But instead of grovelling or begging forgiveness, she went on the offensive and launched a passionate and confrontational tirade.

Three words in particular appeared to make the difference in her desperate attempt to save her own life.

‘We trusted you!’ Ms Crawford yelled.

‘We came here in good faith! Would you treat your own mother, sister, or wife like this? How do you think we feel? This is disgraceful!’

[Sometimes guts is enough, and sometimes it’s not. Fortunately, it worked in this instance. It’s a very interesting story, and Alex Crawford has no shortage of guts, as her career testifies. — Ed]