I do think the Barrister being involved at this stage is a bit unusual, as you usually only engage one once you've been charged and know you are going to court.
But the article on one of those links indicates his lawyer said the Barrister was being engaged to help him with various things including dealing with the media. That is one thing Barristers do for a court case, they coach their witness so they present the best possible face to the jury and media. So maybe we are going to see Gerard start to speak more publicly after his Barrister prepares him? The start of presenting a more positive image because they actually think he is going to be charged at some point in time?
Honestly while some people might think this is all understandable under the cirumstances, when I think about anyone I know who is honest and innocent, or myself, I dont think any of this would be an issue. My own feelings and emotions would show through to anyone who saw or heard me, while I was speaking to the public, media etc during the long period of time I would have been helping with the search. And also when I was being questioned by the police.
Maybe I am judging him harshly and if I turn out to be wrong I'll be eating humble pie and apologising, but this is a guy who has done numerous videos in his work and is no stranger to speaking in public. If whatever you say comes from the heart it eventually shows through, even when you are upset. Why would you need a Barrister to coach you unless you were guilty and struggling to fake concern and ensure you don't slip up?
I guess if you were innocent and you really thought things were going to look bad for you no matter what, you might get scared and go down that track, so maybe I am judging too harshly here.
