Jess reinforces Helen’s evidence but the trial is halted.

Radio Times: Ian makes a quick exit, and Shula grows increasingly uncomfortable.

Characters: Anna, Bruce, Ian, Jess, Judge Loomis, Julian Bywater, Rob, Shula

• Having seen the local press coverage, in which his son is branded as a rapist, the odious Bruce makes it clear that he is not at all impressed with Mr Bywater’s performance. He is reminded that the counsel represents the CPS, not his son. When Rob is told that Jess may be giving evidence he is surprised: he was certain she wouldn’t. Mr Bywater wonders why he needed to be certain. Rob wants the counsel to use the information he has given him about Ian; he is not keen: it may be seen as a smear.
• When Ian is cross-examined, the prosecutor does use Rob’s dirt: Adam’s dalliances are brought into the open. Newly arrived, Shula catches Ian just as he emerges from the court; he is not talkative and heads quickly for home. Rob is unsympathetic; he appreciates Shula coming; Bruce too seems to think that Shula is there as a supporter of Rob.
• Anna makes her submission and Judge Loomis retires to consider whether to admit Jess’ evidence; he decides that she should be heard. Jess describes the history of her relationship with Rob. He was paranoid when he was away at university so she stopped socialising; she continued because she was besotted. When they married and went to America, she was housebound with no car and no money. He wanted to save to start a family but she didn’t want that, not yet. Did he force her to have sex, Anna probes apologetically. Yes: sometimes he would grab her by the throat, or hold her down by her wrists.
• Finding herself sitting next to Bruce, who is continually making derogatory remarks about Jess, Shula realises that it was a mistake to come. Then Bruce gives the whole court the benefit of his remarks and the judge warns him to be quiet; he continues, so the judge orders that the jury be removed.
• Rob is furious with his father, though he is quickly brought into line for raising his voice to him. How long before the trial resumes? Mr Bywater cannot say because there is a more serious problem: a juror has been found tweeting about the case and Judge Loomis has halted the trial. There is no guarantee that it will be restarted.