Helen’s accusation of rape is admitted as evidence and she stands firm under cross-examination.

Radio Times: Helen is challenged.

Characters: Anna, Helen, Judge Loomis, Julian Bywater, Kirsty, Pat, Peggy, Tom

• Helen’s revelation of rape has put the cat among the pigeons. Tom is ready to throttle Rob if he gets the chance. Now the judge has to decide whether to allow Helen’s claims in evidence. The Archers struggle to take it in. Peggy recognised that Helen found it difficult to bond with the baby. Reluctantly the ladies agree not to go back into the court for a while; Tony insists that seeing her mother so upset will not help Helen.
• The jury having been sent out, the prosecution barrister objects that the claim was not foreshadowed in any bad character application. Anna confesses that it took her by surprise too but it is important explanatory evidence; the judge agrees. Anna announces that another witness had come forward making a similar claim. If Mr Titchener is to be recalled, it would be appropriate to respond to both at the same time.
• Now Helen faces cross-examination. Much is made of her decision, having already arranged to leave, to stay and explain to Rob why she was leaving. On the actual stabbing she stands her ground, insisting the the subsequent wounds resulted from Rob continuing to come at her. Her failure to call for an ambulance gives the prosecutor fruitful ammunition.
• In the cafe, Pat puts aside her feelings of guilt and failure. From now on she will be there for Helen and right now she is going back into the court. Kirsty will take Peggy home.
• Why had she made “no comment” when interviewed; to give time to get her story of domestic abuse right? No. Helen insists that Rob had done all those things to her. Then she is asked about how Henry was conceived, with the implication it was she who was desperate for a second child. Helen begins to ramble rather than just answering the questions; the judge decides to give her some leeway. Why has she only now brought forward this evidence; she had ample opportunity in custody. How could she; she could scarcely admit it to herself.
• As they leave, Tom is confident that the jury will have believed Helen. Tony is sure that Rob will deny it when he gets the chance. Anna joins them and gives them hope: ex-wife Jessica has come forward with a statement. She had seen the news coverage and realised that she had to speak out. So Anna’s next task is to persuade Judge Loomis to let Jess appear as a witness.