Uncertainty surrounds the trial of Mr Taylor for war crimes and crimes against humanity, after both he and his defence lawyer, Courtenay Griffiths, walked out of the international criminal court in The Hague, Netherlands, in early February. This followed the trial judges' rejection of the defence's final brief, on the basis that it had been filed too long after the deadline set for its submission. The trial is now stalled while the defence launches an appeal for the brief to be accepted. Whatever the outcome of the appeal, the trial is now drawing to a close, with the prosecution having already presented its closing statements and limited funds or appetite for any further delays in the proceedings, which have already lasted over three years. A verdict is expected before the end of the year, with sentencing to follow if Mr Taylor is found guilty on any of the 11 counts, followed by further appeals from either side.