Under Fire Doctors

# Hush little baby don't say a word

# Momma's gonna buy you a mocking bird

# And if that mocking bird don't sing

# Momma's gonna buy you a diamond ring. #

How is she? Shush. I've just got her settled.

Sorry. She's been crying. This place and the court thing today.

Oh, not again! She won't have any blood left!

Mum, don't let her. It hurts.

You heard her. No way!

Mrs Harding, will you come outside please?

Mum, don't leave me!

I'm not going anywhere, love.

They need to monitor the inflammation markers in her blood.

I can't stand to hear her cry. I'm her mum.

It's my job to protect her!

GIRL SOBS

Mrs Harding, please try not to upset Jess.

Upset her?! When I win today, I'm coming back here

and I'm taking her home where she belongs.

Howard, it's your lucky day. You're with me.

What's up?

Nothing. Just looking forward to getting out there. Lead on.

Good morning. Were you looking for anything in particular?

A gift for a discerning friend, perhaps?

I wondered if you could have a look at this. Ah.

I'm afraid jewellery is not my specialism.

This is a Victoria Cross. I know. How much could you give me, if I was going to sell?

Oh, well, that's not an easy question to answer off the cuff.

Markets fluctuate, you see.

You're not interested?

Of course I am, but I want to make sure you get a good price.

I can do some research and give you an up-to-the-minute valuation.

That way, you'll be able to make an informed decision. I don't know.

I understand. Your grandfather's medal must be very precious.

My dad's, you mean! Surely not?

Bit of a smooth talker, aren't you?

I assure you, I'm utterly sincere. Of course,

if you'd rather not leave it...

You'll look after it?

I'll guard it with my life. Now, let me take your details.

All rise.

Please be seated.

Your Worships, this hearing will consider a Local Authority

application for an interim care order in respect of Jessica Harding.

Mr Lance Hendry is representing the local authority.

And Ms Sylvia Beauchamp represents

the child's Guardian Ad Litem, Mr Barry Cole.

Mr Hendry, Jessica's mother has not arrived?

Unfortunately not.

And we have received no indication that she is unable to attend.

Sorry, sorry, I just made it by the skin of my teeth!

I've had a terrible morning, Your Honour. Ms Harding...

We understand perfectly. If you'd just like to take a seat over there.

A glass of water for Ms Harding?

Please proceed, Ms Plommer.

Ms Harding, their Worships are concerned you have

chosen not to be legally represented.

You do fully understand that the local authority has applied

to have Jessica removed from your care?

If you lose, this is what will happen.

I'd be pretty thick if I didn't!

Nobody can speak up for us better than me.

And I've got Jess on DVD.

Excellent. All in good time.

Thank you. Mr Hendry, you may present your case.

Ms Harding, please sit down.

We will let you know when we would like you to speak.

Their Worships have received reports from the Hardings'

former GP, Dr Julia Maragakis, consultant paediatrician

and obesity specialist Dr Paul Campbell-Hart

and social worker, Fleur Rogers?

They have. Do you wish to call your first witness?

Yes. Fleur Rogers.

Please take the stand, Ms Rogers.

So sorry. The shop is temporarily closed.

What do you want?

Hey! Come back here.

I'll get him!

Officer! OK, sir. My colleague's onto it. What's happened.

Ms Rogers, has it always been the local authority's intention

to separate Jessica Harding from her mother?

No. This is very much the last resort.

How would you describe the Hardings' attitude to food?

Food is comfort -

Jess satisfies her hunger,

Vanessa her need to be a good mother and give Jess everything she wants.

But there's a darker side?

I'd prefer complex. A mutual dependency has developed.

Subconsciously, Vanessa doesn't want

to hand over control of her daughter to anyone else.

What about education?

Vanessa took her away from school because she was being bullied.

But now Jess is so morbidly obese, she is unable to attend anyway.

Can you tell the court about some of the interventions

the local authority has made?

Jess was referred to a dietician, who advised her and Vanessa

on a suitably healthy eating plan.

I then monitored their progress with regular visits.

And how did Ms Harding react to this?

She seemed to be in agreement,

but didn't implement any of the recommendations.

It was after this you sent them

to a specialist weight loss clinic more commonly known as a fat camp?

Yes. We would only resort to this in extreme cases.

And did Ms Harding take full advantage of this expensive opportunity?

No, she strongly objected to their being treated like,

in her words, "lab rats".

And throughout the period you have been involved with the Hardings,

what has Jessica's attitude been?

On more than one occasion,

she has indicated she would like things to change.

It won't happen by taking her away from me!

Ms Harding, you will speak only when you are invited to do so.

Ms Rogers?

She hates being overweight, not being able to go out.

She doesn't have any friends that I'm aware of.

Her relationship with her mother is the only one she has.

Thank you, Ms Rogers.

No more questions.

Ms Harding?

Have you got any kids?

Ms Rogers, you do not need to answer this.

Ms Harding, any questions you ask a witness must be relevant.

It is relevant. Only a mother could understand.

Ms Harding, the court appreciates how distressing this must be for you.

Do you have any other questions for this witness?

No.

A man fought bravely for his country.

And you were no doubt going to sell his medal to buy drugs.

I wasn't! What's your name, son?

Todd Purley. That medal's mine and it's not for sale.

Ridiculous. I want him arrested for theft.

Ridiculous. I want him arrested for theft.

Sarge, on a Victoria Cross,

the name of the recipient is etched on the back on the suspension...

the name of the recipient is etched on the back on the suspension...

Private J Powell. South Staffordshire Regiment.

19th of September 1944.

Yup. 100% correct.

OK, what's the story, Todd? And why aren't you at school?

Like, the water pipes burst at school and we all got sent home.

Then Nan told me that she'd left the medal here.

He hasn't even paid her anything!

Mr Birne? I retained it for valuation.

It was a perfectly legitimate business arrangement.

So it's not entirely your property.

Could we say this is a misunderstanding?

I suppose so.

If we were to take Todd and the medal back to his nan,

then we could forget about it?

Yes, I expect you could.

Oh, well, in that case, Todd, why don't you apologise to Mr Birne?

Sorry.

Right. OK, thanks!

Dr Campbell-Hart, according to your very comprehensive report,

you treated Jessica Harding at the weight loss clinic? Yes.

I would like to talk to you

about some of the medical conditions caused by Jessica's obesity

and perhaps you could elucidate in layperson's terms.

I'll do my best. Thank you.

Decubitus ulcers.

These are what we would know as bed sores?

Correct. Or pressure sores. There is a photograph on page six.

Are they the result of long periods of immobility?

They occur when soft tissue is compressed between a bony prominence

and an external surface for a prolonged period of time.

The blood supply is obstructed,

often resulting in death of the tissue.

Death of tissue.

Sleep apnoea.

Meaning Jessica stops breathing for short periods during sleep?

That's right. How is this a result of her obesity?

The fat in her neck presses on the pharyngeal airway,

causing it to narrow.

Does this impact on her daily life?

She's tired most of the day

and poor concentration is a direct result of poor quality of sleep.

Cholelithiasis?

Gallstones.

Not in themselves life-threatening,

but if not treated, they could lead to more serious conditions.

You also state in your report that Jessica is at high risk

of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease?

Yes.

If nothing is done to reduce her weight and stabilise her condition,

can you tell the court what you consider to be her life expectancy?

Not with any precision.

In your opinion, will Jessica Harding still be around

to celebrate her 21st birthday?

Please answer the question to the best of your ability, Doctor.

In my opinion, if she carries on like this,

she is at risk of an early death.

Thank you, Dr Campbell-Hart. No more questions.

Ms Plommer, perhaps a break would be appropriate?

Agreed, Your Worship. The court will reconvene at one o'clock. All rise.

Vanessa, come on. It's not over yet.

Here. What you said in there is right.

You're Jess's mum and, when you get the chance,

you tell them exactly how that feels.

Look at him, preening himself. And her, two-faced cow.

Come on. Let's get a cup of tea.

Try not to look so pleased with yourself.

Hey, we're on the same side, remember.

I can't believe how badly you've behaved, Todd.

Your nan's right. You're lucky you weren't arrested.

Whatever must that man think of us? I bet he came on to you!

Hey, I brought you up to have respect.

So why are you selling the medal, then?

Do you want me to go and have a word? Yeah.

Good luck with that. DOOR SLAMS

KNOCK AT DOOR Can I come in?

What have you got here, then?

My great granddad's letters and that.

And he started keeping this diary.

But it ends suddenly, just before he was parachuted into Arnhem.

Operation Market Garden.

In my opinion, it could have helped end the war.

They were let down by intelligence.

There were more enemy than they were expecting.

He rescued three of his comrades under fire.

He had a gammy leg from landing badly on the parachute

and he'd been shot in the shoulder.

As an ex-soldier, I can tell you it's a rare man who would do that.

You were in the army? Yeah.

Believe it or not.

You take after him.

Thanks!

See, Todd's got this romantic idea about this brave young soldier.

He'd been a steeplejack, but couldn't go back to it

because of his injuries.

He died very suddenly, when he was 50.

So, the way I see it,

me and Todd are owed something and that medal could give it to us.

Struggling a bit, eh?

Yeah. We had a conversation this morning

about him working hard to get to college.

He said he wasn't bothered, cos he knows we can't afford it.

Now then, young Todd, let this be a warning.

The last thing you need is a criminal record.

You should look after that medal, Mrs Purley.

Oh, don't worry, it's not going anywhere.

You mean it? I'll find some other way.

I'm not sure of the exact figures, but it is worth a lot of money.

Yeah, it needs to be kept in a safe place.

We can advise you on security of your property.

I'd think about that if I were you.

Right.

We'd better be getting on. Take care.

(Thanks.)

How do you do? My name's Jessica Harding, but everyone calls me Jess.

I'm begging you not to take me away from my mum.

I'm scared.

If you let me stay with her...

..I'll stop asking her for things that make me fat.

I want to lose weight and be normal.

This is what Mum wants as well.

Anyway, I've got a new friend called Nurse Mandy,

who's really great to talk to.

And she thinks I can do it.

So please give us another chance.

That's it. That's what my daughter thinks.

Thank you, Ms Harding. You have a question, Mr Hendry?

I have several, but unfortunately that was a pre-recording.

Who is Nurse Mandy?

Nurse Marquez, my next witness.

I just called on the off-chance.

Is young Todd at home?

No, he's at the library.

Goodness. Quite the scholar.

Not that you'd know by the way he behaved this morning.

I'm so sorry.

Water under the bridge.

I just wondered if we could have another chat about the medal?

I'm in a position to make you a generous offer.

I can't sell it because of Todd. He'd be heartbroken.

I understand. But why not hear me out?

You can always say no.

You and Jess have a connection. You understand her.

That's not a question, it's a statement.

Mr Hendry has a point, Ms Harding. Nurse Marquez,

could you describe your relationship with Jessica in your own words?

Well, from the start, Jess seemed eager to talk to me

and show me all her things.

She's lovely company - bright, warm, chatty.

So, I think we do have a rapport, yes.

Like I said.

Do you think I am capable of letting my own daughter die?

Of course not. You love her very much.

And you're going to help us through this?

Yeah.

Thank you, Nurse Mand...Marquez.

Nurse Marquez, I noticed a momentary hesitation.

Do you have any doubts about helping Ms Harding?

Remember you are on oath.

No.

You have a structured care plan you can show to the court?

I haven't been involved that long.

Yet you feel confident you can succeed

where others more acquainted with the family have not?

I just think removing Jess from the home

would be the worst thing that ever happened to her.

All I'm asking is for the court's permission to have one more try.

It's eight weeks until the next hearing, right?

Where's the harm in seeing what we can do in that time?

Surely that makes sense?

No more questions.

Ms Beauchamp? No questions.

You may stand down, Nurse Marquez.

Any further witnesses, Ms Harding?

Yes. Me.

That fella Birne's got the medal again!

We've got to get down there before he sells it on.

Hang on, son, what've you got there?

Sorry, Todd. Your nan made a transaction with Mr Birne.

And I'm sure it's all legal and above board.

Two grand for a Victoria Cross? That's daylight robbery!

Can you excuse us a minute?

First rule of the job - you don't go off on your own without telling me.

I'm sorry the kid's upset as well,

but as far as we're concerned, this is end of story.

Now, give him the cheque back and stay out of it.

I'm sorry, Todd.

Is Mandy at the hearing?

Yeah.

I had Jess admitted last night. Oh, really?

I've been half expecting to get a call from the arch kiddie snatcher.

Last thing I feel like doing is standing up in court.

What did she say when you rang her?

I didn't. Surely that's up to the hospital?

Don't ask me.

'Hello, this is the voice mail of Fleur Rogers.'

The social worker said I'm complex, but I'm telling you I'm not.

I love my daughter. It's as simple as that.

And how would you describe that love?

Every single moment of the day, I'm thinking about Jess,

worrying about her.

Whatever anyone says about me, I've dedicated my life to her and always will.

Some may think that sounds a little intense.

That's a statement, not a question.

I stand corrected.

Does your relationship with your daughter give you any real pleasure?

She's a joy to me! To my eyes, she's beautiful.

So you don't see the problem regarding her obesity? Of course I do!

It's wrong to give her everything she asks for, I understand that now.

And I promise things are going to change.

You've resolved to make changes before and failed.

Why should anyone believe you now?

Because I'm standing up in court, fighting for our lives.

So you'll promise anything?

This is a wake-up call for me.

This is where I take things in hand.

And I've got Nurse Marquez to help me.

I'm telling you, if I fail this time,

you can come back in eight weeks and take her away with my blessing.

Cos I'll deserve it.

No more questions.

You may stand down, Ms Harding.

Ms Plommer, if there are no more witnesses,

my colleagues and I will retire to consider our verdict.

Very good, Your Worship. All rise, please.

I have a genuine Second Word War Victoria Cross medal,

which I would like to place for auction...

Excuse me one second.

I am in the middle of a transaction, Officer.

This is outrageous!

I'll tell you what's outrageous,

you giving Mrs Purley two grand for that medal.

We shook hands on it.

After you told her how much it was worth at auction?

I'm in business to make a profit.

Anyway £2,000 is a lot of money to people like them.

"People like them"! You're a conman!

You can't talk to me like this.

Why not? You don't deserve respect.

Private Joseph Powell risked his life in the bloodiest fire fight of that war.

People like you weren't worth the sacrifice.

I've had enough of this! I'm making a complaint to your superiors.

Do it! Sell your damn medal.

I hope you enjoy the proceeds.

But do me a favour, every penny you spend,

spare a thought for the grandson of Joseph Powell VC

and how you broke his heart and conned him out of his inheritance.

Your call!

Well, you can rest assured that I will deal with it very seriously.

OK, thanks a lot. Bye.

Was that Eric Birne?

No. Why would it be?

Hang on a minute. You haven't been round there?

I told you not to get involved.

Well, I'm sorry but I've got principles.

Is that what you used to tell your commanding officer?

I don't get you, Howard.

You of all people I thought would be able to follow orders.

You're a loose cannon! Well, thanks for that vote of confidence, Sergeant(!)

Lance, you've only just put one out.

Dr Carmichael? Am I too late?

Howard?

RETCHING

Howard? Are you all right? I'll be right with you. There's someone to see you in the office.

TOILET FLUSHES

So, apologies for calling everyone back into court, but as

Your Worships have been informed, Dr Carmichael has new evidence.

Please proceed, Mr Hendry.

Dr Carmichael,

yesterday evening, you were called out to the Harding family home?

Yes. Jess had collapsed.

I examined her and decided she should be admitted immediately.

And what was the eventual diagnosis at the hospital?

Pancreatitis. A potentially life-threatening disease.

Apparently she had untreated gallstones and this caused it.

Yet Jessica was prescribed medication for gallstones some time ago.

Yes. Ms Harding admitted to me she had not been giving Jess her medication.

But she would not have this condition had her mother

allowed her to take the prescribed medication?

Look, I am new to the case and I can't really comment

about anything that happened before yesterday or this morning.

This morning?

Yes. I called at the hospital on my way to work.

I found Jess slightly improved. Her mother had been with her all night.

And Ms Harding's mood was what? Anxious? Relieved?

Glad that the staff had her daughter's condition under control?

Dr Carmichael?

She said she intended to go back today and take Jess home.

He won't be long.

KNOCK AT DOOR Come in.

Here's your hero, Todd!

Thanks to him, we're back to where we started.

Right, I'll leave you to it.

Eric Birne came round and Todd got it out of him

you'd persuaded him to give it back.

Like, he was pretending it was his own idea!

Just give me a minute.

If you looked up the site of any decent auction house

and search Victoria Cross, you'd be surprised what they go for.

Here.

Oh, my... One of these has gone for six figures.

What did you show her that for?

Because she needs to know and so do you.

It doesn't make any difference.

Todd, will you get real?!

This kind of money could change everything!

But it's wrong to sell it!

Isn't it? Yeah?

It's a tough choice and I wouldn't want to have to make it.

It's a no-brainer. He risked his life for that medal.

No, he didn't really.

He risked his life so his comrades would survive.

A brave soldier doesn't think about winning a medal.

But he would have wanted the best for his family.

Come on, love, let's get home.

Your pride does you credit, Todd.

That's the thing you can't put a price on. Thanks.

The decision of this court is to uphold the local authority's

application for an interim care order.

Jessica Harding will be removed from her mother's care.

No-o-o! No! Please!

When I was about five, Mum took me to her sister's to live.

She couldn't stand Dad's moods.

I'm telling you this, because you're old enough now to get the whole picture.

There's stuff in here you can look at and keep.

You see, life isn't always heroic.

It's a punishing hard slog

and nobody gets any medals for that.

I tell you something, though, he would have thought the world of you.

Whatever you decide is fine by me.

# Baby, you understand me now

# If sometimes you see that I'm mad

# Don't you know no-one alive can always be an angel

# When everything goes wrong you see some bad... #

I'm so sorry.

# I'm just a soul whose intentions are good

# Oh, Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

# Oh, Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood... #

Isn't she just divine?! Come on, you know that she is.

Jane Austen.

Austen. Right, you're in very good company here.

Oh.

It's going on all week. There's concerts, films.

Ooh, what they showing?

Pride And Prejudice I think.

Oh, I love that! With all the frocks and hats.

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