Cinderella enters and wins the beauty contest. Pinnochio enters the Biggest Liar competition and receives a legal writ saying he can no longer be part of this joke, as Chris Cairns has been found not guilty of perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

A week ago, the punchline to that joke was very different. But Cairns has been acquitted. It was a majority decision - not guilty.

The New Zealand Herald's Jared Savage was at the trial, and wrote yesterday of the three reasons that Cairns could not be convicted. They were essentially that Lou Vincent had not been a reliable witness, there was no money trail linked directly to Cairns, and there was no hard evidence that Cairns was guilty - it was a case of "he said, she said".

In his post-verdict press conference, Cairns was his usual articulate, assured self.

There were two interesting points in the conference, though, when his lawyer interjected, almost chastising Cairns for not being more affirmative. Asked what his career plans were, Cairns said, "I don't have one."

It wasn't clear what he didn't have. A plan, or career? His lawyer Colin Nott leant in and said, "I suggest he'll move onwards and upwards, simple ... simple."

Cairns was also asked about his reputation. "I'm completely scorched, burnt, completely ... "

Mr Nott intervened again. "Reputation-wise ... in real terms, you have retained your good character, you've been acquitted."

His tone was almost scolding, as if Cairns needed to be jolted out of the defensive default position he has reverted to in the past five years. Having been the accused for so long, he needs to get used to being the innocent.

A reporter piped up "What would you say to Brendon McCullum if he was here now?"

Cairns said he would ask McCullum "Why?" And that was it, Mr Nott ended proceedings, the last question coming from Cairns, unanswered.