THE BOY IN THE PHOTO REPRESENTS DARREN
EPISODE #103 IN FANFIC
Jim is sitting in a chair looking distressed
Jim - What a mess! What a bloody mess
Cheryl - What are we going to do now?
Jim rubs his hand across his forehead
Jim - I wish I knew, Geoff wants another 10 grand now. How am I going to get that when I can't even get the money he already wanted? This really is a mess!
Cheryl - We have to get the police now Jim, this is what we should have done from the start
Jim - I could sell the house...and the car. That would get a considerable amount of the money
Jim shakes his head in despair
Jim - But even then it still wouldn't be enough
Cheryl - Yes and you, Kath, and the twins will be left without a home as well no money. Think about it, will being homeless really help Kath?
Jim (annoyed) - I am trying to work out how to save her life and rescue her from a psychopath right now
Cheryl - I know but selling the house and the car isn't the answer. You said yourself that even after that you will still be short, only you'll all be homeless too with no money because you've given it all to Butler. It's simply not the answer and you know it
Jim - Then what is the answer, tell me that.
Cheryl - I already told you plenty of times, we need to get the police involved
Jim looks at Cheryl
Jim - It's dangerous can't you see? Butler made it clear that I mustn't get them involved
Cheryl - It's the only answer. we should have got them involved right from the start. They will know how to deal with this
Jim - Yes and if that bastard finds out they are involved that will be it, he will kill the three of them
Cheryl - There is nothing else we can do now and you know it
Jim nods his head
Jim - Yes I know, of course, I know. There is no way I am ever going to get all of the money he is asking for, I have no idea how he can even think I would be able to
Cheryl - He is greedy and clearly not right in the head, you can't expect him to be reasonable about it. That's why we need help from the police. We tried to handle it ourselves, but it didn't work so now its time to accept some help from people who know what they are doing
Wentworth
The governor's office
Sue is doing paperwork when there is a knock at the door
Sue - Come in
Vera enters
Vera - How are you settling in behind that desk?
Sue - Great thanks, it feels good to be here
Vera - I bet....did you tell your husband?
Sue - I did, I phoned him at work. He was thrilled!
Vera - Yes I can imagine he was, think of the salary increase!
Sue - I hate to sound pessimistic, but I can't help wondering now when I will have my first crisis to deal with. it's bound to happen sooner or later
Vera - And when it does you will handle it perfectly well
Sue - You reckon so?
Vera - Yes of course and we will all support you
Sue - Thanks Vera
Suddenly an unknown officer bursts in without knocking
Officer - Governor I'm sorry to burst in like this but there has been a serious incident on C Block! One of the women has been murdered, found with her throat slashed in her cell!
Vera and Sue look shocked
Sue - I think I am just about to find out how I will cope with my first crisis Vera
Vera turns to the officer
Vera - Which Prisoner was it?
Back with Jim and Cheryl
Cheryl - So what are we going to do Jim?
Jim - We're going to get the police in just as you say. I know we have to now, there are no other options left
Cheryl looks relieved
Cheryl -I am glad you realize that now Jim. I feel this is our only hope for getting them all back safely now
Jim - Well I certainly can't raise another £105 grand, it's just not possible...I just hope Geoff isn't having us spied on because if he is and he realizes he will lose it
Cheryl - I can call them now, and explain the situation. They will arrange to meet us carefully. They are trained to deal with these types of situations
Suddenly there is a knock at the door
Jim and Cheryl exchange a look
Cheryl - Expecting anyone?
Jim - No...
Cheryl rolls her eyes
Cheryl - I bet it's that stupid old fart Ron again!
Jim sighs
Jim - Yes probably.. I'll go and see what he wants
Jim goes to the door and is shocked by who is there
Helen Smart is there with Alicia
Sue and Vera are shocked
Sue - Shirley Harris? I never thought she was the type who would end up being murdered, she didn't have that many enemies
Vera - Yes I agree, this is strange
Sue picks up her phone
Sue - I suppose I had better inform the police and the next of kin
Officer - Governor that has already been taken care of, I saw to it myself. We can expect Inspector Grace anytime now
Vera rolls her eyes
Vera - Why must it be him all the time?
Sue - And you informed the next of kin too?
Officer - Yes, the mother. I hope you don't mind.
Sue - No of course not, it needed to be done. You showed you are a competent and responsible officer by taking control like that
Vera - How did the mother take it?
Officer - Not well, but then what can you expect? She has just been told her daughter has been murdered. She did mention her granddaughter though, Shirley's little girl Alicia and how upset she was for her losing her mother
Helen and Alicia are sitting in the lounge with Jim and Cheryl
Jim looks stunned
Jim - Dead? Shirley is dead?
Helen - Yes, someone slashed her throat apparently
Jim - My god..... I know we were over, but I still cared about her and never wanted this to happen to her. Does her mother know?
Helen - Yes, it was her mother who called me about half an hour ago to tell me. I have been looking after Alicia these past few weeks you see because old Judith can't cope with her, she is too old and frail now to look after a toddler. The thing is Mr Fletcher, I was only looking after her under the agreement that Shirley would take her back once she got out, but now.....
Helen pauses and bows her head
Helen - I can't look after her forever, Shirley won't be coming back now, Judith can't handle her. so...
Jim nods his head
Jim - So you think I should look after her?
Helen - Well you are her father!
Jim - I hardly know the kid thanks to Shirley. She kept her from me. I'm nothing more than a glorified stranger to her
Helen - Well now is your chance to get to know her. You are her father and she should be with you
Jim - And so you think you can just dump her on me right now with no warning? Do you think that's fair?
Helen - Maybe not, but it's hardly fair to expect me to care for someone else's kid indefinitely. I have my own life and I'm hardly the motherly type. Like I say I didn't mind when I thought that Shirley was coming for her eventually, but now..... She's your responsibility, not mine
Jim smiles and tries to keep his cool
Jim - Look Helen, can't you hold onto her just a little bit longer? Of course, I realize she is my responsibility and I will step up and accept it, but now is a really bad time. I have a problem I need to deal with, I can't deal with Alicia right now as well. Just hold on to her for say another week or so, please?
Helen - No way sweetie! I know that trick, first, it will be a week then it will be another week, and another...
Jim - It won't Helen, I promise
Helen - Sorry Sweetie, she's all yours right now. Her stuff is in the car, I'll go and get it
Helen leaves, leaving Jim and Cheryl alone with Alicia
Alicia scowls at them
Alicia - Where is my mummy? I haven't seen her for ages and I miss her!
Jim looks at Cheryl
Jim - This is just great isn't it? This is the last thing we need right now
Inspector Grace is with Sue and Vera, puffing away on a fag as usual
Grace - Did Harris have any known enemies?
Vera - I can't say I noticed no
Sue - Nor did i. This is why it's such a shock that she is dead
Grace - Well I'll have to interview the women on C Block. No point putting it off, I may as well start right away
Sue - Yes, of course, you can use the interview room. Vera go and get the c block women together
Vera - Yes Sue
Vera leaves the room
Sue and Grace are left alone
Se - The sad thing is Harris had a little girl. A little girl who has now lost her mother. By all accounts, the grandmother is old and frail so it makes you wonder who will look after the poor kid now doesn't it...
Helen returns with two suitcases
Helen - All her stuff is in here
Jim - Listen, Smart, I think you're being bloody unreasonable here
Helen - Oh really Mr Fletcher and why's that?
Cheryl - Because Jim has explained to you that he has other problems to deal with right now
Helen - We all have problems, Cheryl, I have had a problem for the past months, dealing with someone else's little brat. Frankly, Shirley and Judith have been a pain in the behind, the pair of them expecting me to help out, and never mind I have my own life and don't even like children very much!
Jim - Is it really too much to ask that you hang on to her until I have resolved my current problems?
Helen - Sorry but yes it is, I have been lumbered with the kid for too long now, enough is enough...well goodbye!
Helen begins to leave as Jim runs out with her
Jim - Hold on a second!
Helen - I have said all I am going to say...
Jim - You haven't told her about her mother yet, have you?
Helen - No, you're her father, you tell her
Jim - You're being a bitch Smart, I always used to think you were one of the nicer more reasonable of the women when you were at Wentworth
Helen - I am as nice and as reasonable as the next person Mr. Fletcher, but I can be pushed to my limits just as much as anyone can. I am expected to look after someone else child and I am telling you it's not on! It's not like I was ever even that close to Harris, we shared a cell at Barnhurst for six months and got on well, that's all, but I made the mistake of giving her my address when I was released and telling her she was welcome anytime. I never should have done that because then she proved to be a total nuisance! The woman was even on the run from the law when she turned up at my door asking for a place to hide out with no concern for the trouble I could have been in if the cops had ever found out I hid her
Jim - Well she could be a selfish bitch, I know that. She hid the fact I even had a daughter from me for three years
Helen - And as I say now is your chance to bond with her...she's all yours. Shirley is gone for good, Judith can't look after her and all she has left is you...now goodbye!
Helen leaves
Jim returns to Cheryl and Alicia
Jim - What am I going to do now? I need to focus on getting Kath home safely, I can't deal with this right now
Cheryl - We'll just have to cope somehow
Jim - On top of looking after the twins?
Cheryl - Well perhaps Ron will help out, or even Miss Bennett?
Jim sits beside Alicia
Jim - Hello darling, remember me? I'm your daddy!
Alicia scowls at Jim
Alicia - I don't have a daddy! Where is Auntie Helen?
Jim - Auntie Helen had to leave, you will be staying here with me
Alicia - Where is mummy?
Jim - I'm afraid mummy isn't here!
Alicia - I WANT MUMMY OR AUNTIE HELEN!
Alicia gets up and runs out of the room
Cheryl - I'll go after her
Cheryl runs off after Alicia
Jim sits looking stressed
Helen is with a frail elderly lady
Helen - I feel bad about doing this Judith, I really do. But I can't look after her anymore I have my own life
Judith - I understand dear, we asked enough of you as it was...she's my granddaughter, I should be looking after her, and believe me I would be if I could. But I am not well
Helen - I know, I understand. Jim is a good man, I know he will look after her
Judith - Well I hope so, I will have to drop by when I can to see Alicia and make sure he is looking after her. Thank you for giving me the address
Helen - You're her grandmother, of course, you have a right to know the address
Judith starts to cry
Judith - I just can't believe my daughter is dead, my darling Shirley! Who would want to murder my Shirley?
Helen - I'm sure the police will get to the bottom of it, sweetie
Judith - Well even if they do it won't bring my daughter back will it? I just can't make sense of it in my head, I never thought my own daughter would die before me, it's not the way it's supposed to be!
Helen comforts Judith as she cries
Grace is back with Sue and Vera in the office
Grace - I've found the culprit
Sue - Really? That was quick
Grace - Yes well it wasn't too hard to extract a confession from her, given how stupid she is
Vera - Who was it then?
Grace - Janet Williams
Sue and Vera look surprised
Vera - Williams? Did she say why she did it?
Grace - Oh yes.....it was an argument over cigarettes that caused it. Williams felt that Harris had pinched her packet of ciggies, and she demanded them back from Harris, Harris denied taking them and refused to hand them back so Williams killed her
Vera shakes her head in disbelief
Vera - Murdered over a packet of cigarettes! That is unbelievable
Sue - Yes, a life lost over something so trivial
Grace - I know, it's shocking, isn't it? The value of life means nothing to some of these women
Vera - Well what can you expect from an animal like Williams? She is one of the biggest pieces of scum I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with and believe me I have dealt with plenty of scum in this place. People like Williams should just be put to death and be done with it
Grace - Well I agree, if ever there was a case for bringing the death penalty back to Melbourne then Williams is a prime example
NOTE - The offscreen stuff in this episode is poking fun at how sometimes events will happen offscreen in soaps but will still play a role in the story or get mentioned a lot. Plus Janet Williams is a character i don't mind mentioning but she isn't important enough to actually appear
GATESLAM
PART 2
Cheryl is sitting down with Alicia
Cheryl - You see the thing is mummy isn't coming back, because.....well you see......well you know when people talk about a place in the sky called heaven? Well you see she's gone up there now!
Alicia smacks Cheryl in the face
Alicia - YOU LIAR! MY MUMMY ISN'T IN HEAVEN!
Cheryl - You little bitch! You do not hit me or anyone else ever you understand!
Alicia - I don't like you or that man, I just want my mummy
Cheryl - Listen, sweetheart, she isn't coming back. Now I know it's hard for you to understand but she went to a better place I promise you. Heaven is a nice place it really is, she is happy there and she is watching over you
Alicia - I HATE YOU, YOU'RE A LIAR!
Alicia runs out of the room
Later on Cheryl and Jim are sitting down together
Cheryl - Well I tried to tell her and it didn't go down too well...the little cow has a temper on her too, she hit me one
Jim - Thanks Cheryl, you didn't have to. It's not your problem it's mine
Cheryl - Right now you need all the help you can get and I am going to provide it
Jim - It's unacceptable that she hit you, I will have words with her about that
Cheryl - It doesn't matter, I've had much worse than what a three-year-old can give me
Jim - It's still unacceptable to hit people and I will make that clear to her
Cheryl - We need to get her to accept that her mother isn't coming back too
Jim - Yes....that should be fun.
Cheryl - We still need to deal with the other situation...
Jim - Yes
Cheryl - Shall we call the police right now?
Jim - Yes, we've left it long enough. I'll do it right now
Cheryl - No, you look wound up enough, let me do it
Jim - Well ok if you don't mind
Cheryl - Of course, I don't mind. I will explain the situation to them and they will know what to do
Cheryl goes to the hallway to the phone and starts to pick it up as the doorbell goes
She answers to find Judith at the door
Judith - You must be Kath?
Cheryl - No, I'm Cheryl, Kath's friend and you are?
Judith - I'm Judith, I'm Alicia's grandmother and I have come to see if she is ok
Cheryl - In that case, I suppose you'd better come in then
They go inside
Jim is sitting in his chair as they arrive at the lounge
Cheryl - Jim, this is Judith, Alicia's grandmother
Judith (cold) - We've met, only the one-time mind, years back
Jim - Yes, of course, I remember
Judith - I never thought you were good enough for my daughter and that was proved right when you decided not to step up to your responsibilities as a father
Cheryl looks angry
Cheryl - Actually Mrs Harris, Shirley never told...
Jim cuts her off
Jim - No it's ok Cheryl, let's not argue with Mrs Harris over this
Jim smiles at Judith
Jim - I am very sorry about Shirley's death, I mean that
Judith - Really? And why should you be sorry I wonder? I mean after all, you moved on with your life, marrying this Kath person so I'm told...perhaps you are sorry because it means you will finally be forced to take in the child you clearly didn't want
Cheryl - Mrs Harris, that is unfair...
Jim - Would you like to sit down?
Judith - Yes I think I had better, I've come over dizzy!
Judith sits down
Judith - My health isn't the best otherwise I would have Alicia with me!... I do hope you can look after her well!
Jim - I can, of course, I can
Judith - There is no of course about it, you haven't been her father for three years so I have no way of knowing if you can do the job. What a worry for me all this is!
Judith looks around
Judith - Where is she anyway?
Cheryl - She ran upstairs, I'm afraid I tried to tell her about her mother and she did not take it too well
Judith - Then go and fetch her for me, please! I must see her at once to make sure she is ok and to comfort her! She needs her nanny right now!
Cheryl - Yes of course Mrs Harris, I will get her for you right now
Cheryl leaves the room leaving Jim and Judith alone
Judith - I intend to keep a close eye on you, let me warn you right now
Jim - How long are you planning to stay today?
Judith - As long as I need to for me to be satisfied that Alicia is ok
Jim - It's just Cheryl and I have things to take care of...
Judith - And where is this Kath person may I ask?
Jim - She is not around right now!
Judith - Ah I see!....and while the cat's away the mice will play right! I might have guessed it, Shirley always said you were a womanizer!
Jim looks angry
Jim - No that's not what is happening here at all!
Judith - Yeah sure....and I came down with the last shower! Well, I don't care what you get up to behind your wife's back just as long as my Alicia is looked after well. It is clear I will have to visit all the time to make sure, Shirley would want me to keep my eye on her
Cheryl returns with Alicia. Alicia looks delighted to see Judith and runs into Judith's arms
Alicia - Nanny!
Judith - My sweetheart, are you ok?
Alicia bows her head and shakes it
Alicia - Auntie Helen left me here, I don't like it here
Judith - But this man is your daddy!
Alicia - I don't like him, I want to stay with you!
Judith - I'd love to have you, you know that. But I can't, I am sick. Remember that is why you had to live with Aunty Helen, to begin with
Alicia - Well where is mummy then? That nasty lady told me she is in heaven, but I don't believe her. My mummy isn't in heaven, I was told you never come back from there and my mummy is coming back isn't she? so how can she be in heaven if she is coming back? ...
Judith hugs her
Judith - Oh you poor little baby!...
...Jim is showing Judith out
Judith - I will be back soon to see her, you just make sure you look after her
Jim - Yes Mrs Harris, I will...
.....Cheryl is waiting in the lounge as Jim returns
Cheryl - Thank god she's gone, at last, I thought she would never go
Jim - So did I, I really could have done without all this right now
Cheryl - What a miserable old trout she is!
Jim - Hey let's try and be understanding here. She is old and clearly not in the best of health
Cheryl - So she is still a miserable trout and she was very harsh on you. I'm surprised you put up with the things she said
Jim - Yes well who can blame her? Shirley clearly lied to her about me. made her believe that I knew about Alicia when I didn't
Cheryl - Well why you didn't set her straight on that I don't understand
Jim - What would be the point? She wouldn't believe it and it would have caused an argument and I feel too drained for that right now. I feel so tired I wish I could sleep but I can't sleep while this is going on...I just worry about what Kath will think about all this when she comes back, I doubt she will be too thrilled about taking on someone else's kid, especially when she has baby twins to care for
Cheryl - Yes well let's worry about that when she comes home, we need to focus on getting her home safely first, that's the main thing right now
Jim - Yes, I just wish she wasn't going to be coming home to this that's all. It's going to be a shock for her
Cheryl - Well anyway now that Judith's gone, it's time to finally call the police and finally do something to get them back safe
Jim nods his head
Jim - I just hope this will work and not put them all in even more danger
Cheryl makes her way to the phone...
...Cheryl is on the phone
Cheryl - Yes thank you, goodbye
Cheryl puts the phone down
Jim is standing nearby
Cheryl - They want you to meet Inspector Grace tomorrow morning at a solicitor's office in town. They will discuss it more then. I can stay here and look after Alicia and the twins
Jim - Thanks Cheryl, what would I do without you here?
Cheryl - I think you should go upstairs and try and sleep now, you look shattered
Jim - I am, but I know I won't be able to sleep until I get Kath, Bob, and Meg back safe
Cheryl - Well try to get some sleep anyway, you really do look as if you need it
Jim - Yes ok I'll try
Jim makes his way upstairs
Richard is sitting playing with a meal and looking sad
Janice - You've hardly touched your dinner
Richard - I'm not really very hungry tonight
Janice - Thinking about tomorrow?
Richard - Yes. Lets face it my son is going down for a long time
Janice - Yes without a doubt. All you can do is be there for him
Richard - But i can't stand the thought of him rotting in prison for many years. He is still so young and its such a waste He could have done so much more with his life. Plus i know it was that evil bitch who manipulated him
Janice - Yes i know Clements has a lot to answer for. But. as harsh as it may sound, Darren has to take responsibility as well
Richard - I know love i know. I Just wish it wasn't happening that is all
In a male young offenders prison Darren is in his cell when his cell mate arrives. His cellmate is Jeremy Battersby
Jeremy - So you're getting sentenced tomorrow right?
Darren - Yes and i am looking at a life sentence.
Jeremy - I don't know why. I reckon you did the world a favour ridding it of Dwyer. and you should get a medal for it
Darren smiles - I doubt the law or the judge will see it like that
Jeremy - Well whatever happens you'll be alright in here with me as a celly. We'll look out for each other right man?
Darren smiles
Darren - Yeah right man. You've been great with me since i came in here Jerry. You really know how to get by in here
Jeremy - Yeah i've been in a while now and i've learnt everything about how too make it bearable
Darren - You almost seem happy in here?
Jeremy - Yes i guess i am kind of happy here
Darren looks surprised
Jeremy - Surprise you huh?
Darren - Yes a bit
Jeremy - Well you see on the outside all i had was an abusive family. I was abused and miserable. In here at least i am away from them
Darren - Ah i see yes I guess it makes more sense now
Jeremy - The other thing is i've toughened up a lot in here. I am in the gym every day putting on muscle. I do boxing and i've learned how to fight and look after myself. I will be the top boy in here soon and i'll make a good life for myself. As long as you stick with me, Daz, i'll make sure you're ok
Darren - No worries. You've been very good to me and i will support you when you become the top boy
Jeremy - Anyway i'm getting sentenced tomorrow too. We'll be going to court to find out our punishments together
Cheryl tucks Alicia up in bed
Cheryl - Now your daddy is in bed and he is tired, he needs to sleep. So try and be a good girl and stay quiet tonight ok?
Alicia - Go to hell!
Cheryl - Oh my, you really have an attitude and quite the mouth on you for such a little girl don't you!
Alicia turns away from Cheryl
Alicia - I hate you all, I just want my mummy!
Cheryl looks sad and strokes her hair
Cheryl - My mother went to heaven too darling, I know it hurts. I miss my mummy too but you will be ok I promise you
Alicia - I don't like the man!
Cheryl - But the man is your daddy darling, he will look after you now. You need to get used to him, give him a chance to be your daddy
Alicia - I HATE HIM AND I WISH HE WAS DEAD INSTEAD OF MY MUMMY!
GATESLAM
PART 3
Exterior shot of Richard's house in daylight
Richard and Janice are sitting at the table and Richard plays with his food
Janice - I know I burnt it a bit but it's not really that bad is it?
Richard manages a weak smile
Richard - No love, it's very nice, you are a great cook. I'm just not very hungry this morning. He is going down for a long time today I know it
Janice comforts Richard
Janice - I can't pretend I know what you are going through right now since I have never been in such a situation...but I can imagine if my Tommy was in a situation like this...if he was older and still with me, I know it would kill me to see him go to prison for murder, so I understand how much it must hurt
Richard -It makes it worse when I know that it is all that bitch Sandra's fault. I really bloody hate her for it!
Janice - And that's understandable. I know its easier said than done but try not to think about her too much today as it certainly won't help Darren
Richard sighs and looks at the clock
Richard - We'd best make a move in a minute
In prison Jeremy is in the prison gym working out when a screw comes to get him
Screw - Boy its time to go to court...
...Darren is waiting in reception when Jeremy is brought out
They are taken out and put in the van
Jeremy - Well boy its judgment day
Darren - I'm terrified man
Jeremy - Just relax and go with the flow. I know its easier said than done but its not like you have any control over it so no point getting in a state about it
Richard and Janice are arriving at court when Richard spots Wendy Dwyer hanging around outside court
Richard - Oh god, no look, who is here too
Janice see's Wendy
Janice - Well James was her husband we have to expect her to be there to see his killer sentenced
Richard - Yes i know i just don't think i can face seeing her gloating or whatever she's come here for. I feel sorry for her for losing her husband of course i do but i'm also losing my son today and she's bound to make what is already a hellish situation even worse
Jeremy and Darren are sitting in a cell inside the court
Darren - Its all this waiting around i hate the most. Its torture. Whatever is going to happen i'd rather just get it over with rather than sit around waiting for hours
Jeremy - Yes that is true i agree. The time goes by very slowly while we wait here
A guard opens the door
Guard - Come with me Battersby its time
Jeremy stands up
Jeremy - Well see you later Darren
Darren - Good luck in there
Jeremy - Good luck to you too boy
Jeremy leaves with the guard leaving Darren alone in the cell...
...Jeremy arrives in the court dock. He scans the public gallery but none of his family are there. Shanice of course is back in Wentworth so can't be there but Des and Kyle are also not there
Jeremy looks disappointed but not surprised
Judge - So it says in my report that you attacked a prison warden and wounded him very badly. Do you have anything to say about it?
Jeremy shrugs and grins
Jeremy - What do you expect me to say about it?
Judge - Well are you sorry. Do you have remorse
Jeremy just grins more and more
Jeremy - I have no remorse Sir. that screw was a bastard. I am glad i hurt him and he deserved it
Judge - I see. Well in that case you've blown any chance you had for leniency and will face the maximum punishment. Jeremy Battersby i sentence you to 10 years imprisonment for that
Jeremy doesn't look bothered about it
A while later Darren is standing in the dock while an anxious Richard sits with Janice in the public gallery
Judge - Do you wish to say anything before i sentence you?
Darren - Yeah sure , Sir, i want to say i'm sorry, proper sorry man, for what i did
Judge - I see. Well at least that's something i suppose. And why did you do it?
Darren shrugs and holds back from revealing the true story
Darren - I don't know why i did it Sir really
Judge - Well anyway now i'll proceed with the sentencing. The cold-blooded and senseless murder of Mr Dwyer is something this court cannot take lightly. I can find no mitigating circumstances for the crime, nor can I see a reason to take your age into account. You are 18 and so old enough to know that your actions were deeply wrong and wicked. It also concerns me how young people think guns are cool or that it's no big deal to end a life. I worry that other youngsters in this country will look up to you and see you as some sort of hero, therefore I feel an example must be made of you. This was not a heroic act, this was a violent and cowardly murder. Furthermore, the victim was a man of importance, a politician...I believe you committed this murder for no other reason than that you knew he was high profile and you knew it would be a big news story. You did it for attention, you did it so that your name would be in the papers, your face on the news, you did it for five minutes of fame, for a thrill, because you were bored, because you were sick in the head....any one of those reasons or maybe all of them combined! In any case, this was an exceptionally serious crime and this court will impose a punishment equally as serious...Darren Matthew Clements, I sentence you to life imprisonment with no option for parole, you will spend the rest of your life in prison with plenty of time to reflect on your crime
Darren falls on his knees in the dock and buries his head in his hands as he quietly sobs
Richard cries out with despair and leaps out of his seat
Richard - NO!...NO YOU CAN'T SENTENCE HIM TO DIE IN PRISON, HE IS ONLY 18! AT LEAST GIVE HIM A CHANCE FOR PAROLE ONE DAY!
The judge is irate
Judge - Silence!
Janice - Sweetheart calm down please, you'll get done for contempt of court if you keep this up
Richard ignores her and carries on
Richard - SHE BRAINWASHED HIM! MY WIFE SANDRA CLEMENTS, WAS BEHIND ALL THIS AND SHE GETS AWAY WITH IT AND MY SON GETS TO SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE IN PRISON AT 18 YEARS OLD! THIS IS ALL WRONG! TELL ME WHERE THE JUSTICE IS IN SENDING A TEENAGER TO PRISON TO DIE. HE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE SOMEDAY, PLEASE!
The judge is angry
Judge - REMOVE THAT MAN FROM THIS COURT!
The guards grab Richard and begin to drag him out
Richard - THIS IS ALL WRONG! MY BOY KNOWS WHAT HE DID WAS WRONG BUT AT LEAST LET HIM HAVE A CHANCE FOR PAROLE ONE DAY, HE IS TOO YOUNG TO DO A FULL LIFE TERM!
Janice rushes out after them
The guards drag Richard along roughly
Janice -Come on fellas, don't be so rough hey. He is upset that's all, that was his son who just got life in there
Guard - You can shut ya face, we'll be as rough as we like. This man was causing a disruption in court!
They lead Richard out
Guard -Don't come back in and think yourself lucky you were not done for contempt of court
The guards go back inside leaving Janice and Richard alone
Richard - Life with no parole? Oh god, I knew he was going to get a life sentence but I thought there would be parole, I never imagined they would send him to prison forever
Janice - He murdered a powerful politician darling, they were bound to make an example of him. Dwyer was a bastard, you know that and I know that, but to them, he was important, more important than you or I or about 99% of the population. He was part of the elite
Richard sobs with despair
Richard - I can't let my boy spend the rest of his life in prison! He is so young, it's not right, and it's all that evil woman's fault!
Janice takes Richard in her arms
Janice- There is the option to appeal, of course, that might offer some hope for Darren
Darren is sitting in a side room when a man in a suit is let in to see him
The man - I'm sorry son, I did my best for you today. It was always going to be hard to convince any judge of leniency considering who it was that you murdered, but even I didn't expect that sentence. I thought you'd get a 30-year non-parole period or something heavy like that, but not a full life term
Darren - It's cool Mr Windsor, I got what I deserved. There are no excuses for it, I ended that man's life and now I am facing the consequences
Mr Windsor - We can appeal son, this needn't be the end of it
Darren shakes his head
Darren - I don't want to appeal, I am a murderer and I am going to prison for the rest of my life. It's the correct punishment, it's what I deserve
Mr Windsor - But you are looking at 60-plus years
Darren - And Mr Dwyer is looking at nothing, he has nothing to look at anymore because he is dead. He is dead because I killed him
Mr Windsor - But what about this Clements woman? Is it true she influenced you? This can be investigated and taken into account at any re-sentencing hearing in the future
Darren shakes his head
Darren - I could blame Sandra if I wanted to, Dad can blame her all he wants to, but the truth is I am to blame. I knew what I was doing and I could have said no. I chose not to and the only person responsible for that is me, no one else
Mr Windsor - Well I have to respect your decision. If you don't want to appeal then no one can make you, but I think it's a mistake. You are facing a very long time behind bars now
Darren - That's as it should be, I never really agreed with parole for murderers anyway. It would be a bit hypocritical to try and appeal for myself now
Darren looks tearful
Darren - It's Mrs. Dwyer I feel bad for the most, I saw her in court today. I took her husband from her and that must hurt a lot. It must be hard for her to live with
Janice is gently guiding Richard away from the court
Janice - let's go for a coffee or something darling, I know I could do with one
As they begin to walk away Wendy Dwyer approaches
Wendy - That was quite a performance in there Mr Clements, it must be hard seeing your son go down for life
Janice - Look Wendy, Richard is very upset so I don't think its the time for this
Wendy - Well his son killed my husband so I am entitled to my say
Janice - But I don't think Richard needs to be any more upset right now
Richard - No it's ok, let her have her say
Richard turns to face Wendy
Richard - I suppose you're going to tell me how much you hate my son and probably how much you hate me for bringing him into the world right? Well, I am sorry for your loss, I truly am...
Wendy bursts out laughing
Wendy - James was a bastard, we all know that. Before he was murdered I found out he had been having affairs for years. Who knows what else too? I was going to divorce him and take him to the cleaners, but instead, your son murdered him, and as next of kin, I inherited his fortune without needing to take him to court. Oh no your son did me a huge favour and I am laughing all the way to the bank, so I owe your boy a huge thank you
Richard is in tears again
Richard - My boy is going to die behind bars and you stand there and tell me how great it is for you!
Wendy shrugs
Wendy - Yes well it's a shame the boy has to do life for ridding the world of that bastard, but murderers get punished and that's all there is to it. Not much I can do except perhaps write to him or maybe even visit him to thank him for what he did
Janice - You'd better go now, this is clearly upsetting Richard
Wendy Yes I'm going, I said what I needed to say
Wendy walks off
Janice comforts a sobbing Richard
Janice - Come in, let's go for that coffee
Janice guides Richard along
GATESLAM
PART 4
Darren and Jeremy are reunited in a cell at the court
Jeremy - How long did you get then?
Darren - Life without parole
Jeremy looks stunned
Jeremy - Wow you got roasted alive. I mean sure we both knew you'd get a life sentence but i thought it would be a life sentence with a chance of parole one day
Darren - Yes i thought that. My lawyer thought that too. But the judge decided no mercy and maximum punishment
Jeremy - I'm sorry man i really am. I don't even know what to say. That really is the sentence from hell
Darren - Yeah well its what i deserve anyway
Jeremy - But surely you'll appeal?
Darren - No. My lawyer said i should but i'm not going to
Jeremy - But you'll die in prison!
Darren - Yes and that is what i deserve.. I won't appeal
Jeremy - Well i think you're crazy. If it was me facing the rest of my life in prison with no hope of ever being released i would definitely appeal. And if that didn't work i'd be planning an escape
Darren - Well i prepared myself for the worst possible sentence. I knew it might happen because of who i murdered. I'm at peace with the whole thing. I have to be punished for my crime and i don't really mind that much
Jeremy - I can't decide whether you're brave or foolish
Darren - There is nothing brave about me. I was foolish to do what i did. Now i'm just remorseful enough to accept my fate. I also have to live with it for the rest of my life. I don't deserve my freedom ever again. Anyway what sentence did you get?
Jeremy - 10 years which i thought was a long time but compared to your sentence its a slap on the wrist
Darren - Well 10 years is still a long time though. It just doesn't seem it compared to my sentence
Jeremy - Yes well i was also prepared for it like you were. And now that i am facing a decade behind bars i'm even more determined to be top boy in there
Darren - Did any of your family show up in court?
Jeremy looks sad for a moment
Jeremy - No none of them
Darren - I'm sorry man. It must have been hard to get sentenced without anyone there for you
Jeremy - It doesn't matter. I didn't really expect any of them to bother. Were any of yours there?
Darren - Yes my dad. I knew he would be there for me. But in a way i kind of wish he hadn't been there. It was hard seeing the pain on his face as he heard my sentence. It must have been horrible for him to hear a judge say that his son will die in prison. I felt so bad for my dad, not for myself, because i know i really hurt him doing what i did and getting prison for life. I feel sorry for what i've done to him
The door opens and the guard from earlier walks in
Guard - Come on, Boys, its time to go home
Jim is ready to go and meet Inspector Grace
Jim- I'm very worried about this. I hope i'm doing the right thing
Cheryl - You're doing the right thing Jim. Its the only thing you can do now
Jim - But its so dangerous. If Geoff were to find out...
Cheryl - He won't. Well we just have to pray that he won't anyway. There is no other way to deal with this now. The police must help us
Jim - Yes but i wish it wasn't Grace. He can be a liability at times. I just hope his involvement won't make the situation worse
Cheryl - I'm worried too, beleive me, but we just have to hope for the best now. The police are involved and we can't change it now
Jim looks at his watch
Jim - Well i'd best make a move then. See you later. Are you sure you'll be ok here with Alicia and the twins while i am gone?
Cheryl - I'll be fine Jim really
Jim - You're a great girl Cheryl. You've been a great friend to Kath and now you're being a great friend and support to me as well
Janice and Richard are in a cafe drinking coffee
Richard - Doesn't that woman understand that my son is going to prison for the rest of his life? How can she be so happy about Dwyer's death?
Janice - Wendy was being a selfish bitch darling. Only thinking about herself and the fact that she now has his fortune
Richard - Well I wish she had kept her feelings to herself, seeing her so happy made it even worse
Janice - I know, she is really not worth getting upset over. Let's forget about her and focus on helping Darren now
Richard - Well what can we do to help him now? The judge has made his decision
Janice - There is always the option to appeal, we can encourage Darren to go down that route
Richard - You reckon that will offer some hope for him?
Janice - Well there's a chance isn't there, it's worth trying anyway
Richard - It's not as if my boy has anything else to lose now is it? He got the maximum sentence
Janice - Exactly. We have to try, he can't lose anything and can only gain a reduced sentence with some luck
Jeremy and Darren arrive back at their prison
Jeremy - Well here we are. Our home from now on
Darren - My home until i die...
Jeremy - Remember what i said. I'll look after you but you have to support me in return
Darren - Yes and i will
Jeremy - I'm going to take over as top dog asap so be ready and prepared. There will be a battle and i will win. I'll have a future in here and so will you as my 2IC
Richard and Janice arrive at Wentworth where Vera is in the reception
Vera - Good morning
Janice - Morning Vera
Vera - How did it go in court?
Richard tries to answer but ends up shaking his head and bursting into tears
Janice takes him in her arms and kisses him on the forehead
Janice - That's it darling, have a good cry, that will help you feel a little better
Janice turns to Vera
Janice - It was very bad news Vera, young Darren got life with no parole
Vera gasps with shock
Vera -No parole? That's an unusual sentence, especially for one so young. I really did think he would have a chance for parole after 30 years or something
Janice - We all thought that
Vera - I'm very sorry Richard, really I am
Richard sobs
Richard - Seeing him in that dock like that, I just wanted to take him home and make everything alright again. I wish this had never happened, I want my son back home!
Janice - Come on, we'll have another coffee in the staff room
Richard tries to pull himself together
Richard - No I need to get to work
Janice - Work can wait, come on Sue won't mind will she
They leave the reception. Vera watches them go with a look of genuine concern on her face
Exterior shot of a solicitor's office block
Grace is sitting puffing on a fag inside an office as Jim is shown in to meet him
Grace - Well now, Mr Fletcher, you'd better take a seat and fill me in on the details
Jim sits down
Jim - Butler has my wife, Meg Morris, and Mr Moran as hostages
Grace - Yes I know that much. Miss Gibson filled us in on the basics. Why don't you tell me anything else I need to know and also explain to me why you left it this long to report it to us?
Jim - Geoff warned me not to involve the police. He will kill them all if he finds out you are involved. I can't be sure if he is having me watched or not
Grace - Well that's why we are meeting here. We will do everything we can to keep our involvement hidden. We will also do everything we can to get the hostages to safety
Jim - Butler is a maniac, he needs to be behind bars where he can't hurt anyone again
Grace - And once we have ended this that's exactly where he will be
END OF EPISODE
CAST
Vera
Janice
Jim
Cheryl
Richard
Helen Smart
Judith Harris
Alicia
Inspector Grace
Sue Bailey
Darren
Jeremy Battersby
Wendy Dwyer
Judge
Mr Windsor
Unknown Officer
Court Guard