In the case of the death of Constable Robert Plunkett, the government has a particularly lucky break. Only one man, Nadeem Jiwa, is being charged with Plunkett's murder. Another suspect in the case, Baseer Mohammed Yousafzai, is thought to have been Nadeem Jiwa's partner in a car airbag theft operation, but police allege that only Jiwa was involved in driving the car that crushed Plunkett against a tree.

A prisoner's dilemma exists for Jiwa and Yousafzai, but it is not a symmetrical one. Jiwa has the most to lose. If Yousafzai betrays Jiwa and provides information that strengthens the case against Jiwa, Yousafzai's charges could be dramatically lowered, since they aren't all that serious to begin with, at least when compared to Jiwa. Jiwa could try to minimize his penalty by betraying Yousafzai, but it is not likely that the Crown is all that interested in jailing Yousafzai compared to the desire to jail Jiwa. Nor is it likely that Jiwa has much on Yousafzai that would in turn make the charge of murdering a police officer seem less important.

So in classic prisoner dilemma fashion, Jiwa and Yousafzai can betray each other, but unlike the classic situation, only one prisoner, Jiwa, will suffer. For example. if Yousafzai can truthfully testify that he heard Plunkett identify himself as a police officer as he approached Jiwa's car, then that will dramatically bolster the case for first-degree murder.

I'm wondering if that is what is shaping up, given that Yousafzai's lawyer says Yousafzai will be let loose soon:

Baseer Mohammed Yousafzai, 23, who faces theft-related charges, also made a brief court appearance yesterday.

He complained to lawyer G.J. Partington that he was unable to use a phone in jail.

Partington later told reporters he expects his client will be released next week.

Unfounded confidence, or does Partington have some sort of deal in the works?

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