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Discuss your favourite podcast, radio show or The Archers episode.

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

971 replies

PseudoBadger · 06/04/2016 13:37

Will it still be Sunday tonight?

OP posts:
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recyclingbag · 06/04/2016 22:13

My prediction is the local police will do a ham fisted job of blaming Helen, then a DV expert will turn up and spot the signs and flag them up to the CPS.

Although really irritating, I think the storyline has done a far better job of highlighting the difficulties victims face in being believed or sympathised with - far more than if she'd just left or been hurt herself.

careeristbitchnigel · 06/04/2016 22:14

Do they have to a accept the state prevision or can they pay for better?

Who ? Rob or Helen ?

If you mean Rob then it's the State that prosecutes so they don't appoint a lawyer, it is the CPS that decides the prosecutor (either in-house barrister or an agent)

If you mean Helen then she will choose her own barrister. She would get legal aid - not to go into extraneous detail but unless you are a millionaire almost every defendant in a crown court trial (which this would be as GBH is indictable only) is entitled to legal aid. Her family's financial situation is irrelevant as they only means-test the defendant.

BYOSnowman · 06/04/2016 22:17

Well she hasn't actually told anyone anything yet so there is nothing to disbelieve!

AugustaFinkNottle · 06/04/2016 22:18

Of course, it's always possible for a jury to decide to ignore the law and to acquit if they have enough sympathy for the accused. It might just be that that is the line the SWs will take: all the various people in the village will line up to say what a crooked bastard Rob is, Rob will have a meltdown in the witness box, Helen will burst into tears, her lawyer will make an impassioned speech and the jury will acquit her without bothering to retire. At least, that's how it would happen in EE, so it must be a entirely probably scenario, mustn't it?

careeristbitchnigel · 06/04/2016 22:18

Would anything said in that setting (ie if Helen had told them everything) be allowed court time?

Only if Helen gave permission

careeristbitchnigel · 06/04/2016 22:20

At least, that's how it would happen in EE, so it must be a entirely probably scenario, mustn't it?

Grin

and prosecutor and defence counsel get it in on in the robing room

recyclingbag · 06/04/2016 22:20

Have we discussed that Criminal Justice series with Maxine Peake which dealt with coercive control. I was traumatised by it 7 years ago (I had just had DS2).

She stabbed Matthew McFadden and went down for Manslaughter. Had her baby in prison but sentence was too long for her to be allowed to keep it.

BYOSnowman · 06/04/2016 22:22

Prosecutor will be a woman who will be totally charmed by knob and start shagging him

Day before she has to do her big speech he does something that makes her realise he is a knob. So she does a terrible job and Helen is found not guilty of anything

SmallLegsOrSmallEggs · 06/04/2016 22:22

What does the fact that it cannot be applied tetrospectively mean for any evidence Jess might give?
Either in Helen's defence or Rob's prosecution?

Overall though I suspect both will be charged/convicted/acquitted with/of whatever raises listeners' blood pressure and ratings by the greatest amount. Regardless of the law, plausibility, public good or anything else.

careeristbitchnigel · 06/04/2016 22:23

I'm looking forward to hearing Helen's account of what happened so we actually know as I am still very unclear

Helen gave a "no comment" interview so unless we get something discussed at BF etc then we won't hear her account until either defence "basis of plea" (which they aren't compelled to give) further to the CPS outline of their case or her barrister's opening argument

Stickerrocks · 06/04/2016 22:25

Gruach starting the first daft now.

Can we start a campaign to get Martha Costello from Silk as Helen's defence?

recyclingbag · 06/04/2016 22:26

No idea but I imagine Jess wouldn't be able to press charges but could be called as a witness.

Things Rob could be prosecuted for

  • coercive control
  • rape
  • assault on Helen
  • assault on hunt Sab
  • fraud
  • obstructing justice (lying to police)
  • the whole flood / culvert thing - criminal damage/negligence/health and safety
SmallLegsOrSmallEggs · 06/04/2016 22:28

THIS is what actually happened in The Archers Scriptwriting room.

TA SW: There's a new law on coercive control. We could highlight that with a really well done EA sl.
SOC predecessor. Yeah let's set it up.

.....
SOC arrives.

....
So this Rob. He's a bit of a bounder. Let's say he knocks up his ex.
Sw: But. But we had this sl planned.
SOC: Do it.

....
SOC: Hmm this what did you call it, coercive control sl seems to be attracting attention. Can't see what's wrong with the chap but ho hum. Cancel the baby.
Sw: but...what?? We cannot cancel the baby it will look ridiculous.
SOC: do it.

....
SOC: So this EA thing. Its dragging on a bit. When does he hit her?
SW: well he doesn't. That's kind of the point.
SOC: Then its not real abuse. Do it and play the helpline.
Sw: :-/

....
SOC: So still dragging on when does she kill him?
Sw: Wtaf?
SOC: Look everyone knows the victim always snaps and kills them in the end. So how does she do it? Poison? Nah been done. I know I know she hits him with s
An iron...oh no. Been done.
SW: She doesn't kill him. That's kind of the point. He get prosecuted.

SOC: Oh I see.cunning!! She doesn't kill him. .....He survives.

Do it.

Sw:< Weeps in corner and makes remorseful donation to WA whilst filling in EE application form.>

BeaufortBelle · 06/04/2016 22:28

The point I was making was that as the defendant does not have to accept the crown's defence lawyer neither does the plaintiff. Either has the right to appoint their own barrister I believe. There is a world of difference between what the crown wil fund (a few years call) and the best and most experienced there is. Helen has a say; I'm sure Rob must to if funds are available.

Boomingmarvellous · 06/04/2016 22:33

augusta has taken control of the crystal ball Bore Grin

I can see it playing out something like that though with a little less dignity

Vango · 06/04/2016 22:35

SmallLegs You're a man/woman after my own heart.*

*Unless you were actually there of course. Has more of a ring of truth about it than the stuff they've been saying recently about important public messages Grin

careeristbitchnigel · 06/04/2016 22:35

A victim CANNOT appoint a prosecutor in criminal court. They are not the plaintiff, the case is brought by the Crown Prosecution Service on behalf of the Queen. The victim is called as a witness but they do not have any say in (a) whether a case is prosecuted or not or (b) who prosecutes it.

Even if the victim was Prince William he still would (technically) have absolutely no input whatsoever in who prosecuted it.

Many victims would not meet counsel until the day of giving evidence, if they met them at all

glowfrog · 06/04/2016 22:38

Although really irritating, I think the storyline has done a far better job of highlighting the difficulties victims face in being believed or sympathised with - far more than if she'd just left or been hurt herself

I can see that, recycling, but it still feels like it could have been done without a stabbing. Basically, the sl has gone from serious and thoughtful to melodramatic Take A Break headline.

careeristbitchnigel · 06/04/2016 22:38

And the Crown does not appoint a defence lawyer. The defendant applies for legal aid and if they get it they are free to choose counsel from the firms that are able to take legal aid cases. The only time that a defendant may be allocated a lawyer is if they elect to have the duty legal rep while in custody as local legal aid defence firms have to supply lawyers/police station reps to cover 24/7 for custody interviews and unless you have your own preference you get the one that is on duty

BeaufortBelle · 06/04/2016 22:38

No but Rob has a say about who prosecutes. Where have I said Helen would have a,say about who prosecutes.

The point is H can pay for the best to defend. Rob might not be able to pay for the best to prosecute.

It's not rocket science.

Elendon · 06/04/2016 22:39

But isn't rape the worst thing a man can be accused of?

Joskar · 06/04/2016 22:39

It's such a shame being a rank badyin isn't a crime. They can't put Knob in the dock for culvert blocking, sab assault, over ordering fruit etc. He needs to do something provably appalling. But I reckon he's too good a character to get rid of altogether.

careeristbitchnigel · 06/04/2016 22:46

No but Rob has a say about who prosecutes. Where have I said Helen would have a,say about who prosecutes
The point is H can pay for the best to defend. Rob might not be able to pay for the best to prosecute.

No he does not. As I have now said several times CPS decide who prosecutes. Rob would have absolutely no choice whatsoever in the matter. The only time that a victim of crime chooses the prosecutor is if they pursue a private prosecution in the civil court.

For all criminal matters in courts in England and Wales the Crown Prosecution Service make all decisions in relation to the prosecution of a case. Regardless of whether the victim agrees with them.

Boomingmarvellous · 06/04/2016 22:48

Surely knob has no say in who prosecutes? Don't know where this comes from. Even in the USA the state prosecutes the accused. Think they are called district attorney's?

JessieMcJessie · 06/04/2016 22:50

Beaufort that's not right. Rob would have no input whatsoever into the prosecution team, and would not be paying for anything. Careeristbitchangel explained a few posts above yours.

Smalllegs GrinGrinGrin for "what really went on behind the scenes with the SWs".

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