The Accused - Trials and Convictions in Real Time
If you are struck by the sick pleasure (no judgement) that comes from watching murder documentaries, then living in the age of instant gratification has gotten a little more interesting. "The Accused" is a documentary following a child abuse case concerning a 23-year-old mother, Kenzey, and her boyfriend Kyle. It's a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be accused of a serious crime.
Kyle physically assaulted their seven-week-old daughter by violently shaking her, though Kenzey denies having seen him in the act. When emergency services arrived, the baby had sustained a fractured skull, bleeding of the brain and severe eye damage. It's likely that the baby will grow up with significant brain damage and severe disabilities. While not party to the assault, Kenzey is accused of cruelty for not calling emergency services quickly enough and allowing physical harm to a child by allowing her violent boyfriend access to the child. Throughout the 90-minute show, Kenzey presents herself as an innocent woman. She appears upset by the prosecution's claims: "All I can say, 100%, is it wasn't me and neither would I have allowed that to happen."
During filming, it came out that Kyle was abusive towards Kenzey. This does not excuse her inaction by any means, but it did draw a sympathetic note from some viewers. The chilling reality of codependency in abusive relationships is highlighted by Kenzey's continued correspondence with Kyle despite his abuse of their daughter. She continued to stick by Kyle's side throughout the case.
Rob McCabe is the filmmaker who ensured that footage was shot in real-time. Consequently, feedback on the documentary was near instantaneous on social media. People were quick to drop their two cents under the hashtag #TheAccused.
Kenzey, too, was found guilty of child cruelty and sentenced to three-and-a-half-years in prison. She was guided through the ordeal by GT Stewart solicitor-advocate Ronnie Manek, who told Legal Cheek that her decision to stick by Kyle may have been the nail in the coffin: "He was facing an overwhelming case. If he had pleaded guilty to his charges, I don't think there would have been a prosecution case brought against Kenzey. She was blinded by misguided loyalty."
To this day, Kenzey is convinced of Kyle's innocence and is upset by people's reaction, "If people think that Kyle or I have done something, then you're looking at a couple of monsters - someone you can compare to Ian Huntley, Myra Hindley or Fred and Rose West."
Before everything revolved around instant gratification, documentaries on murders and the mentally disturbed were released far after the fact. In many cases, the guilty part was already behind bars, found innocent or had been incarcerated for a very long time. With the widespread adoption of social media, such things are up for public opinion, inviting the masses to participate in judgement. "The Accused" is the first in a long line of matters set to be presented to the general population.
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| Kenzey - Channel 5 |
During filming, it came out that Kyle was abusive towards Kenzey. This does not excuse her inaction by any means, but it did draw a sympathetic note from some viewers. The chilling reality of codependency in abusive relationships is highlighted by Kenzey's continued correspondence with Kyle despite his abuse of their daughter. She continued to stick by Kyle's side throughout the case.
Rob McCabe is the filmmaker who ensured that footage was shot in real-time. Consequently, feedback on the documentary was near instantaneous on social media. People were quick to drop their two cents under the hashtag #TheAccused.
This girl doesn't need prison she needs psychological help to get away from him, 3 lives ruined by 1 man 😔😕#theaccused #channel5— Emily (@xems22x) February 6, 2017
Very relevant #theaccused pic.twitter.com/kyMaEdyPiK— Chantelle kate (@chant3ll315) February 6, 2017
The nature of the documentary invited viewers to form their own verdict before the official account was read out. Watch "The Accused" here.Her mum has actually just compared this case to that of cot death! You are just as bad as your daughter! #TheAccused— Steph Cuckow (@stephykins89) February 6, 2017
The Verdict
Kyle was found guilty of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, and is facing an 18-year prison sentence. |
| Ronnie Manek - Channel 5 |
To this day, Kenzey is convinced of Kyle's innocence and is upset by people's reaction, "If people think that Kyle or I have done something, then you're looking at a couple of monsters - someone you can compare to Ian Huntley, Myra Hindley or Fred and Rose West."
 |
| Genex Insights |
Before everything revolved around instant gratification, documentaries on murders and the mentally disturbed were released far after the fact. In many cases, the guilty part was already behind bars, found innocent or had been incarcerated for a very long time. With the widespread adoption of social media, such things are up for public opinion, inviting the masses to participate in judgement. "The Accused" is the first in a long line of matters set to be presented to the general population.
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The Accused - Trials and Convictions in Real Time
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, February 07, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, February 07, 2017
Rating:
Unknown
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