If it doesn't go well tonight things are going to get toxic immediately, aren't they?

[Peter]

I was asked to do so, nbut given that the defendant was a member of that community located some 1 mile from my door, I wasn't keen on being the visible face of the nicking.

Without wanting to be pedantic, I believe this constitutes grounds for a mistrial. The accused is entitled to a jury that works to the best of its abilities.