The Bench

As a mother and daughter go on trial they must decide who is at fault. Des has a new workplace rival and can't resist the temptation of being rude.

The team represent two parents desperately fighting to regain custody of their children. But when getting them back from social services proves a challenge, the couple must make a difficult and heartbreaking decision.

When a defendant arrives drunk to his trial, the proceedings dissolve into chaos. Meanwhile, a crafty grandmother stops at nothing to secure her grandson's bail.

After a married man has a one-night stand, bitterness and recrimination follow him in court and at home. Cheryl's stressful day draws her closer to a colleague.

Hugh is forced to choose between his career and his personal allegiance to a defendant. Des has something to celebrate.

A father faces his biggest nightmare when his teenage son appears in court. Meanwhile, a cheery Des is riding high in his personal life, but after he takes on a hardened criminal as a client, he realizes he may be out of his depth.

When a client becomes overly attached to Ranjit, it threatens to damage his personal life. Des's involvement with a criminal family compromises his position and complicates his responsibilities.

The civil officers eagerly anticipate a ballot to decide who will become chair of the Penbridge Magistrate's Court. Candidates Val and Peter see their friendship turn into a rivalry as they run against each other for the job.

The press descends on the court for the trial and sentencing of a teacher who had an affair with a student. Des and Cheryl reach a crisis point.

Des is professionally compromised-and in personal danger-when his client frames an innocent man.