The appeal had challenged both the conviction and the legality of trying and sentencing Ms Tamakloe-Attionu in absentia. "First of all, let me seize the opportunity to thank My Lords for the erudite judgment they have given," he said. "She has always believed that once the Court of Appeal considered the matter, she would be set free." Mr Deegbe firmly declined to be drawn into any political debate, insisting that his role was confined strictly to matters of law. "Unfortunately, I am a lawyer, so I can only speak to issues of law," he said.