He took us to photograph eight, which perhaps we could just have a look at, please, which was the rucksack at the bottom of the package. String in the opening passing through the eyelets. He said there was a double overhand loop in the central eyelet, which is 'J' in our picture. At the end of the drawstring was a figure of eight at positions 'K' and 'L' noted. Yes, 'K' and 'L', and in cross-examination he agreed that there were traces of plastic tabs or seals similar to be found on shoe laces. He thought it was possible that we see they had been tied in the rucksack by the manufacturer to keep the cord in place, and you probably remember that.
In photographs nine and ten, the thin string, this was the creation of a type of noose with a free end. The strands went through another knot at 'P', using a clove hitch. The knot at 'M' which we see, was he considered a very simple manner of fixing a loop; it was quick and easy, and there was the kink he pointed out at 'O', pressure on the string for being in that position for a long time.
Photographs 12 and 13 next, please. That was the sheet bend. Certainly you see that at 'R' and at 'Q', and he said there was an additional overhand knot to prevent slipping of the join you can see in that photograph. This cord had been heat sealed at one end and had an old cut at the other. At position 'T' there was an eye splice passing through a spring clip, shown closer on photograph 13. We can perhaps just have a glance at that. This particular eye splice he said had five touch turns or passes or whatever we call it, securing it. Again he referred to one of the manuals. It was the secure type being recommended in that manual for artificial fibres.