The hearing leaves things much as they were; there’s a long way to go. Does Anna have a problem?

Radio Times: Anna has a lot on her mind, and Rob makes his situation clear.

Characters: Anna, Carol, Helen, Pat, Rob, Stephen South, The Judge, Tony

• Anna leaves Glebe cottage for the hearing, annoyed by Carol’s insistence that she will prepare dinner. At court, Pat and Tony spot Rob as they pass through security. He’s using a walking stick for dramatic effect. Anna arrives and offers to meet them inside. As they take their seats, they see Helen on the monitor screen; they approve of her new hairstyle. The hearing starts.
• Maggie, from CAFCAS, has given her evidence well. Anna starts hesitantly but soon hits her stride. She makes the case for Henry to transfer to the care of his blood relatives and for Jack to remain with Helen at the Mother and Baby Unit where they are bonding well. Helen fears that there is a risk of harm if Rob continues to have care, at which point he interjects. The judge asks him to be quiet! Anna confirms that Helen will be pleading self-defence at her trial.
• Stephen South, Rob’s barrister, places his client’s objections before the court. He mentions Helen’s reactions to Rob’s boarding school proposals, threats to kill, theft of Ursula’s car and a high-speed car journey to confront Rob as evidence of her instability. Rob agrees however that Helen’s previous medical history, her mental instability and erratic upbringing, may have been partly to blame. This time it’s Pat who is told by the judge not to interrupt.
• The judge offers Rob the opportunity to describe his recovery. His response is worthy of an Oscar, and he accepts the offer of a glass of water. Revived, he manages to explain that he’s doing very well, really. Asked if he could care for two children, he insists that he could. It would only be an extension to the role that he’s had to take, in order to look after his erratic wife.
• The judge turns to Helen asking if she’s heard everything so far and if she fully understands the gravity of her situation. She replies that she would never hurt her children. The judge asks the same questions again. She replies, a little more firmly, that she does understand. That she is aware that she could risk losing her baby if found guilty. She finishes by saying that her children mean the world to her. She loves them both.
• After the hearing, Pat is angry with the result. Rob keeps Henry, to avoid further disruption, but Helen is allowed to keep Jack. Anna approaches, saying she tried her best but it was ever likely that the status quo would be preserved. She leaves, telling them not to give up hope. Arriving home, Anna finds Carol fussing over the remnants of a lasagne which she’d dropped on the floor. A tetchy argument ensues. Carol asks what’s bothering her. Anna’s reply is worrying. “I think it’s happening again mum. This time, I’ve got to stop it.”