Archers Addicts 4!!

Two excellent episodes yesterdays and todays. Helen's evidence was persuasive and genuine. The Judge seemed to think so, despite the 11th hour in which it arrived. The way she apologised to her parents and stood up, reasonably calmly to the prosecution barrister - all destined to persuade the Judge and Jury that she is being honest in her evidence.

I do wish the writers would be less inclined to paint Pat as a total head the ball. (Apologies to anyone with sensitivities about phrases like that. I blame emotions and my northern roots). Pat's character has been decimated in the past 12 months. I know she's under terrific stress but hands up mothers on this discussion, who haven't faced all kinds of trials and tribulations with their adult children/daughters. I hope none of us has faced our daughter on trial for stabbing their partner and I'm sympathetic to Pat, to a degree, because it's dreadful but come on Pat, breathe deeply and find your inner calm. Helen (and the nation) need this.
Jess has been following the trial and arrived at the 12th hour to give a statement in which it seems, she will say that Rob raped her during their marriage.
No doubt he'll deny all these allegations.
I wonder if Helen and Jess will be prepared to give statements to the police so a proper investigation can take place.
Will the allegations influence the family court hearing
Bring on the brownies, cups of calming camomile tea, wine for those in need or even, a G&T. My knitting came to a full stop because I couldn't understand the pattern.All is not lost, thanks to the helpful gransnet link to an excellent tutorial site, so I'm off there soon.

Perhaps it will be a suspended sentence.

Tbh, if I was the judge I wouldn't let her off completely.

Oh it's all coming together nicely isn't it.

Caught up with an old friend recently who gave up TA when Nigel died. The publicityaboutHelen's marriage has brought her back, she's listening again!

Yes, Jess! Why would two wives concoct similar lies?

I'd still like someone to unearth (in either sense!) Stefan!

I am beginning to think there is a possibility Helen could be cleared and not, as I said before, found guilty of the lesser charge but I also have a feeling that, after the next episode, I will have swung back again

From what the Judge was saying, the prosecution can now bring back Rob for to answer what Helen has said. The Judge and the two barristers will be spending time discussing why Jess should or should not be admitted as a witness. I would think it would be difficult not to as, if she is not allowed, I imagine (do not know) that it would give Anna a reason to appeal.

If Rob is brought back after Jess to say why both she and Helen are wrong he will be, to say the least, a tad angry that it is not all going his way. This would give Anna another chance to cross-examine him too. I do hope that, in painting a picture of a manipulator, she asks about him bringing the stick to court.

Less from the whispering gallery's evening. I want to hear the evidence not others people's reactions. I have my own reactions thank you.

Helen is waking up, let's hope it isn't too late.

Well done, Tony. You saved us from death by Patwails.

And tonight's prize for stupid remark goes to.......Tony "couldn't she have done it sooner" well, yes, but she didn't, but she's doing it now, so shut up!

Here comes Jess!!!

I think Helen will get off murder charge but not wounding charge. I think judge will be lenient with her because of provocation. I think Rob will be questioned immediately after trial about rape allegation, but what do I know? From Gg's links I do not think it would be an acceptable outcome for women's groups supporting rape victims if Rob gets away with it. I don't mind being called lazy Gg but its mainly house work that is my bete noir.

I think they will both end up in clink. I can't see that she will get off completely. Surely he will have to be tried separately? Will Helen have to bring charges first?

When is this hour long episode?

'When it mattered most, Helen was the bravest she has ever had to be.' Fans react to Helen's court revelation... in tears

The Archers trial: Arrest Rob Titchener, say fans, after Helen reveals he raped her 'over and over again'

What will be the jury's verdict? Weekly Vote

My worry with Ian is that they will use Adam's philandering's to show he is not a good judge of character.

I would really like to stop worrying now and totally understand your "more stress" comment merlot. I hope we will get back to more everyday stories soon.

I didn't realise the hour long episode will be covering the family court hearing. Heck! More stress!!

Hopefully the HSE report will be produced showing there was no blame attached to Bridge Farm over the incident with the bull and that all safety procedures had been in place. Human error (Johnny taking Henry into the yard) was most likely the cause and they will surely have learned from that?

My prediction is that Pat and Tony will get custody of Henry. We won't know about Jack until we hear the verdict. Rob will be an enormous thorn in their side until he's evicted by Usha or run out of town by Ian and his supporters.

Fat chance of that last one, I fear.

I know what you mean LG (I hope LG is okay - I am sure you are not lazy so it seems kinder ) If they can have a full hour on the family court why not more time for this. On the other hand (and there always is one) I don't want TA changed any more than it has been.

LD do you have a recipe for oaty "brownies" (I can't eat wheat) and I definitely need something calming. Was anyone else in tears last night or am I just a wuss?

Hopefully the difference in being as calm as possible and then not being able to be in Helen's evidence will help the jury believe her.

Have been avoiding the trial a bit. Too harrowing. So pleased I heard Helen though. It's far from over but at least she spoke up at last.

So glad Helen managed it. I am rather disappointed as, unrealistically I suppose, I was hoping to hear all the evidence, cross examining etc similar to a real trial. I am concerned that depicting such a weak female barrister (who IMO is unrepresentative) this will not give any confidence to women who are in a similar coercive relationship.

Does Helen have to make a formal complaint to the police before her claim of multiple rapes can be investigated or does the admission in court count as the same?

I presume Emma is looking after Henry while everyone's in court but won't SS be concerned for him if he then returns home to Rob and Ursula every evening?

Can't say I'm looking forward to the prosecution. More yelling at radio.

It will not be easy for.Rob to go back.to.the village and be part of the life of Ambridge.....Good. it won't be like getting lost in London. Even Susan may disapprove.

Helen's evidence was good wasn't it. Pat's worry that Helen sounded coached or rehearsed was another bit of poor writing for Pat, who would I'm sure have recognised Helen was containing herself. Anna finally came up trumps and enabled Helen to talk about what we all know happened. Will the jury and the judge believe her and how will the allegations be investigated before the family court hearing?
Brilliant acting again, from the Helen actor (whose name I ought to remember but don't)
merlot, I wish you were right about Justin but I fear his initial response may be to dismiss Helen's allegations, as we all know Rob will.

I felt a great relief when she admitted to the MANY rapes, not just the two we knew about. She must have been through so much.
They have just convicted a man of coercive control who wouldn't let her go to the toilet when needed! What is it all about???

Any brownies left or shall.I make some more?