australian television information archive

Episode 7

Thursday, August 18, 2011 (ABC1)
Ratings: 0.580 million viwers (21st)
Written by Justine Gillmer
Directed by Lynn Hegarty

Janet asks Richard to prepare the witness for the trial of a meth junkie who shot dead a store owner. But the witness, Tina Chang, clearly traumatised by the murder, refuses to give evidence, and Richard is convinced that something darker lies at the heart of her trauma.

But after a 'chance' meeting with the victim's wife at the DPP, and swayed by the widow's grief and compassion, Tina agrees to testify. However, disaster strikes outside the court when Tina sees the accused and steps fearfully away, to be hit by a car and hospitalised.

In the Stone/Mervich case the defence claims that Heather-Marie has schizophrenia. Erin and Rhys arrange for a forensic psychologist who declares her fit for trial, but Erin wonders whether they are sending a traumatised, mentally ill woman to either jail or an institution. And adding to the complication is Erin and Rhys's growing subtle flirtation. A jury finds Heather-Marie not guilty by reason of mental impairment, and Instead of jail time, she will be held in an institution. Now her sister Joanne is left to stand trial alone.

As well as work stresses, adding to Janet's strain is her pregnancy nausea, leading to Erin discovering the truth. Janet swears Erin to secrecy, however is pleased to have a friend to confide in. But then Janet begins experiencing excruciating stomach cramps. Terrified, she takes herself off to hospital.

Cast:

• Todd Lasance as Ben McMahon
• Hamish Michael as Richard Stirling
• Ella Scott Lynch as Erin O'Shaughnessy
• Andrea Demetriades as Lina Badir
• Marta Dusseldorp as Janet King
• Indiana Evans as Tatum Novak
• Peter Kowitz as Tony Gillies
• Jeanette Cronin as Tracey Samuels
• Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Sinclair
• Jerome Ehlers as Rhys Kowalski
•  
• Tasneem Roc as Tina Chang
• Chantelle Jamieson as Julie Rousseau
• Daniel Lissing as Conrad De Groot
• Ritchie Singer as Justice Rossenberg
• Petra Yared as Paula Corvini
• Christine Callinan as Heather-Marie Stone
• Emma Jackson as Joanne Mervich
• Shane C Rodrigo as Detective Moretti
• Renee Lim as Detective Liu
• May Lloyd as Dr Bracht
• Barbara Gouskos as Mrs Vatalidis
• Darren Casey as Magistrate
• Paul Moxey as Harry
• Jason Muir as Jason Bartovik
• Arron Cull as Judge Watts
• Yinnie Howe as Mrs Chang
• Burgess Abernethy as Brent Smith
• Susan Boyd as Forewoman
• Lance Rice as Police Sergeant
• Peter McAllum as Stone Barrister
• Garry Herro as Jones Barrister
• Brett Clancy as Supreme Court Officer
• Ray Anthony as Stunt Performer
• Mark Le Cornu as Stunt Performer