The Bench is set in the chambers of a busy magistrate's court. Every day our core characters face whatever challenges and dilemmas the legal system throws at them, from escaping prisoners to arsonists; jealous wives wreaking revenge to accidental killers. Not to mention the tensions, desires, frustration and outright resentment simmering under the surface of this high pressured legal team.
The first in a new series of this legal drama set in a magistrates' court. A mother and daughter are both on trial and must decide who takes the blame. Defence solicitor Des Davies can't resist being mean to a new rival.
The first in a new series of this legal drama set in a magistrates' court. A mother and daughter are both on trial and must decide who takes the blame. Defence solicitor Des Davies can't resist being mean to a new rival.
13+
29min
Jan 1, 2002
2. Episode 2
2. Episode 2
When two desperate parents fight to get their children out of the care of social services, the magistrates must make a tough and heartbreaking decision. Katharine faces a crisis in her personal life.
When two desperate parents fight to get their children out of the care of social services, the magistrates must make a tough and heartbreaking decision. Katharine faces a crisis in her personal life.
13+
30min
Jan 8, 2002
3. Episode 3
3. Episode 3
When a defendant arrives drunk and disorderly for his trial, proceedings dissolve into chaos. Meanwhile, a loyal grandmother tries every trick in the book to win her grandson bail
When a defendant arrives drunk and disorderly for his trial, proceedings dissolve into chaos. Meanwhile, a loyal grandmother tries every trick in the book to win her grandson bail
13+
30min
Jan 15, 2002
4. Episode 4
4. Episode 4
A married man's one night stand leads to bitterness and recrimination in and out of the courtroom. Prosecutor cheryl cates' stressful day brings her closer to one of her colleagues.
A married man's one night stand leads to bitterness and recrimination in and out of the courtroom. Prosecutor cheryl cates' stressful day brings her closer to one of her colleagues.
13+
30min
Jan 22, 2002
5. Episode 5
5. Episode 5
Hugh faces a stark choice between his career and his personal loyalty to a defendant. Des has something to celebrate.
Hugh faces a stark choice between his career and his personal loyalty to a defendant. Des has something to celebrate.
13+
30min
Jan 29, 2002
6. Episode 6
6. Episode 6
A father faces every parent's nightmare when his teenage son appears in court. Des is on a high in his personal life, but could get out of this depth when he decides to take on a hardened criminal as a client.
A father faces every parent's nightmare when his teenage son appears in court. Des is on a high in his personal life, but could get out of this depth when he decides to take on a hardened criminal as a client.
13+
30min
Jan 30, 2002
7. Episode 7
7. Episode 7
Ranjit realizes a client has become over-attached, and Des is compromised by his involvement with a criminal family. Work threatens to damage their personal lives.
Ranjit realizes a client has become over-attached, and Des is compromised by his involvement with a criminal family. Work threatens to damage their personal lives.
13+
30min
Jan 31, 2002
8. Episode 8
8. Episode 8
The magistrates' are eagerly anticipating the ballot to decide the chair of Penbridge Magistrates' court. The friendship of rival candidates Val and Peter faces its greatest test.
The magistrates' are eagerly anticipating the ballot to decide the chair of Penbridge Magistrates' court. The friendship of rival candidates Val and Peter faces its greatest test.
13+
30min
Jan 31, 2002
9. Episode 9
9. Episode 9
The press descend on the court for the sentencing of a teacher who had a relationship with a pupil. Meanwhile Des and Cheryl reach crisis point.
The press descend on the court for the sentencing of a teacher who had a relationship with a pupil. Meanwhile Des and Cheryl reach crisis point.
13+
30min
Jan 31, 2002
10. Episode 10
10. Episode 10
When his client frames an innocent man, Des is not only compromised, but in great danger.
When his client frames an innocent man, Des is not only compromised, but in great danger.
The Bench is set in the chambers of a busy magistrate's court. Every day our core characters face whatever challenges and dilemmas the legal system throws at them, from escaping prisoners to arsonists; jealous wives wreaking revenge to accidental killers. Not to mention the tensions, desires, frustration and outright resentment simmering under the surface of this high pressured legal team.
