Original subtitles

I'll beat them all at their own game.

Right -o.

Six sausage roll, six packet of crepe, six fig night, twenty fags and the fig

and all, yeah?

That's me, love.

Sorry, Petal, for the car declined.

I'll bugger off, seriously.

What were you trying to buy, miss?

It's Mrs.

And that's not important, is it? I got money in there. I wouldn't go through.

I see a payment of 3 ,000 from the account this morning. Is that you?

No, it bloody was not.

You too?

To eight Bridges estate agents.

Right. Yep.

That'll be all. Thanks.

Leave a message after the beep.

Alan Love, I'm on my way to court and my car's been declined in Bainswell.

I think you might be something to do with why.

Call me back.

Hands down, finest shoe I've ever worn.

Well, what size are you?

Does Alan want a pair?

I wouldn't be better than him.

Well, but Blinky's got a shitload. A genuine article.

He's wrapping off on half of you, but like some woolly boot Robin Hood.

Pair for Al, go on. You're good, thanks, Dave.

Not on me. No one wants you to knock off second -hand boots, all right? Eat your

sausage roll. They're new in the box, you tech.

Oh, here he bloody is. Hello.

Oh, no, wait.

Hello? Hello, Claire. Sorry to bother you.

Roderick Pritchard here, calling about Becca.

Are you available to come to the school for a chat today?

Becca's form teacher has raised some concerns.

Um, yeah.

Can I ask...

Not over the phone. Okay.

Is it bad?

No. No, I understand.

Thanks.

Everything all right?

Oh, yeah.

Becca. Bloody kid.

Don't get me started.

They put a fire down the docks last night.

Right on my doorstep.

Kids. Could hear the little shits from my tent.

A fire?

Mm.

Oh, I gotta go.

Well, I better be getting back to it.

Be good.

So, Mary, how's our newest volunteer to the magistrate's bench?

Yeah, excited.

I'm entering tramps now, are we? Eh, don't call him a tramp. He's a human

Me and Davey went to the same primary school. I've actually known him longer

than I've known my own husband.

Sorry, I didn't mean... That's all right.

But if you're going to make it as a magistrate, be on the lookout for bias.

Can't judge books by cover.

Everyone's got a story.

You are joining the A &E of the criminal justice system.

First port of call.

Some days it feels hopeless and overwhelming, and other days, just

Can't believe it. The day has arrived.

No.

Mary, meet exemplary magistrate, legend of the bench, and my original mentor, Mr

Owen Williams.

Hello, pleasure to meet you, sir. Well, it's hello and goodbye, I'm afraid.

Today's my last day after...

Oh, I hesitate even to count it.

25 years.

This is Mary's final observation before she starts hitting.

One in, one out, eh?

So what do they give you after a quarter of a century on the bench?

Don't ask.

After 25 years of voluntary service, not even an email of thanks, huh?

Three pint?

Forget it.

Get off me!

Oh, look at this.

And the start of orders.

And they're off. All right.

I'd have thought Gareth would have caught him.

The agility of a defendant fleeing from a courthouse. He's going to make it. Oh,

nobody's ever got past Davies.

The best sweeper in the court legal system.

I'll do my best not to look on this as an admission of guilt, but you do get a

third off for a guilty plea.

I discuss options with the duty.

So it was said never judge a book by its cover. That is Gareth Phillips.

I've been reading that book for over ten years.

If it had a cover, it would be a picture of an absolute... Court stand, please.

Number seven on your list, Your Worship.

Please state your name and address to the court.

Jack Barnett, 15 Pendleton Road.

Mr Barnett, you're charged with racially aggravated assault on PC Campbell on

the 5th of March. How do you plead?

Guilty. He wasn't racial. He's Scottish, and I called him... Sit, Mr Barnett.

You've entered your plea. I'm sure we're about to learn all the exciting

details.

I admit, I've messed up a bit.

You had a rail worker in a headlock, and you were threatening to hit him over

the head with a bottle of wine.

That's more than a bit.

Application for bail granted.

On condition you stay out of Newport Railway Station.

Comply. If you don't... you will be arrested, brought back, and bail will be

reconsidered. Don't let us down.

Oh, thank you.

God bless you, Magistrate C.

Right, off you pop.

Break for ten. Cut for any Jeremy Dodger.

Court stand, please.

Listen, what it is, it's nothing to worry about. I had a big ground rent on

flat and they didn't have my business account details to hand.

That flat's been nothing but grief since the day you bought it. It's a messed

egg, love.

I've heard that before.

Look, once I get back home, I can zip the cash straight back into our joint

account. It's absolutely not a problem.

All right, Al.

It's just a boring cash flow thing.

Alan, stop.

More pricing. What the hell's going on with Becca?

What about Becca?

I've had a call from Roger Pritchard asking to see us today. How do you not

this? You work in the same building.

Fine.

I'll see you there. Well, it's not fine, is it?

Are you all right?

Me? Tippity -top. I'll see you at school.

Boy.

What do you think, boss?

I think someone wants me to think I'm unlucky.

Or they think I'm stupid.

The trouble is... I know me neither.

I think I must have tea.

Last of the day. Three guesses.

A million quid if you get it right.

I never bet against the unbridled creativity of Newport.

The charge is causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Hamster in a blender.

Ah, wrong answer.

Cat in a trouser pack.

Ah, one left. Make it count.

Goldfish in a pint.

Down in one on his head.

How do you know it's a him?

Oh, that I will bet on.

We've seen eating goldfish before, haven't we? This is a new crime.

No such thing. We've seen it all.

Chihuahua off a balcony, eighth floor.

Oh.

The dog didn't report this himself, then.

Prada cannot appear as a material witness today.

Sadly.

What sort of person checks an innocent creature off a balcony, eh? Well, we're

all only innocent until proven guilty.

Let's see what Prada did in his last moment on Earth.

In final mitigation, my client is remorseful.

He made a terrible mistake and has cooperated with police throughout.

Mr Higgins has never committed an offence against an animal before and is

unlikely to do so in the future.

He's broken off relations with Prada's owner.

They are no longer in contact.

He may not have committed an offence like this before, but there have been

offences. A lot of them.

That stopped suddenly in 2020.

You were 19.

What happened?

Moved to Newport and turned over a new leaf.

Three months in Wakefield.

What can I say?

The rehabilitation you lot gave me worked.

I'm a reformed character.

We've heard a lot of mitigation, but nothing about why you did it.

Doe barking, axe shouting, just want to be some quiet.

It worked.

Well, bench will retire.

Court stand, please.

Well, that full stop in his previous is a sure sign of a career criminal.

He's graduated to the big time.

Law hasn't been able to touch him since.

For me...

That crosses the custody threshold.

The man's a monster.

Hmm.

Marie, what do you think?

I thought the same as Lisa.

Then I read the mental health report.

Higgins had the worst start you can imagine.

Given up for adoption at birth, into the care of the state, looked after child,

but he was never looked after by anyone.

Six different homes.

one of which was turned over for abuse.

The only foster carer he had longer than two months committed suicide.

He found her body when he was seven years old.

What do I think?

I think it's a miracle he's alive to throw anything off a balcony.

He did a terrible thing, but it's not as bad as what's been done to him.

Tarek?

I don't like those little dogs.

Should we crack on?

He can catch up when he gets here. So sorry.

I got lost in the thrill of the ten mock papers.

Right, what seems to be the problem?

Becker's head of year has expressed some concern.

Becker's one of our... Brighter student, straight A, Oxbridge contender. But

we've noticed a change in her this term.

Attendance is down, her work standard slipping.

And she's making noises about not going to university at all. She bloody well

is. I just think... Sorry.

I just think she's trying it on.

She's a smart kid. She knows what she wants.

No, um, issues at home?

None at all.

Oh, well, hang on a minute.

She's a teenager. We haven't got a clue what she's up to half the time.

I work in steel and welfare. I deal with problem kids.

I know when a kid is on the road to ruin. God knows you do too, Rodri, with

experience. I don't think this is anything more than textbook teenage

Becca's smart.

Precocious, yes.

Challenging, exhaustingly so. But she'll pull it out of the bag. She always

does.

Thanks for letting us know.

We can support her through this.

Leave it with us.

Fucking killer.

Calm down, Clary.

I'm going to tie her up in a knot and chuck it into next Tuesday. Why am I

hearing about this now?

It's news to me, too. Why, Alan, you work here.

You're supposed to be keeping an eye. What is going on with you? Nothing.

Look, we'll talk to her together tonight, but she's fine.

She's a bright girl working it out. It's a rite of passage.

I'm telling you, you don't need to worry.

I'll see you later.

Work hard.

Stay in school.

Pass your exams.

Four.

Seventy -gayish student death and a life -binding contract with a man.

Fuck that.

I'll take the cash equivalent, thank you.

Flippin' in crypto.

Right.

Where you lost off to now?

Home, tea, telly. Fuck that.

It's gone. It's got closed in my bag.

Yeah, I'm not going out like this.

But into town?

Nicky a new outfit from the arcade.

Straight to the carpenter's beer garden.

Get the old pervs to pay for our drinks.

Hi, love.

There she is.

Oh, I don't know how you juggle being our manager and volunteering as a

magistrate. You're like a superhero.

Come off it. Oh, I'm serious.

Sometimes I'm scared to leave the outside alone volunteer in court.

I don't even watch the news no more.

So do something about it.

Make the world less gay.

Sometimes you get to wear a cape.

Oh, you.

Live a thrilling double life.

Yeah, look at us.

Thrilling. Yeah.

Imagine. Me, up there.

They have to call you your worship, you know.

Oh, I am in, love.

Where do I sign?

Oi, oi.

It's Gav.

With a bottle of wine.

At the train station.

Remember?

Of course I do.

Got a job.

Start tomorrow.

Timmy has just shown me the ropes.

Oh, Gav will work it out, Tim.

Docket grabs stack.

Don't get caught eating the stock.

I didn't get a chance to thank you earlier.

My little one's made up I'm around next few months.

I thought I was going down on remand for sure.

So, yeah, thanks.

You're welcome.

Nice to see you out and about and moving on. Yeah, man.

See you on the ice.

What if I see you first?

It's Humphreys.

You can see him now.

Five minutes, Mum.

You're still in shock. You need some rest.

Mum, I never... You're saying it's Arthur.

No, they're wrong. They're saying the whole place was doused in petrol.

I promise, it wasn't me. Well, who was it?

Someone else there?

Honest, Mum, I've got no idea.

I know what you're saying, I just think we've got to try and be patient with

her. She got back at 11 .30 last night, Al. Eyes like sodding saucers, after we

told her to come back straight from school.

What are we supposed to do?

Chain her to her desk?

Lock her in her bedroom?

Sounds like a reasonable solution.

You've got a bloody cheek.

Where were you out to so late last night? I was at the library, Mother.

I'm not laughing.

You were dead -o up there, minutes after getting in.

Empty package of Amidodgers next to the bed. My Amidodgers, by the way, that I

paid for. Oh, my God, Mum, I'll give you the money, is it?

Oi, Becca, don't cheek your mum.

Do you think I'm stupid?

Everything you're doing now, I've done it. Got the T -shirts. I wrote the

book, Becca.

Because you were born in the Bronx.

Worth the bettors.

You've got no idea how lucky you are. Oi, place.

We spent yesterday afternoon defending you to Mr Pritchard. A few Welsh back

lessons. Nothing that matters. Chill out.

He said you're talking about not going to university.

You never went. Because I couldn't. Now look at me, working two jobs and

sweating through night school.

There we go.

Let's stop trying to live all your lost dreams through memeing. What?

You have got no idea, Becca, how hard we work so you can have all of this handed

to you. A bunch of mortgages you can't pay.

Now you're rolling credit cards, so joke's on you.

Um, excuse me.

What's that supposed to mean?

Ignore me? What do I know?

I'll be good.

Model, daughter, student and citizen.

Pinky promise.

I haven't got time for this.

I'm due in court.

Jack, have a great day, love.

You, school.

I remember my first return.

1999.

Chepstone Mags before they sold it off.

Thought I might faint and say something bloody stupid.

Just remember, you're a winger.

You don't have to speak in open court.

Ready for your first sit -in, Mary?

She's gone mute.

You'll be fine. Just look serious and don't forget to breathe.

Has anyone got a copy of today's list?

Here you go.

I need to see Miss Graham.

Ned Humphreys.

Cut this afternoon.

Full disclosure.

I know his mum. We used to live on the same street.

You close?

Um, we were friendly years ago. Haven't seen her for about six or seven years.

Well, everybody knows everybody in Newport.

The town's not big enough to make total strangers a requirement.

Are you all right with it?

Yeah. I just wanted to flag it.

Well, fine by me.

Ready? I can talk again, but I feel sick.

Time to shine.

Right, it was three knocks, nice and loud. Don't want that lot to smell fear.

Identify yourself.

Ed Humphreys, 16 Gurnard Road.

Mr Humphreys, we can't hear you, and we need to.

Right now, you are the most important person in this courtroom, so speak

and clearly, and don't be scared.

Ed Humphreys, 16 Gurnard Road.

Mr Humphreys, you're here today on first appearance, charged with arson and

criminal damage by fire.

On the 10th of March at 2am, it is alleged that you were at Bridewell

Road and set fire to a warehouse at the same address.

How do you plead?

Not guilty.

Mr Humphreys regrets involvement in the warehouse party, but he had nothing to

do with the fire.

His clothing tested negative for accelerants. There's no evidence of

premeditation, no motive.

Ned is a young man of good character from a stable family. Indeed, his

are in court today supporting him.

Mr Humphrey suffers with ADHD and was off his medication at the time of the

party. He attributes his foolish behaviour to this lapse of judgment.

He has since been taking his medication without fail.

Well, we're pleased to hear Mr Humphrey's mental health is being

Prosecution have confirmed...

that he has a bright future ahead of him. He's taking his A -level.

A spell on Rahman before trial would be damaging. I hardly need mention how long

it could last, given the backlog.

Yes, we're all aware that trials are being listed deep into next year.

We've heard from CPF, who oppose bail, but prosecution, do you have anything

further you'd like to share with the court?

It's a serious defence, Your Worship.

Evidence puts the defendant at the scene.

Forensics and witnesses linked the fireworks and accelerant. If found

there is prospect of a lengthy custodial sentence.

Furthermore, the defendant tested positive for Class A drugs.

Thank you.

Bench will retire.

Court stand, please.

What was all that at the back of court when that man came in?

Peter Burton.

Looking gorgeous.

Man's got more blood on his hands than Palfrey's butchers.

He was very un -Tony Soprano.

What's he doing here?

He must have one of his meatheads up this afternoon.

No, he wouldn't come in here for that.

Er, right.

Kettle on. Notes.

First sitting, so you get to speak first.

Am I in the wrong bog?

If I needed a piss, I'd go next door, Your Worship.

This is scary.

Is it supposed to be?

Come on, you're tougher than that.

You used to be, but people change, eh?

Why are you here, Pete?

And I know it's not a detail you're undying, love.

Don't let the kid out on bail.

Keep him in, even if it's just for a few days. I need some time.

Are you joking?

I'm in the little girls.

On your say -so, I'm supposed to just throw away legal guidelines, bin the

act, something you've relied on for survival more than once.

If you have evidence, talk to the prosecution.

Tell the police.

If I knew what this was, I'd tell you.

Okay?

But until I do, don't let him out.

He's going to be safer inside.

I'm trying to take care of this.

That's a kid.

When have you given a shit about anyone except yourself?

I haven't asked you for anything.

Not in 20 years.

The kid is in over his head.

Is that a threat?

You threatening him or you threatening me?

I'm asking for a favour.

Yeah, that's not allowed either.

Oh, Claire.

Now you've wound up behind rules and papers.

I'll never know.

And I'll never know why you're not behind bars serving back -to -backs.

This is a serious matter.

And the Crown have made representations opposing bail.

We do not take our decision lightly and have taken the time to have in -depth

discussions.

The bench have decided we will grant bail with

a curfew requirement attached.

Mr Humphreys, you must spend each night at your home address 15 Gernard Road.

You will be at home every night from 8pm to 8am.

You will be fitted with a GPS tag and that tag will be worn at all times.

If you break these conditions, you will be arrested and brought back to court

where bail will be reconsidered. Do you understand?

All stand.

Behold, my tower of power.

You what?

When I have it up and running, I'll pump water from the river to all these

allotments free of charge.

I'm without a carbon footprint anywhere.

You could be in the warm doing a jigsaw puzzle, you know. I'm retired, not dead.

You are.

What are two cans to celebrate your freedom?

Oh.

Not a true friend.

But you're also a busy mother of two.

I can't believe you came all this way just to admire my radishes.

In all your time on the bench, did anyone ever try and intimidate you?

You mean other than the...

Defendants, lawyers, police, other magistrates, parking attendant.

Peter Berthin came into my court today.

Asked me for a favour.

Court doesn't do those.

Justice without fear of favour, affection or ill will.

It's in the oath.

What are you afraid of, Claire?

These raised beds.

They get the best earth in the world.

I bring it up from the river in barrows.

I don't know what's in it quite, but whatever comes out wins meadows.

Take your shoes off.

You are.

Owen, I'm not putting my feet in that shite. Shite comes out of people.

Life comes out of this mud.

Come on.

You can't save the planet without getting your hands dirty.

Look, I'm all for that, but also, fuck off.

Are you doing it?

I don't need the help.

Trust me, take them off.

I'll remind you, I'm still the chairman of the bench until midnight tonight, and

I'll be your mentor forever and ever. Amen.

All right, all right.

If your mental health section 135 comes before my course, you don't want me not

to sign it, right?

That is disgusting.

The history of everything between your toes.

Where we all come from and where we all end up.

So what's your point?

Found in mud.

If needs be.

Neck deep.

What do you smell?

Sewage? Life.

You don't owe Peter Burton anything.

Yeah, you of all people know that that just isn't true.

Where have you been?

Sorry. Owen insisted on a farewell drink. Would have been rude not to.

Oh, lucky scratch card.

Little treat.

Family dine -in for four.

The money's back in the joint account.

And found a tenant.

Deposit's come through already.

There's the Al.

Amazing. Well done.

Don't go mad, my Al.

Still got bills to pay.

Mortgage next week.

Car finance.

Jack's father in trumpet lessons. Yeah, all right. It's one meal.

None of your nonsense tonight, please. I don't want to hear it.

I wanted to say sorry, actually.

This morning.

I was a twat.

Language. But, apology accepted, you may lay the table.

How was school, though?

Fine. Pull your finger out, Bex.

Full marks in Spanish oral. Thanks, Jack, the little shit. Language.

Your use of words has never been in question.

Hey, everyone's talking about this, um, fire business and Ned Humphreys.

What are they saying?

Well, talk of the town and the staff room. You used to hang around with Ned

we lived in Mitre Coy, Bill. We used to be mates.

Bill, me.

Well, me.

Me.

I went maths with his cousin.

She was quiet.

Is he going to prison?

All right, Hula, let's leave it there. This isn't gossip, Hodder.

Exactly. It's not fair.

The guy's done nothing wrong. Well, actually, Bex.

He's been breaking and entering into private property. Yeah, him and the rest

Year 12.

He was just drinking cider in an abandoned warehouse.

Well, it could be linked to something more serious, love.

Like drugs, gangs.

He found a few cans on a Sunday night with his mates.

What else is there to do around here?

You weren't there, were you?

Well, that knows.

You know that.

Well, speak as you find, I've always found there to be a nice kid.

Police are asking kids for having fun.

Defend the bastards, I see.

Defend the firemen, too. You might need them if your house goes up.

Oh, Ned.

He's supposed to go to uni.

Now he's locked up for going to a party. Oh, he's not, actually. He's out on

bail until his trial at Crown Court.

So he got arrested?

No, he got bailed this afternoon.

Bloody hell, this has got to kick. I'm going to need some milk.

Dead lost. You'll never get it slow. I've done even three.

Come on, then.

Come here, you fucking rat. Shut your face, wanker.

You just called me a little shit. I called you a wanker. Huh? Because you

one. What's going on here?

It's all over your fucking car. We've told them a thousand times.

You're over the car, we're here.

Why? You're over my car.

I get it, I do. I think it's cool.

No. Give me one or I'll kick you.

No.

Don't mess with your mum.

Oh, Hannah.

Alan? What the hell?

Well, she did the washing up. I thought we said she was grounded.

She's gone to the cinema. Emma and Nala put her in an Uber up to Spitty Park and

they're going to get the bus back together. You're too soft on her, aren't

You heard her. She's trying.

She's apologised.

Exactly.

She's really not a bad kid. Trust me, you should see some of the kids in her

year. On her worst day, she doesn't even make the top ten.

I did.

Yeah, I bet.

Police around all too often. My mum knew what biscuits they liked.

You see, it's in there, all right.

Well, I do know.

He's such an op.

What's

up,

folks?

Mind if I see low tops for my paintwork?

Fuck off, you little shits.

What do you reckon?

Ugly bit of plastic.

Doesn't suit my beautiful boy.

Oh, come on, ma 'am.

Look, I'm just half of your home, OK?

Your dad wants fish and chips for tea. A little celebration.

Brilliant. I'll go.

It's only seven. I've got ages.

Are you sure?

You heard Claire, OK? This curfew is not a joke.

Come on, Mum. I've been huffing stale farts in the cells all day.

Fifteen minutes down to the fries and back. No danger.

All right.

Savoy for your dad and extra mushies for me.

Cheers, ma 'am.