At last the verdict is announced: Helen is Not Guilty. But will this finally silence Rob?

Radio Times: Tony can’t keep still, and Pat is full of questions.

Characters: Anna, Helen, Judge, Members of the Jury, Pat, Rob, Tony

• At last the jury begins its deliberations, and from the start it is apparent that prejudice and bigotry feature as at least two members refuse to depart from their preconceived ideas about Helen’s guilt. The foreman is agreed upon after some bickering, and he begins by taking the temperature of the room. It seems that a guilty verdict may well ensue.
• Feelings run high in the jury room, and several times they have to be called to order after shouting each other down, but gradually they come to order and an attempt is made to consider each piece of evidence. The foreman and Jackie, a retired professional, slowly manage to get the jurors to focus, and personal experience of domestic abuse by two jurors assists in this. When it becomes apparent that they cannot reach a verdict, the judge is consulted, and he agrees to accept 10:1 majority verdict.
• With yet more shouting down and interruption, the jury slowly comes to a majority decision. Yes, Helen did stab Rob, but Jess’s confirmation of his methods of control and his violence persuade them that she was indeed acting in self-defence. After much argument all but the male bigot on the jury agree this, and that is good enough for the judge.
• After hours of waiting which strains their endurance, Pat and Tony meet Anna, who tells them not to try and read the jurors’ faces as they come into court, and to remember that an appeal can always be made should matters go badly for Helen. She has just seen Helen, who is remarkably calm, savouring every moment with Jack so that she will always remember him should things go badly. Rob will never take that away from her.
• The jury returns and is asked for its verdict. On the first count, Attempted Murder, she is found Not Guilty, and on the second, Wounding with Intent, she is again found Not Guilty. Helen is free to go once the formalities are completed, and is soon reunited with her parents, who weep for joy.
• Looking for Kirsty, Helen encounters Rob, who with thinly-veiled malevolence congratulates Helen on her lies. A new Helen faces her abuser with steely courage and calm. She is just sorry it took her so long to get away from him. Vile Rob remarks that he must get back to Henry. Meeting her parents again, Helen is unable to recount this exchange as they head for Bridge Farm with Jack.