Episode 4 The Case

I helped Saskia take her own life, according to her own wishes.

Notice the date Mrs Stanley changed her will? Six weeks before she died.

AND Mr Powell accompanied her to the solicitors.

Anthony Powell, crippled with debt,

his business struggling to stay afloat,

prematurely and deliberately ended the life of Saskia Stanley.

Did you know her new will benefited you over her family?

And that gives me motive?

-What if Tony did what Mum wanted?

-She would've told us.

-We've not discussed the video.

-What video?

We made it together. It explains everything.

-So where is it?

-It was there when I left Saskia, when I went out.

You couldn't bear to see your ex-wife with someone else! Isn't that it?

-No.

-And you'd like to see Mr Powell found guilty regardless of the truth?

Ridiculous!

I'm now willing to be a witness for the defence.

You will NOT help that man get away with murdering my wife!

We can pick things up from where we left off.

Karl! Calm down. You need to get yourself in the right frame of mind to stand up in court, you know.

You've put me in the right frame of mind, don't worry about that!

CAR STARTS UP AND DRIVES AWAY

-Morning.

-(Morning.)

Anything exciting?

Just some research for Smithy

on European forklift truck safety standards.

You're finding the time to do work for others?

Even with the pressures of the case?

I manage the best I can.

Well, it's just I've been waiting a week for your thoughts

on that Law Commission study.

It's absolutely the next thing on my list.

Why do always feel like I'm being fobbed off by you?

That's not my intention.

-Do I not ask you nicely enough?

-Always helps.

-Morning, ladies. Is there a problem?

-I haven't got a problem.

-Good, then everyone's happy.

-So we are.

Wouldn't it be wise to bite your lip?

-At least until your vote's over.

-Believe me, I am.

Morning. Quick word?

-I've gone over Karl Rankine's wit...

-I photocopied Tony's...

THEY LAUGH NERVOUSLY

-Business as usual, right?

-Business as usual.

-I don't know what we're doing.

-No, me neither.

Let's get to court.

Can I get a taxi to 8 Garner Place, please? Straight away. Thank you.

COMPUTER BLEEPS

HIS MOBILE RINGS

HE CUTS THE CALL

How do I get a message to someone in court?

No, no, no, a defendant. Well, there must be a way!

It shall be the truth, the whole truth

and nothing but the truth.

Mr Rankine, can you please tell the court

-how long you've known Tony Powell?

-Eight years or so.

-And how long have you been an employee at his garage?

-Same.

-Do you socialise outside of work?

-Yeah.

How close would you say you were?

Fairly, I suppose.

-Would you talk about personal matters, for example?

-Sometimes.

And sometimes not, apparently.

Now, I believe you were there

when Saskia Stanley first came into the garage.

-What do you recall of their first meeting?

-I don't really remember.

But you did witness the relationship growing?

I guess.

-Er, were you aware of the financial difficulties the business was having?

-Yeah.

-Why do you think that might have been?

-I don't know.

-You must have a view, Mr Rankine.

He could be too generous with customers.

He never chased a payment.

So, what do you think it was about Tony Powell

that made him deal with his customers in this way?

I know what you want me to say.

That he was too nice, too honest. Yeah, well, he was.

I thought he was.

But then, I didn't know he was knocking off my missus behind my back.

Oh, and this is before Saskia died.

Your Honour, might I take a few minutes to receive instructions

from my client at this point?

I rather think you should.

OK, let me paint you a picture.

A devoted partner, tending to the woman he loves

as she fights for her life.

She makes a difficult decision, asks if he'll help.

Because he loves her so much, he agrees,

knowing that he'll have to take whatever punishment comes his way.

Only it turns out that that devoted partner

was knocking off the girlfriend of his best mate.

-Kind of undermines the story.

-It wasn't anything.

You think that's what the jury are thinking right now?

I asked you to be open and honest with me, Mr Powell.

You weren't.

You need to tell me the whole truth

and you need to tell me it right now.

It was a very foolish thing that happened

when I was very low and very lonely.

Where is he? You've got five seconds to think up something plausible.

I honestly don't know, Nicole. I'm sorry.

-He might have said he was off out for a drink with some mates.

-Oh, yeah? What's her name?

I really don't know what he's up to.

-I always choose the Jack-the-lad. What's wrong with me?

-Nothing.

He's an idiot if he doesn't treat a woman like you right.

How's Saskia?

-Not great.

-You know, I never hear you complain.

Can't imagine what you're coping with.

Just feel really guilty whenever I'm not there.

Yeah, I know.

It was a huge mistake. I was feeling vulnerable.

But it only happened a couple of times,

and then, she starts Facebooking and texting me

and talking about this "thing" we've got.

We didn't have a thing. It was nothing.

And believe me, I regret it more than anything.

Haven't you ever done something you've regretted?

You actually think you can do it?

I think so.

Actually stand up in court and defend him?

Would you be angry if I did?

No. It's complicated. It's your decision.

-Do you think Dad would forgive me?

-I can't answer that.

I think it's between you and him.

He's meeting me here in a bit.

-Well, then, I'm out of here.

-You can't just avoid him.

-Oh, I can.

That's one of Dad's cronies. I'm going.

What do you want me to say to Dad?

Say what you like. See you later.

Dan. How you doing?

You know.

Your dad keeps me posted

-and I watched a bit of the trial.

-How come?

-To keep an eye on things.

That scumbag's going down.

And if he doesn't, we'll still make his life difficult, eh?

Take care of yourself.

Mr Vaughn, I'm Valerie Morney and I'll be representing you.

Well, hello, Valerie.

-Shall we get down to business?

-I like the sound of that.

Right, your neighbour, Mr Brudenell, claims he is unable to work or sleep

due to the excessive noise you make when weight training.

I'm a personal trainer. I need to train.

Your neighbour recorded it at over 90 decibels which is louder than

a tractor, a chainsaw

or a squealing pig.

Well, I make a lot of noise when I get physical

because I push myself to the limit.

Well, a judge is going to regard that noise as excessive.

Is there no way you could train elsewhere?

I've spent a lot of money converting my home gym.

This is my business.

Well, it's always better to offer some sort of compromise.

How about an agreed training schedule that would avoid times when your neighbour is at home?

-I guess that might be a solution.

-When we get down to court, let me talk to his barrister.

-I don't think we'll need to go in front of a judge.

-Do you work out?

-You look like you do.

-I don't get much chance.

You should. You've got great shoulders.

And it's good for building that upper body strength.

Great for the chest.

I could do you a personal programme, if you like.

We can't stop her, if that's what she wants to do.

She won't listen to me, but she might listen to you.

You know what, Dad? I don't know how I feel about all this.

I'm not even sure how I feel about what I said in court.

In what way?

We don't know what happened and we never will,

unless we find that tape.

There is no tape.

Again, we don't know.

You've changed your tune.

Maybe.

To be honest, I'm really disappointed.

I know how you feel.

Have your colleagues been harassing Tony?

-What?

-I just saw Murray.

So, you do know about it?

Listen, don't you lose sight of what's important,

and what's important here is getting justice for your mother.

Your colleagues have been harassing Tony. That doesn't bother you?

Keep your voice down.

Do you know why I've changed my mind?

It's because of you, Dad.

You decided Tony was guilty and that was that.

You don't care that he's being harassed - he's fair game.

I stood up in court and said my bit

and I've just ended up regretting it.

I don't know what happened to Mum.

It's not up to me to send Tony to prison.

And it's not up to you, either.

-This is insane.

-Look, don't think about it.

How can we not think about it?

Look, I have to go and so do you.

This has got to stop.

Yeah, but I don't want it to.

I'm asking you to.

Look, let's talk about it another time.

Please, Nicole, just go, eh?

I'll call you.

-How is she?

-I think she's asleep.

-I'll just poke my head in.

-I said, she's asleep.

Dad, just let him go and see her.

MOBILE PHONE BEEPS

Hello, darling.

Oh, hey, you.

What time is it?

It's about 7.30.

You're back late.

Yeah, well...

You work too hard.

How are you doing?

Disaster.

Total and utter disaster.

Why?

I tried to talk to Dan.

Oh?

Just really vaguely.

Just floating the idea of...

..what if I got too ill and I needed some help?

-And?

-He freaked.

I mean, I just wasn't expecting it.

But you'll help me, won't you?

We can't do this without your family.

Why not?

We need to call Tony Powell back to the witness stand.

Metzler will tear him to bits.

The entire basis of our defence is in pieces.

The jury think the guy's a snake,

-if he can lie about this, he can lie about anything.

-We could make it worse.

Right, when he said it wasn't an affair, it was just a mistake...

did you believe him?

Yeah. I did, actually.

Well, we've got something to work with.

I told you I didn't want to know.

-I haven't said a word.

-Except to my son!

-I didn't say anything!

-You said enough, he worked it out. You're an idiot.

-I'm just doing what you asked.

-I never asked you to do anything.

-Yeah, but you gave me the nod.

-But I expected discretion.

-We're doing this for you, Gov. And your family.

-Who else is involved?

-On second thoughts, I don't want to know.

-Your son should be pleased.

-Yeah, well, he's not.

-Yeah. Well, then you should talk some sense into him.

I don't take that from you!

Sorry, Gov.

Has Powell seen you?

Oh, great!

You know your problem, Murray? You're careless.

You leave Powell alone now.

You understand. It's over. Completely over. Got it?

Yes, Gov.

COUGHS

So you're back! How are the sleepless nights?

Oh, we're coping. I've got Ed trained to do the night feeds.

I can see your eyes glazing over, Valerie.

-Not at all.

-Come on, you're not the baby type, you don't have to pretend.

Neither were you.

Anyway who says I'm not?

It's a good thing! Not towing the married and kids line.

Right. Brass tacks.

My client's willing to exercise to an agreed timetable to avoid disturbing your client.

So let's put this to bed.

-Not as simple as that, I'm afraid. My client is seeking compensation.

-For what?

-Working hours lost through disrupted sleep.

-You have advised him that's ridiculous?

Far from it. My client works nights and sleeps days.

Or he would do if it wasn't for your client's sweaty grunting.

Which he's willing to put a stop to when it affects your client's precious slumber.

I'm sorry but Mr Brudenell's quite set

on pursuing the compensation avenue.

Well, then, I think this might be quite fun.

I got you a coffee, Miss Mornay. I guessed no sugar.

You're sweet enough.

Is that your client?

He's a bit full on, to be honest.

Come on, Valerie, you've clearly still got it.

And he knows it.

Mr Powell. Did you have an illicit relationship with Nicole Jones?

I wouldn't call it a relationship.

But there was something going on between the two of you?

Yes.

At what stage in Saskia's illness did this occur?

It was after she'd become bed bound.

She was on a fair amount of diamorphine.

Things were starting to look pretty bleak.

So what state of mind were you in?

I think that was the problem.

I couldn't talk to anyone about any of it.

My mind was going crazy. I couldn't concentrate on work.

I was a real mess.

And who initiated it?

She did. But I accept that I didn't try and stop her.

What would you say to the suggestion that you were,

at least at that point, starting to think about a life after Saskia?

That wasn't it. No. Not for a moment.

And how long did it go on for?

Just happened two or three times.

All along I knew that it was terrible, terrible mistake.

And is that still the way you feel?

It was a stupid, selfish thing to do and I regret it deeply.

Unfortunately Mr Brudenell's after compensation for working hours lost through lack of sleep.

What? I can't lose this case. I can't get a criminal record!

-Mr Vaughn, this is a civil case. No-one is getting a criminal record.

-Oh! Good.

I also fancy our chances in front of a judge.

Well, I'm sure you know what you're doing.

I do. So trust me.

Happily.

I mean there's a lot to be said with putting yourself in the hands of experience.

Is that something you've done often?

Not as often as I'd like.

Well, that could easily change.

How often did you have sex with Nicole?

-Er, Your Honour.

-It is important, is it not,

to establish the nature of the intimacy with Ms Jones?

Mr Powell?

-Never.

-Not once?

-No.

But it was a physical relationship?

Barely.

'Barely'?

So what was the extent of the affair?

It wasn't an affair.

-It was a small mistake.

-A small mistake?

I think we'll let the jury will be the judge of that.

You were intimate with Ms Jones on several occasions at your garage were you not?

Yes.

Without the knowledge of her partner who happens to be your best friend?

-Yes.

-And without the knowledge of your own partner, bed ridden,

-terminally ill and in terrible discomfort?

-Yes.

Yes. Well, help me out here.

In what way is that not an affair?

I made it very clear that there was no future in it.

I see.

So once you'd realised your mistake, what did you do?

I just thought it best to...

..to pretend that it hadn't happened.

So you lied to your best friend and to your dying partner?

I didn't lie.

You lied by omission. Just as you have lied in this court.

-I have not lied!

-Really?

So when's the last time you saw Ms Jones?

-Yesterday morning.

-I'm sorry?

-Yesterday morning.

-And what was the occasion?

I stayed with her and Karl. They've been very supportive throughout the trial.

And when precisely did you tell Mr Rankine about the affair?

I didn't.

So...

..until he found out, you were happy to stay at your friend's house

and avail yourself of his hospitality,

knowing you had secretly been intimate with his partner?

And while working so closely together,

did you give Mr Rankine any cause for suspicion?

No.

Any cause at all to doubt your position, in his eyes,

as a decent, honourable man?

I suppose not.

Quite the actor, aren't we?

What other secrets do you harbour, Mr Powell?

None.

And why on Earth should the jury believe that any more?

Thanks for coming, love.

Whatever speech you've prepared is wasted on me, OK?

I haven't prepared any speech.

I honestly don't think I can forgive you, love,

if you stand up in court and defend that man.

I'm not defending him, I'm just saying what I believe and what I know.

You're being called as a defence witness.

They wouldn't be calling you unless they thought you could help their cause.

Why would Tony have killed Mum? It doesn't make sense.

Apart from all the money he was due to inherit?

She was dying anyway.

I think he'd had enough.

He cared about her. You know he did.

He was having an affair with his best mate's missus

while your mother was lying in her sick bed.

Where did you hear that?

His best mate just stood up and told the court.

You still want to defend him?

He's going down, love.

Everyone knows he's a liar now. Doesn't matter what you do.

But it will matter to your conscience.

So please, love, think hard

before you do something you're going to regret.

Sorry, love.

Mr Vaughn accepts that the noise he makes is excessive,

though not unusual for someone engaged in strenuous physical activity.

He has attempted to make his peace with Mr Brudenell.

He has offered to train at specific times to avoid disturbing him.

He's even offered to train elsewhere,

despite having installed a home gym at considerable expense.

Your Honour, this case was totally avoidable.

We submit that Mr Brudenell's claim for damages

is totally without legal foundation,

motivated purely by a desire

for unwarranted and excessive compensation.

We therefore submit this case be rejected in its entirety,

and Mr Vaughn's costs be paid in full by the claimant.

I heard your Chambers were giving you the run around on voting you in.

What do you want?

Well, I just wanted to say, if you don't get the vote,

the door to our Chambers is wide open.

I can't make guarantees, but I do hold a fair bit of sway.

We need new blood. And you'd be valued in the right way...

for your qualities, not for anything else.

You give it some thought?

It's a fine junior you've got there. Hope you're treating her properly.

What do you want, Metzler?

Not sure recalling your defendant quite came off. What do you think?

I think I'm not going to discuss the case with you, that's what I think.

I imagine you wouldn't in your position. Hopeless as it is.

I wouldn't start celebrating just yet.

It would be no personal triumph to win this case. But it would be a moral victory.

-Like you'd know anything about what's morally...

-All right boys, playtime's over.

Good girl.

Keep him on a tight leash.

Yeah I know, I know, it's ridiculous.

The guy just winds me up.

He doesn't have to do much.

I realise that. He's right, though.

It's not exactly like we've had a great day.

I believe Tony. I believe it was a mistake, that was all.

It doesn't matter what we believe.

But if that's what happened, and that's true,

then we have to be able to persuade the jury, right?

Yeah, but even then we have to acknowledge

they'll never see him as trustworthy again.

Juries can be quite moralistic.

No, this comes down to whether we can persuade them

that Mrs Stanley clearly wanted to end her own life.

That is now our line of argument.

Let's begin.

You deserve a lot worse.

Like what? Smash my lights in again? Set your colleagues on me? You're a coward.

-I can fight my own fights. Try me.

-I don't want to fight you.

-Unlucky. I do.

-Why?

-Are you serious?

Saskia made her own choices, you should respect that.

Do you know why I'm fighting? To make sure you pay for what you did.

Wouldn't you have done the same?

She didn't ask you. You talked her into it.

Don't you understand? She was dying. I just helped her die the way she wanted to.

I know you're angry.

You have no idea! You can't imagine how I feel.

You reckon, do you?

You keep spouting your little story.

But nobody's going to believe you.

Especially now we know about your nasty little affair.

You're finished.

You're going down. And I can't wait.

Without the videotape the only thing that shows

Saskia's wish to kill herself was the goodbye note.

I think it's a mistake to focus on that.

But why? We discredited the graphologist.

But we haven't had a witness prove its authenticity.

It's not enough to hang a theory on.

Maybe not. What else have we got?

Well, Saskia talked to her family about ending her own life.

So we know she was planning it.

And we know she could have administered the injection herself.

Maybe we need to get a bit more out of Jessica Stanley.

MOBILE PHONE BEEPS

Oh...

Bad news?

My ex-boyfriend's started texting me again.

Oh.

Guess he's realised he's made a mistake.

Well, you don't realise how bad something is until you've got out of it.

Sorry, that's just from my experience. I'm not talking about your scenario.

It's fine, I didn't think you meant anything. It's OK.

Right well,

I think I'm going to take this work home.

OK, I think I'm just going to stay here.

OK.

OK,

well, I'll see you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow.

I don't know how I can thank you enough.

Just doing my job.

Well, you're very good at it. Seriously, that was amazing.

If only all my clients were as grateful and charming.

Well, I was serious about you coming to my gym. Here.

A free session.

And we'll work on that programme.

OK. You're on. How about tomorrow, six o'clock?

Erm...yeah. Six is fine.

And how about a drink afterwards?

That might be tricky.

Yeah, I'm sure you've other plans.

It's just it's... it's my fiancee's birthday.

And it's a big one. It's her 21st.

So I can't really miss it.

Oh, God. I'm sorry. You know,

we were just having a bit of fun and I didn't mean to.

No. No, I didn't mean...

Yeah, it was just innocent...

No. No, it was. It really was.

I meant, a drink as friends.

Sure. Yeah!

So, six tomorrow.

Yep sure, sure, yep.

I'm sorry, but I don't want to talk about it.

If you felt nothing for me, you should have told me.

-Is it true?

-It's water under the bridge, just leave it at that.

I don't want to leave it. I thought we had something going on, me and you.

-We did. But it wasn't a good idea.

-You said, if it wasn't for Karl...

I never said anything of the sort. You're putting words in my mouth.

Look, I tried to be honest with you, But you wouldn't listen.

That's not my fault.

Oh, well, stupid me for getting it wrong then.

I won't bother you again.

I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry.

PHONE BEEPS

Sorry, did I make you jump?

Have you managed to find the time in your busy schedule to fit me in?

Not yet. But the case will be over soon and I can do it then.

But the vote will be over soon

and you can't expect to win if you don't make the effort.

I'm making every effort I can, Valerie.

I'm sorry that's not enough for you.

Oh, you make an effort when you want to.

It's just a little selective.

I'll show you the workload if you want.

Oh, you're rushed off your feet. You've made that quite clear to anyone who'll listen.

You know, if this is some kind of silly test then it's ridiculous.

Oh, don't act like you're doing us all a favour just by doing your job.

It's the role of a pupil.

You know, I don't think you'd talk to me like this if I was a man.

Looking for a friend from the sisterhood? Positive discrimination?

-It's just my opinion.

-Which you'd be wise to keep to yourself.

This is the way things are done here, Julie.

You start at the bottom, work hard and you button your lip.

-We've all been there.

-Except you.

Your father was a judge.

I bet it was really hard for you to get into Chambers(!)

Well, we all know how disadvantaged you are.

We've heard. The crippling debt.

Your poor mother re-mortgaging her house just so you could be here.

What are you going to do if you don't win the vote?

Are you worried letting a commoner in might spoil your profession?

-Is that why you don't like me?

-You're a class warrior now?

-I thought this was all about gender?

-I think it's a bit of both.

You're right. I don't like you.

But not because of who you are.

More because you're rude, and petulant and full of yourself.

You might have Ridley wrapped round your little finger but we're not all as gullible.

Good luck with the vote.

You know, you're just one of those women.

I'm sorry?

You want to make it to the top but you'll make damn certain no other women do.

I will ensure you regret saying that to me.

How dare she talk to me that way.

Good heavens, I think you're rather upset.

Well observed. I don't know why I bother with this stupid job!

It's too much bloody sacrifice and not enough reward.

Brace yourself for Julie sticking around, people are warming to her,

think she's got talent, even if coupled with attitude.

I don't think I can stand working here looking at her face every day.

Then you better find our members a good reason not to vote her in.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Hi.

Thanks for your email.

Well, thanks for your response.

Come in.

I warn you, I am in a terrible mood.

I've had the mother of all bust ups with Valerie.

It was a nightmare. I wish I'd never opened my mouth. She winds me up so much.

Listen, let's not talk about that woman for a bit.

Agreed.

I can't tell you how much I...

Me too.

Won't your wife wonder where you are?

Well, I'll say I'm working late.

-Say I'm with friends, whatever.

-Won't she guess?

Can we maybe not talk about my wife either?

Maybe I need to stop talking.

Maybe you should.

I don't want to talk to you, respect that.

-I know you've probably heard...

-Did you hear me?

Are you still going to stand as a witness?

Have you any idea of the position you've put me in with my family?

Yeah, I appreciate it...

You don't appreciate anything.

BABY CRIES

I'm so angry with you for treating Mum like that.

You're a pig to do that to her.

-I know.

-I don't even know the truth.

I think you do. If you could see what your mum said on that videotape.

What videotape, Tony?

Where is it?

Maybe Dad's right and it's a figment of your imagination.

Perhaps I've misjudged you.

You lied to Mum.

Maybe you've lied to all of us.

No, the tape's real. She said goodbye to you.

She really did.

So where is it?

I don't know what I'm going to do.

I'm sorry.

You ready?

Let's begin.

To my darling son and daughter,

to Neil,

and all my family and friends.

This is no way to say goodbye, I know, but,

it's the way that I've chosen and I hope you can forgive me for that.

I want you to remember me alive,

lucid,

and thinking of you.

Subtitles by Red bee Media Ltd

E-mail [email protected]