#20010320

Andy and Kathy gang up on Robert about Richie possibly having told him Jack set the fire after Richie’s testimony hits the paper while Robert assures them it didn’t happen. Diane catches Angie eavesdrops on the courtroom proceedings - it’s forensics turn to testify. Kathy gets words it’s time for the boys to go to court and yes, they want her to go with them. Angie testifies about the incident before the fire and ignoring her advice about Jack.

Next up to testify is Diane who is questioned about Jack’s threats he made in the pub, his financial troubles and his mood. Diane’s testimony doesn’t help Jack feeling it was all twisted around her. Meanwhile, Kathy leaves Emily and her friend Ed to look after Victoria while she and the boys go to court (we don’t see them again in the episode). John Jacob Sugden is called next…

Jack’s testimony continues with what happened on the night of the fire, how he couldn’t do anything in the end for Sarah, he had to save himself. When it comes to cross examination, Browning goes at him hard about his intentions toward harming Richie bringing up his going after him at hospital. Browning insinuates Jack might have been violent against Sarah previously, not publicly (they’ll never know now, will they?). The gist according to Browning is that Jack is willfully trying to deceive the court, with no way of collaborating his story.

Jack testifies about his herd being diagnosed with TB, missing out on a grant. It was one disaster after another. Then the separation, keeping the family together but the last straw was losing Victoria. Jack being emphatic he’d never destroy or damage his farm for any amount of insurance money, he’s physically incapable of doing so. They also go over the traces of petrol found on Jack and the gloves.