Tue, Jan 9, 1979
Gerald Elliot, a retired senior police officer, formed a neigbourhood watch programme with Leonard Dugdale and Anne Sutcliffe. They apprehended a local youth - David Bodger - whom they suspected of committing vandalism. They then took Bodger to Mrs. Sutcliffe's home for "questioning" before referring him to the police. All three are now on trial accused of actual bodily harm - Bodger alleges he was doing nothing wrong and was beaten up by them. The defendants all protest their innocence. They argue that Bodger was drunk and attacked them; they only struck him in reasonable self-defence.
Tue, Apr 3, 1979
Dorothy Ryan is accused of grievous bodily assault against social worker Hilary Henshaw. Miss Henshaw had deemed that Mrs. Ryan was incapable of looking after her four children and the Prosecution claim that Ryan first threatened Miss Henshaw with violence then attacked her in the car park leaving her covered in blood. The Defence case is that there was no assault - Ryan was upset at the decision but merely wanted to talk to the social worker but slipped on icy ground which resulted in her accidentally knocking her to the ground.
Tue, May 1, 1979
Rita Finch made a very positive impression in her new job in a children's home, in particular showing an ability to manage troubled teenager Kevin Laurence. However she now finds herself on trial accused of indecently assaulting him. The Prosecution allege she allowed her positive connection with Kevin to slide into an unprofessional and intimate relationship. While she accepts her fondness for him she insists their relationship was never intimate and particular doubt is cast on the motives and honesty of chief prosecution witness and former colleague Adelaide Perkins.