The Archers - It's so much more than just a soap. It's a bloody drama!

[PseudoBadger]

Will it still be Sunday tonight?

Huh I've lost three pints of blood and no one put me in an induced coma in fact they gave me a screaming newborn and left me to it.

The problem with the evidence of his violence not being documented is that the prosecution can tear it apart (as a pp pointed out). If he has a conviction for assault/rape that can't be argued to be made up

It's all so ridiculous though. And we have far too many new actors/roles. The drama should be possible with minimal input from outsiders.

I would think vango it is as stick says two diffetent things.

Evidence of coercive and controlling behaviour would be good for prosecuting Rob but not necessarily defending Helen. Unless defence rests on 1) she was abused 2) evidence that abuse often causes women to become deranged.

not for 1 second suggesting EA is not incredibly mentally damaging but unless Helen's defence are allowed to cite the Jordache case and other similar soap cases then the evidence isn't there that other women in her position would do the same....because her position is depressingly common and mostly they don't. And EVEN if they did it does not make her not guilty* it e.g. reduces the severity of the offence. So she would still be convicted of something. Her only hope of being "let off" is self defence.

Okay. I think there should be two threads running tandem to each other now. Those who want to discuss the issues around Rob and Helen storyline and those who want it more lighthearted. Personally I'll dip in and out of the two.

Because it's difficult to keep up. Badger. What do you think?

I'm with you Vango. So far Helen's mother has told the police how fragile she is, Susan has spilt the beans to Harrison (who would surely have a conflict of interest in this case, as proven by his conversation with Fallon). Helen hasn't told the police she was raped, but she has made it clear she stabbed him. The prosecution can have a field day from what Helen's friends and family have said so far. Helen acquiescing to sending her choice of maternity clothes back and wearing high necked stocks would not be sufficient defence in the eyes of the majority of people who have not witnessed the relentless grinding down in the way we have. Who is the most credible person for a jury to believe? Rob.

Accidental bolding.

Love it SmallLegs

And of course, there's this from the incomparable Mr Finnemore.

Good idea elendon - this is getting a little confused! Maybe one on the legal consequences of Helens actions

vango at 2019 - yes yes yes, sadly.
byos agree with all your comments so far
She may well plead guilty to a s 18 or 20 and get a discount in sentence for an early guilty plea.
If he lives. If she does.
Time from charging decision to trial depends on many factors but?? 8 to 12 months.
In terms of charging timescales - am confused by how long in real time she's been in custody.

Rob doesn't even have to be believed. He isn't on trial. She stabbed him. Fact. He didn't stab her. He wasn't trying to stab her. Etc.

Although it is interesting that loss of control could apply to a rapist taunting their victim as playing that tune was taunting her. And that might elicit sympathy from a jury. (Although l.o.c. is not applicable as he didn't die.).

Perhaps he'll rnd up on life support and someone (Pat) will switch it off. Because that plot has never been used before in a soap. Ever.

Oh and someone, I think Fallon, said it was Tuesday and she was arrested the day/night before?

Can I ask about Hellin and Knobs wedding...were their parents in attendance as pat and Tony didnt seem to know Bruce

Erm. Don't know. Anyone can start whatever threads they like, in parallel, don't see why it has to impact upon this one?

Yes small legs exactly.

Agree Pseudo. I like the miscellany on these threads.

River they had a romantic secret wedding ...on the Isle of Wight.
Until Ursula appeared he'd always given his parents a very bad rap.

I don't think Miles is going to be any help. He lives with them so presumably colludes in the dysfunctional set up. Plus he's the heir so has status as per his birthright.

Bruce was exactly as I imagined as was Ursula with him. She colludes with and enables the misogyny because the only other choice is to leave. Plus she probably believes women are inferior to men even if she's been worn into it.

RiverWhy No one was at the wedding - Knob organised it all and sprung it on Hellin as a surprise - whisked her off to the Isle Of Wight and they came back married.

Any lawyers out there? If Helen explains that he slapped her, grabbed her by the wrist and forced a knife into her hand, then went for Henry surely she has a reasonable defence. Henry came down when she shouted at rob that he was a monster: he may have been holding Helens wrist at that point. It did sound pretty quick, the actual stabbing bit ( I've just re listened)

thank you apocalypse.

It would be a cunning tactic for Knob to be cross-examined by a woman in court. He would utterly hate being forced to answer questions from a woman and not being able to patronise or gaslight her, and probably wouldn't be able to control himself if he finds his weaknesses being exposed by one. With any luck he'd completely lose his temper, start accusing her of being an insane dyke, and have to be physically restrained from attacking her.

and thank you Bore.

Apocalypse said it better - and faster!

haha, thanks to the both of you.

so would the Police leave him (Henry) with the suspect's parents, where he could be coached and gaslighted.

I'm not sure that that's up to the police, is it? Surely the first consideration would be Henry's welfare, particularly after what he's seen. If they thought there was a danger of coaching I suppose they could station an officer in the house.