Crownies (2011) s01e07 Episode Script
Episode 7
1 Oh, the Mervich case - the one where the guy got bashed with the boltcutters.
The evidence is pretty clear.
I mean, the guy was living in the middle of nowhere with two crazy sisters who belted him dead with a boltcutter.
We always copped it worse when he drank.
Heather-Marie, she just she picked up the boltcutters and she got him.
The defendant's sister was also in the house at the time of the of fence.
She has been in a coma since the night in question but she may soon be in a position to make a statement, which could have a critical impact on the Crown case.
Dick.
That's it.
Gloves are off.
I'm so scared.
Don't be a child.
I didn't just peel off imaginary gloves.
I took Jimmy Butcher up to the office after the party.
You showed him the file? He says he got an anonymous text about it, but he might just be protecting me.
Are you OK? Should I call someone? It's fine.
It'll pass.
I'm on IVF.
11:13pm.
Dennis Vatalidis, victim.
Tina Chang, witness.
The accused, Jason Bartovik, your stock-standard meth junkie.
Jesus.
Can I go back to sex crimes? Focus, Richard.
The accused apprehended an hour later.
Witness can identify him by his voice and the distinctive tattoos on his forearm.
Must remember to get my tatt removed.
Have you ever prepped a witness for a murder trial? No, but I assume the basic principles are the same? Exactly.
Focus on the facts, detach from the emotions.
I am Detachable Man.
Try not to lose the witness this time.
Miss Chang.
Richard Stirling.
I'm the instructing solicitor on this case.
Good.
You can tell me why the fuck I'm here.
Uh, OK.
Well, today is about me going through your statements, making sure it's accurate and assessing your credibility and likeability as a witness - no of fence - before we go to trial.
There's no need to be nervous.
I'm not nervous.
Good.
If you think I'm going to court, you're dumber than you look.
Tea? Oh, bugger! Oh, come on! Oh, bugger, bugger, bugger! Nobody wants to hear about your weekend.
When you're done with the sugar.
Clearly you need it more than I do.
And clearly you've decided to save me from the scourge of milky coffee.
It's for my witness, Tatum.
Oh, thank God for that.
Who knows when lactose intolerance may have struck? Who knows what plans God has for you? Aren't you supposed to be prepping the service station murder witness? On my Way- Tatum'? A word'? Morale.
Esprit de corps.
You understand the concept? Dissension in the ranks flies in the face of our mission.
Interesting choice of words.
Very egalitarian.
Someone assaulted someone else by tattooing their penis? No Hey, um, sorry.
Have you seen a short Asian woman, mid-20s, probably angry? Have you lost another witness? No, no, she's she's just stepped out for a minute.
Any personal issues between staff which can't be resolved in a mature Richard, what on earth are you doing? You haven't seen Tina Chang, have you? Six bail applications and an appeal against sentence.
For tomorrow.
2pm in the District Court.
Have you seen my witness? You lost another one? Shut up.
She's 24, Asian Well, is she hot? Put the train down! 50"')!- What are you doing in here? People out there were staring at me.
Why are there so many clocks and trains in here? Tina, please, it's not appropriate for you to be here.
It's not appropriate for me to go to court.
We can discuss all of this in my office.
We just need to go now.
Please? You got 10 minutes.
Great.
Don't touch me.
Just remember, when the press vultures descend, put your head down, say nothing, push through.
If you're nervous, I might be prevailed on to share my good luck chocolate.
I'd never come between a woman and her chocolate.
Erin O'Shaughnessy.
Yes.
What? You've waited till today? Oh, of course it has.
I'll let Mr Kowalski know.
Let Mr Kowalski know what? The defence are asking for a voir dire, claiming Heather-Marie's insane.
Not guilty by reason of mental impairment.
What the fuck?! It's the first morning of the trial.
It's a ballsy move.
What disorder? Schizophrenia.
So what happens now? We adjourn for the day? Yes.
It's a two-step process.
Both sides get a forensic psychologist to give an opinion, and then we go to a fitness hearing.
To see if she's capable of participating in a trial.
Exactly.
If we get through that, we go to a hearing before a jury where the defence runs with mental impairment.
So the defence try to prove Heather-Marie wasn't responsible for her actions.
No guilty mind, no murder.
What about Joanne? They're both still being tried together, so it's an issue we're going to have to deal with.
You ever heard of Dr Karina Bracht? Isn't she the one they call the fuhrer? Yeah, not within earshot.
How about you take me through the events leading up to the murder? Why? I told you I'm not going to court.
Frankly, you don't have a choice.
You've been subpoenaed.
You know, the vast majority of victims find that telling their story helps them move on from the trauma.
Maybe if you try to imagine yourself back there? It's just after 11 pm.
What are you doing? Stacking the fridge.
Mr Vatalidis is behind the counter, talking about his kid doing the HSC.
Um, there's a bang.
This guy comes in, screaming.
He's wearing a mask like a horror movie.
You're doing well.
He points the shotgun at us.
That's how I see the tattoo.
This one here? Um, what else do you remember? Uh, sounds? Smell? OK, so a smell.
Is it his body odour? His clothes? Uh, something rotting.
His breath? Hmm.
What does he want? Well, the safe but, um, I don't know the numbers, and Mr Vatalidis, you know, he's pretending.
And, you know, he just should have given him the money.
He points the gun at me.
Um, Mr Vatalidis tried to protect me.
I found bits of his brain in my hair.
And then, um, you run into the workshop.
What happens there? The CCTV footage shows him following you in there immediately.
Did you shut the door before he got in? I locked it, alright? Now I've told you everything I remember.
That's all you need.
Can I go? She's definitely traumatised, but Heather-Marie is able to perceive the nature of the crime she's been charged with.
What about the basic difference between right and wrong? She knows what she and Joanne planned and committed was wrong.
And the hallucinations the defence claims she's been having? In my opinion, she's experiencing a form of psychosis.
She's created a fantasy version of events to help her cope with the brutality of the murder.
Sorry, isn't that insanity? Clinically, perhaps.
But the fact that an accused person suffers from a delusion doesn't necessarily make them unfit for trial.
What? So you can be hearing voices and still be legally allowed to stand trial? If Heather-Marie went crazy because of what she and Joanne did, that leaves no scope for the mental impairment defence.
Well, what if she's mentally unwell because of brain damage? She was in a coma for several weeks.
Again, not mentally impaired in a legal sense.
OK, but Heather-Marie was brutalised for years.
How can we tell she wasn't insane before, leading her to commit the crime? Two masters, one PhD and 28 years of practice.
That doesn't answer my question.
Would you like me to ask again? To give a simple example, in both her police and clinical interviews, Heather-Marie's heavenly visitations were mentioned only after the murder.
OK.
Let's talk battered woman syndrome.
You're out of luck there.
Heather-Marie checks all the boxes.
She's a classic case.
You'd have to be blind not to see that.
So, Dr Bracht, for the purposes of tomorrow's hearing, in your undeniably professional opinion? Heather-Marie Stone is fit to stand trial.
Thank you.
I spoke to the detective in charge.
That room that Tina ran into doesn't have a lock.
Shock and adrenaline might have led to flawed perception and false memory.
Possibly.
Or she's lying.
Well, what's your theory? I was hoping you could help me out with that.
Think outside the square, Richard.
Is there anything unusual about her evidence, any unspoken cues? Well, Tina said she smelt his breath.
Um, something rotting.
Powerful halitosis? Well, it would have to be.
On the CCTV footage, she's at least a metre away from him at all times.
Unless he followed her into the room.
What's the gap between the murder and Tina calling the police? Six minutes.
Anything could have happened in that room.
He could have beaten her, raped her, threatened her or her family if she told.
Or maybe she knows Jason Bartovik.
Maybe they're friends and she doesn't want to turn him in.
Whatever happens, she needs to make a second statement to the police.
Well, won't that destroy her credibility as a witness? If we don't cover our arses, the defence'll find all the holes - for want of a better expression.
Without her identification of him, we have very little.
Do whatever you have to.
Your Honour, the defendant blacked out his numberplate and ran a red light at high speed with one finger upraised for the photo.
Learned counsel for the appellant tries to excuse this as an act of high spirits.
It worries me to think how his client might have behaved had he been depressed.
We are told the original judgment of a one-month custodial sentence is somehow impinging on his client's career prospects, a career which has thus far consisted of social welfare.
What does the Crown suggest, Miss Novak? That the original sentence was in fact too lenient and needs to be increased.
The appellant's actions were done with utter contempt for both the law and any innocent lives that he may have impacted with a wilfully reckless act.
I suggest Your Honour give greater weight to the principles of general and specific deterrence over and above the need for rehabilitation.
Yes, well, I'm afraid the death penalty hasn't been an option in this country for over 5O years, Miss Novak.
The respondent's solicitor has argued her case, perhaps a little more passionately than normal in a matter of this nature, but effectively nonetheless.
Wilful contempt of the law as demonstrated by the appellant is inexcusable, and in light of the appellant's numerous prior convictions, the sentence is increased to seven months imprisonment.
Remove the prisoner.
This is bullshit.
I've told you everything I remember.
I just need to clear up a few more questions.
Then why the escort? I'll explain everything at the police station.
You fucking bastard! I knew you wouldn't come if I told you the truth.
I'm sorry, but this is my job.
And you're supposed to be one of the good guys.
The defence is going to grill you.
I need to make sure that your evidence is clear.
Good luck.
Tina, let me be very clear.
Without your evidence, Jason Bartovik will not go to jail.
As if I'm going to believe anything you say ever again.
I'm not lying.
You're all we've got.
I just need you to walk me through that night.
It's OK.
Everything's been cleaned.
Come on.
- .
.
or you're fuckin' dead! - I don't know the combination! See, there's no blood now.
You said when Mr Vatalidis was shot, you ran in here? Tina, can you come in here just for a moment to clear this up? I need you to show me how you locked the door.
Why? Tina, there's no lock on this door, see? You need a padlock.
I need to go.
Did he follow you in here? Tina, it's OK Ah! Tina! It's alright.
Tina! Tina! Tina! It's OK.
He followed me.
The door, I shut it but he got in.
Um There was blood on the mask and on the gun and on me.
And I tried to hide, but Il know what he did.
You don't have to say it.
You don't know anything.
He he shoved the shotgun up me, alright? Public service announcement.
Guess who got an extra six months custodial sentence? Are those new shoes? One pair for each extra month in custody.
Ooh, these are gorgeous! Ah, so is Con aware that your shopping addiction has reached critical mass'? My plastic, not his problem.
Should probably put that in a prenup.
Can I borrow these? I'm due in court in an hour.
Dress to impress.
What size are you? Eight.
You're dreaming.
Back to my astounding victory Hmm! Party time's over.
Oh, sorry.
Now, that's what happens when you don't get any.
She's such a cow.
Now, the fitness hearing's not adversarial, so Judge Rosenberg" probably want to keep a pretty tight rein on us.
Given the jury's not required at this stage, I assume he'll cross-examine too? I've never met a judge who didn't like the sound of their own voice.
And Joanne In the dock.
Why the dock'? Why not? She's the co-accused.
Heather-Marie, do you understand the nature of the crime you've been charged with? I've been charged with murder.
And you entered a plea to that charge, did you not? Yes.
Not guilty.
Now, you're aware that my role, as prosecutor in this trial, is to prove you are, in fact, guilty? Yes.
But I can see you're a good man.
You'll do what's best for us.
Mrs Stone, can you point out what people do in the courtroom? Mr Blackwood is my lawyer.
Joanne, you're calling her my co-accused.
And are you aware that if you are found guilty, my role is to decide on your sentence? Yes.
But it's OK.
Me and Joanne, we're going home.
Clearly in Rosenberg's world, people are probed by aliens in cornfields and Elvis still lives.
There was nothing in her evidence to suggest she's incapable of standing trial.
She thinks she and Joanne are going home.
You're putting your own spin on her words.
Isn't that exactly what we do? Interpret and spin out a version which suits us? Is it the system or our methods of prosecution you're railing against here? It's the same problem.
The law is supposed to protect victims.
If it's not working, we change it.
I started out feeling the same way.
But you soon learn that you won't survive as a trial lawyer if you're ruled by your heart.
Atticu s? Despite all evidence of utter insanity, Heather-Marie is fit to stand trial.
Cream of chicken.
Get rid of it.
Sorry, can you close the door? Are you, you know Choose your euphemism very carefully.
Sigourney Weaver in 'Alien 3'? Regretting I came back for another sequel? I was going for 'implanted'.
Janet, that's fantastic.
Thank you, but that information is not to leave my office.
Cone of silence.
How many weeks? Seven.
What time's your hearing? Tomorrow at 10:00.
Then you have a lot of preparation to do.
I do.
Thanks, Janet.
Tatum.
Photocopied in triplicate.
Richard! Can I kick you out for half an hour? Uh, what? You look like shit.
How'd you go with Tina Chang? I'm a complete bastard.
I'd quite like to lose my accused.
You're the expert.
Any tips? The boltcutter babes? A file hidden inside a cake.
We should make a traumatised women drinking game.
What, take one drink for battery, two for rape? Three for insanity? We'd be drunk all day.
Erin, Detectives Moretti and Liu would like to talk to you.
Took them long enough.
In the meeting room? At the station.
We could have done this at the DPP.
Had to squeeze you in at the last minute.
Sorry.
Please take a seat.
I assume that we don't have to tell you why you're here.
Legally speaking, actually, you do.
But given you've waited weeks to interview me and have chosen an intimidating location to do so, I'd say I'm your main suspect.
Why don't you tell us what you remember about the night of the Christmas party? Unfortunately, very little after around 11 pm.
I met Jimmy Butcher at the party.
We drank a lot, talked about the dark side of the job Including the A-G brief? Not that I'm aware of.
Hmm.
The next thing I remember clearly is waking up at home without my lingerie.
The next morning, I saw the underwear in the office.
I spoke to Jimmy and he confirmed we'd had sex.
Are you in the habit of, um, drinking to the point of blacking out? What about bringing men up to the DPP for sex? No, not that it's any of your business.
Did you leave Jimmy Butcher alone in the office at any time? I honestly don't know but I do know I didn't leak the file.
Given your Christmas cheer, how exactly do you come to that conclusion? I asked Jimmy.
Right.
And you believed him? I have to.
It's customary to knock.
Yes, Tatum? I photocopied the depositions in triplicate and was wondering if there's anything else I can do.
Appeal books.
The staples are wrongly placed.
I'll get to it first thing tomorrow morning.
Tracey, where's Atticus? At my sister's place.
Holiday? Will he be back soon? Of course.
Mrs Chang? Uh, I'm so sorry to bother you so early.
My name's Richard Stirling.
Mum.
Mum.
I'm from the Department of Public Prosecutions.
Tina, please open the door.
I will deal with him.
Please go have breakfast.
What are you doing here? This is a booklet on support for victims of crime.
There's there's a number you can call for victim's services.
I spoke to them about counselling for you, for when you're ready.
This is the application form for compensation.
As a victim of a violent crime, you're entitled to money.
You and your family could move if you wanted.
You just have to tell the police what happened.
So you really are just a bastard.
Joanne's my baby sister.
I'm supposed to protect her.
So you decided it was time to finally protect Joanne from your husbands abuse? Ray came in.
I said, âI've made your favourite for tea.
â But he wanted to check the fence first.
I was supposed to do it, but the angels, they grabbed the boltcutters first.
They chose Joanne.
She's always been little, see? So they gave her strength.
They brought her arms up, up, up, up and down.
Ray fell on the ground.
Jeez, you could smell them.
Stank real bad.
You're referring to the angels? No, the demons.
Every hit, they came out of him.
Well, they kept screaming.
Terrible sound.
Now, you've said the angels âchose Joanneâ.
What did the angels do for you? I fell into the angels' wings.
They closed my eyes, my ears.
When I woke, no more screaming.
Heather-Marie, when did the angels first appear to you? A year or so back.
Ray was in one of his moods.
I was at the dam.
They came out of the water and told me everything would work out.
Can I see Ray now? It's all over.
If Heather-Marie's found not guilty by reason of mental impairment, what happens to her? Custodial supervision order.
A mental institution? How long would the supervision order last? Well, the prisoner can apply for a variation or a revocation, but the court has to be satisfied that both the public safety and her own are not endangered.
So she stays in the loony bin until she can prove she's not crazy? There's a major review of the order after a nominal term.
'Nominal' being? Maybe 20, 25 years.
25 years with no parole? No time off for good behaviour? No rehabilitation? Mental institutions have come a long way since Bedlam.
It still doesn't seem just.
And we're back to the failings of the system.
We're trying to prove Heather-Marie's not insane so we can jail her, potentially for life.
The defence are trying to prove she is insane so they can lock her in the loony bin, potentially for life.
So who exactly is on Heather-Marie's side? Well, looks like we're about to find out.
The jury's back.
Stop smiling at the accused.
I can't help it.
Here we go.
We have a verdict.
Will the defendant please rise? Members of the jury, have you agreed on a verdict? We have.
How say you? We find the accused, Heather-Marie Stone, not guilty on grounds of mental impairment.
If we force Tina to take the witness box, she'll abscond.
We need to ask for an adjournment.
On what grounds? PTSD.
Systems abuse syndrome.
Stomach flu.
Whatever we can get away with.
Look, I know - this wrecks the entire case, but I have done everything in my power to change her mind, so if you want to fire me, then I'd probably kiss your feet because this case is really fucking awful! I'll get the adjournment.
You set up a meeting with Tina Chang in my office, two o'clock.
Nothing you say will change her mind.
Then we have to find another tactic.
Drag her kicking and screaming if you have to.
Go.
Detective Inspector Allen, please.
Roman law created the insanity defence because they believed madness was a divine punishment.
The Romans also used to feed people to the lions for sport.
Exactly.
Even brutal and bloodthirsty, they understood it's morally unacceptable to add punishment to those who have been punished enough.
Heather-Marie will get better psychiatric care in an institution than she would ever get in prison.
For the rest of her life, whether she wants it or not.
The cause of her trauma is gone.
The likelihood of her reoffending is minimal.
You really should work for the defence.
You know the pay's better, right? You know I would have gone after Ray Stone with boltcutters too.
It's a little difficult to imagine you in the situation, though.
You'd be surprised.
Historically speaking, I make a beeline for the wrong man every time.
And always share far too much personal information.
That's part of your charm.
You can't keep forcing me to come here.
Did you have a look at the pamphlets? I can help you fill in the forms.
Are you allowed to do that? It's slightly outside our normal boundaries.
Hi, Tina.
Thanks for coming in.
I'm Janet.
Ah, would you like a cup of tea? Richard can organise it.
Um, yeah.
Yeah, sure.
Janet? I've got a Mrs Vatalidis.
She'd like to speak to someone about her husbands case? Yes, of course.
Mrs Vatalidis.
I'm Janet King.
I'm the prosecutor for this case.
I'm sorry to bother you, but the police just told me the trial's been adjourned.
They wouldn't say why.
Why don't you come through to my office? We can clear everything up.
But you know who murdered my husband.
I don't understand.
Tina'? Mrs Vatalidis.
My poor girl.
I'm so sorry.
Oh, sweetheart.
I'm so sorry you had to see it.
I've been trying to help.
You are helping the police and the lawyers.
What more can you do? Con? You'd better prepare for a patented Tatum vent 'cause you're gonna get one.
Baby, come here, quick.
I taught him a trick.
Sing, Atty, sing.
Sing, Atty! Sing! Oh, he was doing it just before, I swear.
Alright, I've been doing some research on the net.
Did you know in Thailand they have bird-singing competitions? What? First, I can't get a rise out of Tracey and now I have to share my home with 'The Con and Atty Show'.
Perfect.
Tracey hasn't said anything? Nothing.
it's like she doesn't even care about her stupid bird.
No, shhh! He can hear you.
Please tell me those aren't worms vomiting their diseases on my expensive rug.
No.
Good boy, Atticus! Good boy.
Here you go.
Yeah! Good boy.
Look, if Tracey doesn't care, can we keep him? Good boy, Atty.
Come here.
The blood test taken the next day recorded the accused as having a blood alcohol reading of 0.
09 I object, Your Honour.
Whether my client was drunk at the time of tattooing is not relevant.
Your Honour, it's extremely relevant.
The level of Mr Smith's intoxication speaks to his judgment and intent at the time of locking Mr Lee in the back room Conjecture, Your Honour.
My client maintains the locking up was merely a drunken game.
And the accused's intention of tattooing the offensive image.
Your Honour, my client's intent to tattoo the image is not in question.
We maintain that Mr Lee requested the specific design.
Yeah, he asked for it.
I'm the victim here.
Ah, Mick Lee specifically asked for a tattoo of a 40cm penis on his back? Your Honour, that question has already been answered.
According to the evidence, Mr Lee wanted a sword and a decorative skull.
Nuh, nuh, he come up to me and was just like, âOi, Brento, I want a big dick on my back.
â Mr Lee maintains that after the painful four-hour tattoo session, you, Mr Smith, slapped him on the bottom.
Bullshit.
I'm not a poof.
I object.
My client maintains he gave Mr Lee a friendly pat on the lower back.
And said, âYou'll never forget this tatt, you wanker.
â I object.
Mr Lee was intoxicated at the time.
His memory's in question.
Look, I gave myself a pat on the back after that job.
That's a top tatt.
Then why is Mr Lee undergoing laser tattoo removal? I object, Your Honour.
Unless the Crown is suggesting my client is psychic My mum was.
How can he possibly comment on Mr Lee's private thoughts? Miss Corvini, leave your theatrics for another courtroom.
Mr Smith, answer the Crown's question.
Mr Smith? 'Cause he's a dumbfuck.
Excuse the French, Your Majesty.
Uh, flat white, double shot, please.
Only a double? I mustn't be doing my job.
Can I have a long black, please? So how'd you get stuck with this case? Oh, it's a pecking order issue.
I'm one of the lower-ranking hens.
Oh.
Well, at least it's entertaining.
Your client's a moron.
The victim isn't any better.
I would have tattooed a dick on him too.
So I assume you're not here to swap hilarious evidence photos? No, I have instructions to make a plea offer for my client.
He's suddenly seen the error of his ways? Something like that.
So if you're amenable, we'll get a plea date.
Sure.
Uh, come to the DPP, chat with Janet.
We don't need to waste taxpayers' money on this.
Well, that's very civil-minded of you.
You'll make director yet.
God, I hope not.
Tatum.
I want you to be the first to meet Scout.
Scout? Oh, I thought you would have read the book, smart girl like you.
What about Atticus? He's having such a wonderful time on holiday, I thought I'd leave him there.
Yes, you're beautiful, aren't you? Who's a beautiful girl? Yes, yes.
He'll plead to the assault.
All three counts? If you drop false imprisonment.
He locked his drunk mate in a room until he agreed to get a tattoo.
'Agreed'.
Precisely.
Mick Lee didn't agree to get a dick with a mouthful of teeth tattooed on his back.
God, is this why we went to law school? Have you seen the Supermax prison guards? If it came down to seducing them or my lawyer I would Hello, stranger.
You coming over to the dark side? Mm, plea bargain.
Hello, Erin.
Paula, hi.
What's this about seducing hot Supermax guards? Silvervvater.
Joanne Mervich has been trying to use her feminine wiles on the guards and her barrister.
Ari Badrossian? God, she must be desperate.
Trial's adjourned for six weeks.
Not a lot to do in prison.
Aren't you supposed to be prepping a robbery case today? Mmm.
Surprisingly, I got bumped.
Mm.
Are you still OK to pick up the kids? Yeah, six o'clock.
Can't forget soccer training.
So what do you say? My client pays a heavy fine, has his tattoo license revoked? Deal.
Janet says she's happy to sign off on my decision.
Elvis must have a lot of faith in you.
The King.
Clever.
There are less flattering names, trust me.
Well, you've got a hell of a track record.
Why all the crappy cases? I've only been back from mummyland for a little while.
You know what the old boys' network's like.
Punishing you for daring to breed? And dragging said womb back into the courtroom.
Don't get me wrong, my kids are amazing.
I don't regret my decision.
Yeah, but it's not exactly fair, is it? Being the primary carer while your husband's career takes off.
Mm.
Um I knew I liked you for a reason.
I'll, um I'll try giving Janet's mobile another call.
Janet King.
And we drop that for what? You're doing the right thing.
Not just for Mrs Vatalidis, for yourself.
I told my parents last night.
I've never seen my dad cry before.
I'm sorry.
One assault charge? That sounds fair.
Just stick to the truth.
Janet will take you through step by step.
Can I Can I look at you in court? Sure.
I'll be the bastard without the wig.
Yeah, draft the plea summary.
I'll come in and sign off on it.
Thanks, Lina.
OK, Tina, as we discussed earlier, expect a direct examination from me.
Ah! You alright? Ah, yes.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Um, OK, I want you to make your story concise.
It'll keep the jury onside and limit the scope of the defence's cross-examination.
Tina.
Tina, it's OK.
Three broken ribs, a fractured tibia and concussion.
I assume the defence has already requested a nolle prosequi on the basis the main witness is unavailable? Justice Stanton's willing to adjourn until Tina Chang's well enough.
Well, should I hold my breath? Seven, eight weeks tops.
That's assuming she's still willing to testify.
Under the circumstances, I think we can request a remote witness video link.
Well, I look forward to reading the catchy headlines tomorrow.
We can't be held responsible for a witness stepping in front of a car.
We can and will be held responsible for anything negative until this whole leaked memo disaster clears up.
Should I hold my breath? Here.
You keep a bottle? It's Tony's stash.
Don't tell anyone.
Time to grow a pair, Richard.
Sorry? All the hospital expenses are covered by the crime victim's compensation.
And you've organised counselling.
How did you know that? And in the meantime, the accused stays locked up.
So this is a win? It's not a loss.
You won Tina's trust.
You got her to court.
Yeah, where she was hit by a car after I lied to her and made her relive the most traumatic experience of her life.
18-month-old girl.
Internal bleeding, gonorrhoea, damaged organs.
The uncle said he was teaching her not to be a dyke like her mother.
Some cases get under your skin.
You just have to find a way to deal with it.
Oh, like Tony's way? It's common, not recommended.
And occasionally, you have to be tough for the greater good.
Lecture over.
David needs his adjournment memo.
Janet, how do you deal with it? Illegitimi non carborundum.
Sorry? Richard.
Memo.
Now.
Uh, Janet? Can I grab you to sign off on that plea bargain? Pen? What, don't you want to read over it? I have every faith in your abilities.
Darling, it's, um it's me.
I think there's something wrong.
Can you meet me at the hospital? Thanks.
There you are.
I'm thinking cheese, I'm thinking meat, I'm thinking minimal vegetables Don't you always? You, me, pizza, vino, chick-flick.
Tempting, but I can't.
I'm having dinner with Paula.
Oh.
Instant besties, just add water.
I know.
it's like going on a date without the nervous hope of a shag.
If only the crims knew we were all secretly friends behind the scenes.
Drop the tone, young lady.
Trust me, outside the courtroom, Paula's great fun.
Yeah, I'll believe it when I see her riding a mechanical bull.
Well, who knows what the night might bring? So Rhys is home with the kids.
Well, I assume so.
What, you think he'll get lonely? Wouldn't have a clue.
We're not besties.
Don't wait up.
Not that I give a shit, but your court documents are officially done as per Finchface's instructions.
What the hell are you doing? I've been working my gym-toned arse down to the ground on your behalf all afternoon.
This is where you attempt to come back at me with almost witty repartee.
She could have died.
I should have done contract law or estate planning or farming sheep.
Alright, get up.
We're going to get a drink.
No arguments.
No, leave yourjacket.
If the cleaners take it, it'll be a blessing to fashion.
SONG'.
X I feel I'm working just to try to please you S You never do the things you say you'll do What does 'illegitimi non carborundum' mean? It's not even real Latin.
'Don't let the bastards grind you down'.
How come you know that and I don't? Because you're Rain Man.
If it's not a statistic, it doesn't exist.
Hmm.
You might be a social retard, but you're a good solicitor.
My witness got hit by a car.
True.
Where's Con'? Buying bird toys.
I can't believe you stole Atticus.
I don't like being bullied.
Oh, I take my hat off to your insanity.
Does Tracey know it was you? That's the bizarre thing.
I don't know.
Best poker face ever.
I think she won.
This time.
I shouldn't have been surprised.
Stealing Atticus? No.
Tina and the car.
The life of Richard is one of constant screw-ups and embarrassments.
Stop.
Remind me to tell you about my high school years when we're a little bit more drunk.
Everybody has trauma.
How do you imagine my high school years? Um, for some reason I see a cheerleading outfit.
Brace yourself.
Nobody liked me.
Did you insult their clothes? I wasn't from old money, first-settler skippy stock.
And my dad had a Colourful.
Past, yes.
Very much past.
My dad's off-limits.
You crossed the line, Richard.
I know, I know.
I'm sorry.
Nobody gets to say anything about him but me.
Aye, aye, Captain.
You know, if we merged our DNA together somehow, we'd make the perfect lawyer.
Your detailed mind and my debating skills and good looks.
I think that's called breeding.
Are you hitting on me? 'Cause I am not that drunk.
Neither am I.
Good, 'cause I need your help.
Get the cage.
O.
Shut up! w! Shâ! It wasn't my fault! How the hell did you get him out of here during office hours? Classified information.
Shut your beak! Why don't you give him something to shut him up? I am an animal lover, Richard.
Shh, shh, shh, careful, careful.
Careful.
OK, we're clear.
Hey, buddy.
Alright, let's do this.
Let's do this quickly.
Ready? Gentle.
How are we supposed to get him into the cage with the other bird? There's no 'we' in 'Richard'.
I'm not always going to be your slave, you know.
Come here.
Come here.
Shh! Come on.
Hey, come on.
Here we go.
It's alright.
Shh! Shh! Shh! I've missed this.
Ow! He bit me! Technically, they pecked you.
Ohh! Oh, wait, you dropped this.
That's not mine.
No, it's mine, idiot.
Your apartment.
You know, if you want to crash, or Tatum.
Just remember you're gay.
Let's get out of here.
Oh, um, I'd better get a DPP sympathy card for Tina.
Oh, that's a good excuse for why we're here after hours.
Now, you two don't say anything.
This is going to be our little secret.
The evidence is pretty clear.
I mean, the guy was living in the middle of nowhere with two crazy sisters who belted him dead with a boltcutter.
We always copped it worse when he drank.
Heather-Marie, she just she picked up the boltcutters and she got him.
The defendant's sister was also in the house at the time of the of fence.
She has been in a coma since the night in question but she may soon be in a position to make a statement, which could have a critical impact on the Crown case.
Dick.
That's it.
Gloves are off.
I'm so scared.
Don't be a child.
I didn't just peel off imaginary gloves.
I took Jimmy Butcher up to the office after the party.
You showed him the file? He says he got an anonymous text about it, but he might just be protecting me.
Are you OK? Should I call someone? It's fine.
It'll pass.
I'm on IVF.
11:13pm.
Dennis Vatalidis, victim.
Tina Chang, witness.
The accused, Jason Bartovik, your stock-standard meth junkie.
Jesus.
Can I go back to sex crimes? Focus, Richard.
The accused apprehended an hour later.
Witness can identify him by his voice and the distinctive tattoos on his forearm.
Must remember to get my tatt removed.
Have you ever prepped a witness for a murder trial? No, but I assume the basic principles are the same? Exactly.
Focus on the facts, detach from the emotions.
I am Detachable Man.
Try not to lose the witness this time.
Miss Chang.
Richard Stirling.
I'm the instructing solicitor on this case.
Good.
You can tell me why the fuck I'm here.
Uh, OK.
Well, today is about me going through your statements, making sure it's accurate and assessing your credibility and likeability as a witness - no of fence - before we go to trial.
There's no need to be nervous.
I'm not nervous.
Good.
If you think I'm going to court, you're dumber than you look.
Tea? Oh, bugger! Oh, come on! Oh, bugger, bugger, bugger! Nobody wants to hear about your weekend.
When you're done with the sugar.
Clearly you need it more than I do.
And clearly you've decided to save me from the scourge of milky coffee.
It's for my witness, Tatum.
Oh, thank God for that.
Who knows when lactose intolerance may have struck? Who knows what plans God has for you? Aren't you supposed to be prepping the service station murder witness? On my Way- Tatum'? A word'? Morale.
Esprit de corps.
You understand the concept? Dissension in the ranks flies in the face of our mission.
Interesting choice of words.
Very egalitarian.
Someone assaulted someone else by tattooing their penis? No Hey, um, sorry.
Have you seen a short Asian woman, mid-20s, probably angry? Have you lost another witness? No, no, she's she's just stepped out for a minute.
Any personal issues between staff which can't be resolved in a mature Richard, what on earth are you doing? You haven't seen Tina Chang, have you? Six bail applications and an appeal against sentence.
For tomorrow.
2pm in the District Court.
Have you seen my witness? You lost another one? Shut up.
She's 24, Asian Well, is she hot? Put the train down! 50"')!- What are you doing in here? People out there were staring at me.
Why are there so many clocks and trains in here? Tina, please, it's not appropriate for you to be here.
It's not appropriate for me to go to court.
We can discuss all of this in my office.
We just need to go now.
Please? You got 10 minutes.
Great.
Don't touch me.
Just remember, when the press vultures descend, put your head down, say nothing, push through.
If you're nervous, I might be prevailed on to share my good luck chocolate.
I'd never come between a woman and her chocolate.
Erin O'Shaughnessy.
Yes.
What? You've waited till today? Oh, of course it has.
I'll let Mr Kowalski know.
Let Mr Kowalski know what? The defence are asking for a voir dire, claiming Heather-Marie's insane.
Not guilty by reason of mental impairment.
What the fuck?! It's the first morning of the trial.
It's a ballsy move.
What disorder? Schizophrenia.
So what happens now? We adjourn for the day? Yes.
It's a two-step process.
Both sides get a forensic psychologist to give an opinion, and then we go to a fitness hearing.
To see if she's capable of participating in a trial.
Exactly.
If we get through that, we go to a hearing before a jury where the defence runs with mental impairment.
So the defence try to prove Heather-Marie wasn't responsible for her actions.
No guilty mind, no murder.
What about Joanne? They're both still being tried together, so it's an issue we're going to have to deal with.
You ever heard of Dr Karina Bracht? Isn't she the one they call the fuhrer? Yeah, not within earshot.
How about you take me through the events leading up to the murder? Why? I told you I'm not going to court.
Frankly, you don't have a choice.
You've been subpoenaed.
You know, the vast majority of victims find that telling their story helps them move on from the trauma.
Maybe if you try to imagine yourself back there? It's just after 11 pm.
What are you doing? Stacking the fridge.
Mr Vatalidis is behind the counter, talking about his kid doing the HSC.
Um, there's a bang.
This guy comes in, screaming.
He's wearing a mask like a horror movie.
You're doing well.
He points the shotgun at us.
That's how I see the tattoo.
This one here? Um, what else do you remember? Uh, sounds? Smell? OK, so a smell.
Is it his body odour? His clothes? Uh, something rotting.
His breath? Hmm.
What does he want? Well, the safe but, um, I don't know the numbers, and Mr Vatalidis, you know, he's pretending.
And, you know, he just should have given him the money.
He points the gun at me.
Um, Mr Vatalidis tried to protect me.
I found bits of his brain in my hair.
And then, um, you run into the workshop.
What happens there? The CCTV footage shows him following you in there immediately.
Did you shut the door before he got in? I locked it, alright? Now I've told you everything I remember.
That's all you need.
Can I go? She's definitely traumatised, but Heather-Marie is able to perceive the nature of the crime she's been charged with.
What about the basic difference between right and wrong? She knows what she and Joanne planned and committed was wrong.
And the hallucinations the defence claims she's been having? In my opinion, she's experiencing a form of psychosis.
She's created a fantasy version of events to help her cope with the brutality of the murder.
Sorry, isn't that insanity? Clinically, perhaps.
But the fact that an accused person suffers from a delusion doesn't necessarily make them unfit for trial.
What? So you can be hearing voices and still be legally allowed to stand trial? If Heather-Marie went crazy because of what she and Joanne did, that leaves no scope for the mental impairment defence.
Well, what if she's mentally unwell because of brain damage? She was in a coma for several weeks.
Again, not mentally impaired in a legal sense.
OK, but Heather-Marie was brutalised for years.
How can we tell she wasn't insane before, leading her to commit the crime? Two masters, one PhD and 28 years of practice.
That doesn't answer my question.
Would you like me to ask again? To give a simple example, in both her police and clinical interviews, Heather-Marie's heavenly visitations were mentioned only after the murder.
OK.
Let's talk battered woman syndrome.
You're out of luck there.
Heather-Marie checks all the boxes.
She's a classic case.
You'd have to be blind not to see that.
So, Dr Bracht, for the purposes of tomorrow's hearing, in your undeniably professional opinion? Heather-Marie Stone is fit to stand trial.
Thank you.
I spoke to the detective in charge.
That room that Tina ran into doesn't have a lock.
Shock and adrenaline might have led to flawed perception and false memory.
Possibly.
Or she's lying.
Well, what's your theory? I was hoping you could help me out with that.
Think outside the square, Richard.
Is there anything unusual about her evidence, any unspoken cues? Well, Tina said she smelt his breath.
Um, something rotting.
Powerful halitosis? Well, it would have to be.
On the CCTV footage, she's at least a metre away from him at all times.
Unless he followed her into the room.
What's the gap between the murder and Tina calling the police? Six minutes.
Anything could have happened in that room.
He could have beaten her, raped her, threatened her or her family if she told.
Or maybe she knows Jason Bartovik.
Maybe they're friends and she doesn't want to turn him in.
Whatever happens, she needs to make a second statement to the police.
Well, won't that destroy her credibility as a witness? If we don't cover our arses, the defence'll find all the holes - for want of a better expression.
Without her identification of him, we have very little.
Do whatever you have to.
Your Honour, the defendant blacked out his numberplate and ran a red light at high speed with one finger upraised for the photo.
Learned counsel for the appellant tries to excuse this as an act of high spirits.
It worries me to think how his client might have behaved had he been depressed.
We are told the original judgment of a one-month custodial sentence is somehow impinging on his client's career prospects, a career which has thus far consisted of social welfare.
What does the Crown suggest, Miss Novak? That the original sentence was in fact too lenient and needs to be increased.
The appellant's actions were done with utter contempt for both the law and any innocent lives that he may have impacted with a wilfully reckless act.
I suggest Your Honour give greater weight to the principles of general and specific deterrence over and above the need for rehabilitation.
Yes, well, I'm afraid the death penalty hasn't been an option in this country for over 5O years, Miss Novak.
The respondent's solicitor has argued her case, perhaps a little more passionately than normal in a matter of this nature, but effectively nonetheless.
Wilful contempt of the law as demonstrated by the appellant is inexcusable, and in light of the appellant's numerous prior convictions, the sentence is increased to seven months imprisonment.
Remove the prisoner.
This is bullshit.
I've told you everything I remember.
I just need to clear up a few more questions.
Then why the escort? I'll explain everything at the police station.
You fucking bastard! I knew you wouldn't come if I told you the truth.
I'm sorry, but this is my job.
And you're supposed to be one of the good guys.
The defence is going to grill you.
I need to make sure that your evidence is clear.
Good luck.
Tina, let me be very clear.
Without your evidence, Jason Bartovik will not go to jail.
As if I'm going to believe anything you say ever again.
I'm not lying.
You're all we've got.
I just need you to walk me through that night.
It's OK.
Everything's been cleaned.
Come on.
- .
.
or you're fuckin' dead! - I don't know the combination! See, there's no blood now.
You said when Mr Vatalidis was shot, you ran in here? Tina, can you come in here just for a moment to clear this up? I need you to show me how you locked the door.
Why? Tina, there's no lock on this door, see? You need a padlock.
I need to go.
Did he follow you in here? Tina, it's OK Ah! Tina! It's alright.
Tina! Tina! Tina! It's OK.
He followed me.
The door, I shut it but he got in.
Um There was blood on the mask and on the gun and on me.
And I tried to hide, but Il know what he did.
You don't have to say it.
You don't know anything.
He he shoved the shotgun up me, alright? Public service announcement.
Guess who got an extra six months custodial sentence? Are those new shoes? One pair for each extra month in custody.
Ooh, these are gorgeous! Ah, so is Con aware that your shopping addiction has reached critical mass'? My plastic, not his problem.
Should probably put that in a prenup.
Can I borrow these? I'm due in court in an hour.
Dress to impress.
What size are you? Eight.
You're dreaming.
Back to my astounding victory Hmm! Party time's over.
Oh, sorry.
Now, that's what happens when you don't get any.
She's such a cow.
Now, the fitness hearing's not adversarial, so Judge Rosenberg" probably want to keep a pretty tight rein on us.
Given the jury's not required at this stage, I assume he'll cross-examine too? I've never met a judge who didn't like the sound of their own voice.
And Joanne In the dock.
Why the dock'? Why not? She's the co-accused.
Heather-Marie, do you understand the nature of the crime you've been charged with? I've been charged with murder.
And you entered a plea to that charge, did you not? Yes.
Not guilty.
Now, you're aware that my role, as prosecutor in this trial, is to prove you are, in fact, guilty? Yes.
But I can see you're a good man.
You'll do what's best for us.
Mrs Stone, can you point out what people do in the courtroom? Mr Blackwood is my lawyer.
Joanne, you're calling her my co-accused.
And are you aware that if you are found guilty, my role is to decide on your sentence? Yes.
But it's OK.
Me and Joanne, we're going home.
Clearly in Rosenberg's world, people are probed by aliens in cornfields and Elvis still lives.
There was nothing in her evidence to suggest she's incapable of standing trial.
She thinks she and Joanne are going home.
You're putting your own spin on her words.
Isn't that exactly what we do? Interpret and spin out a version which suits us? Is it the system or our methods of prosecution you're railing against here? It's the same problem.
The law is supposed to protect victims.
If it's not working, we change it.
I started out feeling the same way.
But you soon learn that you won't survive as a trial lawyer if you're ruled by your heart.
Atticu s? Despite all evidence of utter insanity, Heather-Marie is fit to stand trial.
Cream of chicken.
Get rid of it.
Sorry, can you close the door? Are you, you know Choose your euphemism very carefully.
Sigourney Weaver in 'Alien 3'? Regretting I came back for another sequel? I was going for 'implanted'.
Janet, that's fantastic.
Thank you, but that information is not to leave my office.
Cone of silence.
How many weeks? Seven.
What time's your hearing? Tomorrow at 10:00.
Then you have a lot of preparation to do.
I do.
Thanks, Janet.
Tatum.
Photocopied in triplicate.
Richard! Can I kick you out for half an hour? Uh, what? You look like shit.
How'd you go with Tina Chang? I'm a complete bastard.
I'd quite like to lose my accused.
You're the expert.
Any tips? The boltcutter babes? A file hidden inside a cake.
We should make a traumatised women drinking game.
What, take one drink for battery, two for rape? Three for insanity? We'd be drunk all day.
Erin, Detectives Moretti and Liu would like to talk to you.
Took them long enough.
In the meeting room? At the station.
We could have done this at the DPP.
Had to squeeze you in at the last minute.
Sorry.
Please take a seat.
I assume that we don't have to tell you why you're here.
Legally speaking, actually, you do.
But given you've waited weeks to interview me and have chosen an intimidating location to do so, I'd say I'm your main suspect.
Why don't you tell us what you remember about the night of the Christmas party? Unfortunately, very little after around 11 pm.
I met Jimmy Butcher at the party.
We drank a lot, talked about the dark side of the job Including the A-G brief? Not that I'm aware of.
Hmm.
The next thing I remember clearly is waking up at home without my lingerie.
The next morning, I saw the underwear in the office.
I spoke to Jimmy and he confirmed we'd had sex.
Are you in the habit of, um, drinking to the point of blacking out? What about bringing men up to the DPP for sex? No, not that it's any of your business.
Did you leave Jimmy Butcher alone in the office at any time? I honestly don't know but I do know I didn't leak the file.
Given your Christmas cheer, how exactly do you come to that conclusion? I asked Jimmy.
Right.
And you believed him? I have to.
It's customary to knock.
Yes, Tatum? I photocopied the depositions in triplicate and was wondering if there's anything else I can do.
Appeal books.
The staples are wrongly placed.
I'll get to it first thing tomorrow morning.
Tracey, where's Atticus? At my sister's place.
Holiday? Will he be back soon? Of course.
Mrs Chang? Uh, I'm so sorry to bother you so early.
My name's Richard Stirling.
Mum.
Mum.
I'm from the Department of Public Prosecutions.
Tina, please open the door.
I will deal with him.
Please go have breakfast.
What are you doing here? This is a booklet on support for victims of crime.
There's there's a number you can call for victim's services.
I spoke to them about counselling for you, for when you're ready.
This is the application form for compensation.
As a victim of a violent crime, you're entitled to money.
You and your family could move if you wanted.
You just have to tell the police what happened.
So you really are just a bastard.
Joanne's my baby sister.
I'm supposed to protect her.
So you decided it was time to finally protect Joanne from your husbands abuse? Ray came in.
I said, âI've made your favourite for tea.
â But he wanted to check the fence first.
I was supposed to do it, but the angels, they grabbed the boltcutters first.
They chose Joanne.
She's always been little, see? So they gave her strength.
They brought her arms up, up, up, up and down.
Ray fell on the ground.
Jeez, you could smell them.
Stank real bad.
You're referring to the angels? No, the demons.
Every hit, they came out of him.
Well, they kept screaming.
Terrible sound.
Now, you've said the angels âchose Joanneâ.
What did the angels do for you? I fell into the angels' wings.
They closed my eyes, my ears.
When I woke, no more screaming.
Heather-Marie, when did the angels first appear to you? A year or so back.
Ray was in one of his moods.
I was at the dam.
They came out of the water and told me everything would work out.
Can I see Ray now? It's all over.
If Heather-Marie's found not guilty by reason of mental impairment, what happens to her? Custodial supervision order.
A mental institution? How long would the supervision order last? Well, the prisoner can apply for a variation or a revocation, but the court has to be satisfied that both the public safety and her own are not endangered.
So she stays in the loony bin until she can prove she's not crazy? There's a major review of the order after a nominal term.
'Nominal' being? Maybe 20, 25 years.
25 years with no parole? No time off for good behaviour? No rehabilitation? Mental institutions have come a long way since Bedlam.
It still doesn't seem just.
And we're back to the failings of the system.
We're trying to prove Heather-Marie's not insane so we can jail her, potentially for life.
The defence are trying to prove she is insane so they can lock her in the loony bin, potentially for life.
So who exactly is on Heather-Marie's side? Well, looks like we're about to find out.
The jury's back.
Stop smiling at the accused.
I can't help it.
Here we go.
We have a verdict.
Will the defendant please rise? Members of the jury, have you agreed on a verdict? We have.
How say you? We find the accused, Heather-Marie Stone, not guilty on grounds of mental impairment.
If we force Tina to take the witness box, she'll abscond.
We need to ask for an adjournment.
On what grounds? PTSD.
Systems abuse syndrome.
Stomach flu.
Whatever we can get away with.
Look, I know - this wrecks the entire case, but I have done everything in my power to change her mind, so if you want to fire me, then I'd probably kiss your feet because this case is really fucking awful! I'll get the adjournment.
You set up a meeting with Tina Chang in my office, two o'clock.
Nothing you say will change her mind.
Then we have to find another tactic.
Drag her kicking and screaming if you have to.
Go.
Detective Inspector Allen, please.
Roman law created the insanity defence because they believed madness was a divine punishment.
The Romans also used to feed people to the lions for sport.
Exactly.
Even brutal and bloodthirsty, they understood it's morally unacceptable to add punishment to those who have been punished enough.
Heather-Marie will get better psychiatric care in an institution than she would ever get in prison.
For the rest of her life, whether she wants it or not.
The cause of her trauma is gone.
The likelihood of her reoffending is minimal.
You really should work for the defence.
You know the pay's better, right? You know I would have gone after Ray Stone with boltcutters too.
It's a little difficult to imagine you in the situation, though.
You'd be surprised.
Historically speaking, I make a beeline for the wrong man every time.
And always share far too much personal information.
That's part of your charm.
You can't keep forcing me to come here.
Did you have a look at the pamphlets? I can help you fill in the forms.
Are you allowed to do that? It's slightly outside our normal boundaries.
Hi, Tina.
Thanks for coming in.
I'm Janet.
Ah, would you like a cup of tea? Richard can organise it.
Um, yeah.
Yeah, sure.
Janet? I've got a Mrs Vatalidis.
She'd like to speak to someone about her husbands case? Yes, of course.
Mrs Vatalidis.
I'm Janet King.
I'm the prosecutor for this case.
I'm sorry to bother you, but the police just told me the trial's been adjourned.
They wouldn't say why.
Why don't you come through to my office? We can clear everything up.
But you know who murdered my husband.
I don't understand.
Tina'? Mrs Vatalidis.
My poor girl.
I'm so sorry.
Oh, sweetheart.
I'm so sorry you had to see it.
I've been trying to help.
You are helping the police and the lawyers.
What more can you do? Con? You'd better prepare for a patented Tatum vent 'cause you're gonna get one.
Baby, come here, quick.
I taught him a trick.
Sing, Atty, sing.
Sing, Atty! Sing! Oh, he was doing it just before, I swear.
Alright, I've been doing some research on the net.
Did you know in Thailand they have bird-singing competitions? What? First, I can't get a rise out of Tracey and now I have to share my home with 'The Con and Atty Show'.
Perfect.
Tracey hasn't said anything? Nothing.
it's like she doesn't even care about her stupid bird.
No, shhh! He can hear you.
Please tell me those aren't worms vomiting their diseases on my expensive rug.
No.
Good boy, Atticus! Good boy.
Here you go.
Yeah! Good boy.
Look, if Tracey doesn't care, can we keep him? Good boy, Atty.
Come here.
The blood test taken the next day recorded the accused as having a blood alcohol reading of 0.
09 I object, Your Honour.
Whether my client was drunk at the time of tattooing is not relevant.
Your Honour, it's extremely relevant.
The level of Mr Smith's intoxication speaks to his judgment and intent at the time of locking Mr Lee in the back room Conjecture, Your Honour.
My client maintains the locking up was merely a drunken game.
And the accused's intention of tattooing the offensive image.
Your Honour, my client's intent to tattoo the image is not in question.
We maintain that Mr Lee requested the specific design.
Yeah, he asked for it.
I'm the victim here.
Ah, Mick Lee specifically asked for a tattoo of a 40cm penis on his back? Your Honour, that question has already been answered.
According to the evidence, Mr Lee wanted a sword and a decorative skull.
Nuh, nuh, he come up to me and was just like, âOi, Brento, I want a big dick on my back.
â Mr Lee maintains that after the painful four-hour tattoo session, you, Mr Smith, slapped him on the bottom.
Bullshit.
I'm not a poof.
I object.
My client maintains he gave Mr Lee a friendly pat on the lower back.
And said, âYou'll never forget this tatt, you wanker.
â I object.
Mr Lee was intoxicated at the time.
His memory's in question.
Look, I gave myself a pat on the back after that job.
That's a top tatt.
Then why is Mr Lee undergoing laser tattoo removal? I object, Your Honour.
Unless the Crown is suggesting my client is psychic My mum was.
How can he possibly comment on Mr Lee's private thoughts? Miss Corvini, leave your theatrics for another courtroom.
Mr Smith, answer the Crown's question.
Mr Smith? 'Cause he's a dumbfuck.
Excuse the French, Your Majesty.
Uh, flat white, double shot, please.
Only a double? I mustn't be doing my job.
Can I have a long black, please? So how'd you get stuck with this case? Oh, it's a pecking order issue.
I'm one of the lower-ranking hens.
Oh.
Well, at least it's entertaining.
Your client's a moron.
The victim isn't any better.
I would have tattooed a dick on him too.
So I assume you're not here to swap hilarious evidence photos? No, I have instructions to make a plea offer for my client.
He's suddenly seen the error of his ways? Something like that.
So if you're amenable, we'll get a plea date.
Sure.
Uh, come to the DPP, chat with Janet.
We don't need to waste taxpayers' money on this.
Well, that's very civil-minded of you.
You'll make director yet.
God, I hope not.
Tatum.
I want you to be the first to meet Scout.
Scout? Oh, I thought you would have read the book, smart girl like you.
What about Atticus? He's having such a wonderful time on holiday, I thought I'd leave him there.
Yes, you're beautiful, aren't you? Who's a beautiful girl? Yes, yes.
He'll plead to the assault.
All three counts? If you drop false imprisonment.
He locked his drunk mate in a room until he agreed to get a tattoo.
'Agreed'.
Precisely.
Mick Lee didn't agree to get a dick with a mouthful of teeth tattooed on his back.
God, is this why we went to law school? Have you seen the Supermax prison guards? If it came down to seducing them or my lawyer I would Hello, stranger.
You coming over to the dark side? Mm, plea bargain.
Hello, Erin.
Paula, hi.
What's this about seducing hot Supermax guards? Silvervvater.
Joanne Mervich has been trying to use her feminine wiles on the guards and her barrister.
Ari Badrossian? God, she must be desperate.
Trial's adjourned for six weeks.
Not a lot to do in prison.
Aren't you supposed to be prepping a robbery case today? Mmm.
Surprisingly, I got bumped.
Mm.
Are you still OK to pick up the kids? Yeah, six o'clock.
Can't forget soccer training.
So what do you say? My client pays a heavy fine, has his tattoo license revoked? Deal.
Janet says she's happy to sign off on my decision.
Elvis must have a lot of faith in you.
The King.
Clever.
There are less flattering names, trust me.
Well, you've got a hell of a track record.
Why all the crappy cases? I've only been back from mummyland for a little while.
You know what the old boys' network's like.
Punishing you for daring to breed? And dragging said womb back into the courtroom.
Don't get me wrong, my kids are amazing.
I don't regret my decision.
Yeah, but it's not exactly fair, is it? Being the primary carer while your husband's career takes off.
Mm.
Um I knew I liked you for a reason.
I'll, um I'll try giving Janet's mobile another call.
Janet King.
And we drop that for what? You're doing the right thing.
Not just for Mrs Vatalidis, for yourself.
I told my parents last night.
I've never seen my dad cry before.
I'm sorry.
One assault charge? That sounds fair.
Just stick to the truth.
Janet will take you through step by step.
Can I Can I look at you in court? Sure.
I'll be the bastard without the wig.
Yeah, draft the plea summary.
I'll come in and sign off on it.
Thanks, Lina.
OK, Tina, as we discussed earlier, expect a direct examination from me.
Ah! You alright? Ah, yes.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Um, OK, I want you to make your story concise.
It'll keep the jury onside and limit the scope of the defence's cross-examination.
Tina.
Tina, it's OK.
Three broken ribs, a fractured tibia and concussion.
I assume the defence has already requested a nolle prosequi on the basis the main witness is unavailable? Justice Stanton's willing to adjourn until Tina Chang's well enough.
Well, should I hold my breath? Seven, eight weeks tops.
That's assuming she's still willing to testify.
Under the circumstances, I think we can request a remote witness video link.
Well, I look forward to reading the catchy headlines tomorrow.
We can't be held responsible for a witness stepping in front of a car.
We can and will be held responsible for anything negative until this whole leaked memo disaster clears up.
Should I hold my breath? Here.
You keep a bottle? It's Tony's stash.
Don't tell anyone.
Time to grow a pair, Richard.
Sorry? All the hospital expenses are covered by the crime victim's compensation.
And you've organised counselling.
How did you know that? And in the meantime, the accused stays locked up.
So this is a win? It's not a loss.
You won Tina's trust.
You got her to court.
Yeah, where she was hit by a car after I lied to her and made her relive the most traumatic experience of her life.
18-month-old girl.
Internal bleeding, gonorrhoea, damaged organs.
The uncle said he was teaching her not to be a dyke like her mother.
Some cases get under your skin.
You just have to find a way to deal with it.
Oh, like Tony's way? It's common, not recommended.
And occasionally, you have to be tough for the greater good.
Lecture over.
David needs his adjournment memo.
Janet, how do you deal with it? Illegitimi non carborundum.
Sorry? Richard.
Memo.
Now.
Uh, Janet? Can I grab you to sign off on that plea bargain? Pen? What, don't you want to read over it? I have every faith in your abilities.
Darling, it's, um it's me.
I think there's something wrong.
Can you meet me at the hospital? Thanks.
There you are.
I'm thinking cheese, I'm thinking meat, I'm thinking minimal vegetables Don't you always? You, me, pizza, vino, chick-flick.
Tempting, but I can't.
I'm having dinner with Paula.
Oh.
Instant besties, just add water.
I know.
it's like going on a date without the nervous hope of a shag.
If only the crims knew we were all secretly friends behind the scenes.
Drop the tone, young lady.
Trust me, outside the courtroom, Paula's great fun.
Yeah, I'll believe it when I see her riding a mechanical bull.
Well, who knows what the night might bring? So Rhys is home with the kids.
Well, I assume so.
What, you think he'll get lonely? Wouldn't have a clue.
We're not besties.
Don't wait up.
Not that I give a shit, but your court documents are officially done as per Finchface's instructions.
What the hell are you doing? I've been working my gym-toned arse down to the ground on your behalf all afternoon.
This is where you attempt to come back at me with almost witty repartee.
She could have died.
I should have done contract law or estate planning or farming sheep.
Alright, get up.
We're going to get a drink.
No arguments.
No, leave yourjacket.
If the cleaners take it, it'll be a blessing to fashion.
SONG'.
X I feel I'm working just to try to please you S You never do the things you say you'll do What does 'illegitimi non carborundum' mean? It's not even real Latin.
'Don't let the bastards grind you down'.
How come you know that and I don't? Because you're Rain Man.
If it's not a statistic, it doesn't exist.
Hmm.
You might be a social retard, but you're a good solicitor.
My witness got hit by a car.
True.
Where's Con'? Buying bird toys.
I can't believe you stole Atticus.
I don't like being bullied.
Oh, I take my hat off to your insanity.
Does Tracey know it was you? That's the bizarre thing.
I don't know.
Best poker face ever.
I think she won.
This time.
I shouldn't have been surprised.
Stealing Atticus? No.
Tina and the car.
The life of Richard is one of constant screw-ups and embarrassments.
Stop.
Remind me to tell you about my high school years when we're a little bit more drunk.
Everybody has trauma.
How do you imagine my high school years? Um, for some reason I see a cheerleading outfit.
Brace yourself.
Nobody liked me.
Did you insult their clothes? I wasn't from old money, first-settler skippy stock.
And my dad had a Colourful.
Past, yes.
Very much past.
My dad's off-limits.
You crossed the line, Richard.
I know, I know.
I'm sorry.
Nobody gets to say anything about him but me.
Aye, aye, Captain.
You know, if we merged our DNA together somehow, we'd make the perfect lawyer.
Your detailed mind and my debating skills and good looks.
I think that's called breeding.
Are you hitting on me? 'Cause I am not that drunk.
Neither am I.
Good, 'cause I need your help.
Get the cage.
O.
Shut up! w! Shâ! It wasn't my fault! How the hell did you get him out of here during office hours? Classified information.
Shut your beak! Why don't you give him something to shut him up? I am an animal lover, Richard.
Shh, shh, shh, careful, careful.
Careful.
OK, we're clear.
Hey, buddy.
Alright, let's do this.
Let's do this quickly.
Ready? Gentle.
How are we supposed to get him into the cage with the other bird? There's no 'we' in 'Richard'.
I'm not always going to be your slave, you know.
Come here.
Come here.
Shh! Come on.
Hey, come on.
Here we go.
It's alright.
Shh! Shh! Shh! I've missed this.
Ow! He bit me! Technically, they pecked you.
Ohh! Oh, wait, you dropped this.
That's not mine.
No, it's mine, idiot.
Your apartment.
You know, if you want to crash, or Tatum.
Just remember you're gay.
Let's get out of here.
Oh, um, I'd better get a DPP sympathy card for Tina.
Oh, that's a good excuse for why we're here after hours.
Now, you two don't say anything.
This is going to be our little secret.