Justice (2011) s01e02 Episode Script

The Case for Cannibalism

You really want to make a difference, do something about him.
Once they see I'm not scared of him, of anyone.
It'll be OK.
I'm wanting to know about Patrick Coburn? Coburn's a villain.
And always will be.
I need a new second in command.
How are you fixed? I wasn't scared for me! Who were you scared for then?! Your friend? You might scare off little girls.
But you don't scare me.
Hello.
My name's Louise, I'm from the Liverpool Mercury.
I'm writing a piece about the new Public Justice Centre.
Have you heard about it? Did you know the judge from there was brought up in this house? Hi, I'm Louise Scanlon.
I'm writing a story about Judge Coburn.
Hi, my name's Louise.
I'm from the Liverpool Mercury.
What?! The Prime Minister doesn't earn that much in a day! At least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a bloody mask.
You want to lay off the wacky-backy, lad.
Bit early for you, isn't it? Couldn't sleep.
I'm in court today, aren't I? PJC? Then you've got nothing to worry about.
They could send me down.
Twenty quid, says the only place they'll be sending you is down the canal picking up litter.
Oh, Get a load o' them.
Bit young for you, aren't they? Trust me, lad, girls that age, they're not interested in little boys.
They want a real man.
She looks like she could pop any second.
Poor cow! And I've heard the dad doesn't want to know They're all the same.
They have their wicked way and then you don't see them for dust When'd you get that? It's on contract.
I'm working now, aren't I? Paying glass collectors a lot these days? He got you it, didn't he? No! No worries, thanks anyway.
Hello, I'm Louise I know why you're here.
You'd better come in.
I hope you're not in a hurry, because I've got to get a lot off my chest.
Now, how would you like to see that, when you look out of the window? Sometimes I don't even bother to open the curtains.
Now, what are you going to do about it? Sorry? Well, you are from the council, aren't you? Peter Catley's solicitor is running late.
Who's representing him? Eh, Indira Cave from Willis, Cave and Moses.
Oh, I saw her in ASDA on Saturday.
She introduced me to her husband.
I'd always had her down as a lesbian.
I'd always had her down as more of a Sainsbury's type! What's he up for this time? Discovered to be carrying a grand's worth of cocaine after an internal examination by police.
Ouch! Oh, Just say no.
Just an educated guess, but I'd say some kind of box.
I'm really not in the mood.
Must have cost a bob or two.
Won't last five minutes here.
I just want the person who stole me Danish pastries to have the guts to own up.
It's hardly a matter of life or death! Oh, actually it is, because I'm borderline type-two diabetic.
OK? Borderline hypochondriac, more like! Really giving the Chelsea Tractor a rest? You don't expect me to connect with this community from behind tinted windows, do you? Someone got out of the wrong side of bed this morning? What's the matter with you? Boiler exploded.
Starting the day with a freezing cold shower isn't my idea of fun! Oh, thank you.
I never thought I'd see the day I'd have a reporter from the Liverpool Mercury sitting in my living room.
So how long have you lived in the street for? Our Betty was one year old when we moved in, and that was 1952.
So how long's that? Coming up for 60 years.
So you must remember the Coburn family living across the road.
Well, my memory's not what it used to be.
But, I'll never forget Paddy Coburn.
Swanning up and down the street with that daft hat of his.
How do you feel about him coming back to work at the Public Justice Centre? Do you think it'll benefit the local community? Let's be honest, Paddy Coburn turned his back on us the first chance he got and he's never looked back.
Terribly sorry.
You want to get some stabilisers for that thing.
Yes.
Please? Mind if I join you? Er no.
Kelly, isn't it? Peter's mum? I'm very disappointed he's back here so soon.
Not as disappointed as me.
I really believed he'd started to turn his life around And then about six months ago this girl started spreading rumours that he'd got her pregnant, she's only 16.
Swears blind it's not his.
And you believe him? I'm a single mum myself.
He knows how I've struggled.
There is no way he'd put another woman through that.
Then he started knocking around with his so-called mates off the Glenfield Estate.
I've tried to stop him going down there, but he's 18, what am I supposed to do? Lock him in his room? Does his dad have any contact with him? Don't even go there.
We've never had as much as that out of him.
Could you stand up straight, please? Can you tell the judge your name, date of birth and address, please? Peter Catley, 29 Frensham Street, Dovefield, L5 3CC.
6th June 1993.
Right sit down then, Peter.
Mr Catley was brought into police custody on the 15th of this month and was discovered to be carrying a significant amount of cocaine.
Initially Mr Catley claimed that the drugs were for his own personal use but after further questioning, confessed his intention to supply.
Mr Catley was also under a supervision order at the time of his arrest due to a previous charge of possession of a Class B drug.
Yes, I remember.
I would just like to add that Mr Catley has pleaded guilty to the charges and is very remorseful.
He deeply regrets the embarrassment and suffering he's caused to his family, in particular his mother who is here to support him today.
It has to be said that the sentiments expressed do have a whiff of deja-vu about them.
If I may, Your Honour, I'd like to point out that my client's circumstances have changed since he last appeared before you.
He has admitted to becoming increasingly dependent on cocaine and marijuana in recent months and claims he only resorted to selling drugs to fund his own habit.
In light of this, I would ask you to consider a DRR as part of any sentence you may deem appropriate.
Stand up, please.
Your solicitor mentioned a DRR.
Do you understand what that means? It's a drug rehabilitation requirement.
Do you feel that's something that might benefit you? I have decided to temporarily adjourn proceedings on condition that you agree to speak to one of our drugs advisors today.
I can't see the problem with us reconvening this time tomorrow.
No.
Mr Catley, you don't have to walk far around here to see the misery that illegal drugs cause in this community.
I must warn you that the maximum custodial sentence is looking like the most likely option available to me.
Really lovely meeting you, thank you so much.
I felt really sorry for him when his dad passed away.
How old would he have been then? 15, 16.
Can't be sure.
So he was living over there on his own? No, no, local priest took him in.
Father Jim? Yes, do you know him? We've met, yes.
Paddy was an altar boy from when he was knee-high.
They were always very close.
Well, it's been lovely, thank you.
All right.
All right.
You here to see the drugs advisor? I AM the drugs advisor.
Do you want to come through? Have a seat.
OK, first things first.
Are you here because you want to be here or because you've got to be here? I haven't got a problem, if that's what you're asking.
So you don't consider being up in court twice in a month for drug offences a problem? I smoke a bit of weed, big deal.
But that's not all you take, is it? No, but I could stop whenever I wanted.
So why don't you then? Because I don't need to.
I've just told you, I haven't got a problem.
What would you know anyway? Maybe not that much.
I was a junkie for 12 years.
So you see, all this, I've been there, done it.
I've made my pact with the devil.
I'm not that bad.
You've admitted selling to support your own habit.
Look, I got a chance to turn my life around and I took it.
So are you ready to take yours? Excuse me, would you mind giving us a couple of minutes? Yep, sure, no probs.
Thanks.
I had a chat with your mum earlier.
She's out of her mind with worry.
She seems to think you only started going off the rails about six months ago.
Can you think of any reason why that might be? What about this girl she mentioned? What girl? The girl who claims she's having your baby.
I can't believe she told you that! So, is it true? Of course it's not! She's a complete psycho.
Who? Your mum? No, this girl.
What's her name? Jessica.
Jessica Stewart.
We only had a one night stand and she's telling everyone she's having me kid.
Only takes the once.
But I wasn't the only one.
She's been with nearly every lad on the Glenfield Estate.
Ask anyone.
Obviously didn't put you off.
I don't even want to talk about it.
It's got nothing to do with me.
What's the penance for lying these days? Three Hail Marys and an Our Father? You told me you couldn't remember Paddy Coburn.
Then I discovered he used to live with you.
It strikes me a bit odd you'd forget something so significant.
It was 40 years ago.
The Church is hardly famed for its transparency, but that's ridiculous.
Listen, I gave shelter to a young man who'd lost both his parents.
Shock, horror "Priest helps parishioner", there's a headline that should fly off the shelves for you.
Jessica? Jessica Stewart? Pint of lager please, love? So who are we gossiping about now then? Three guesses.
Apparently he fled this area when he was a teenager.
Never said goodbye to a single soul.
Packed his bags in the small hours never to be seen again.
Like a thief in the night Spreading malicious gossip about the judge's private life won't benefit any of us.
But he plays his cards so close to his chest.
He leaves himself wide open to speculation.
Anyway, I wonder why he never married.
Maybe he bats for the other side.
That's a whole new can of worms.
Choir boy, never married, shacked up with priest Doesn't take Carol Vorderman to do the maths! And no self-respecting straight man would ever be seen dead in a hat like that.
So much for team spirit, eh? So where did you get all this rubbish anyway? Didn't know this was your local.
I just happened to be in the area.
So you thought you'd just turn up and spread a bit of malicious gossip amongst my staff.
Believe me, any stories about Judge Coburn have been doing the rounds a long time.
I'm sure you're determined to dredge them all up, no matter how irrelevant they may be.
How much do you actually know about him? I know he's a decent, hard-working man who cares passionately about this community.
What's so funny? You should try telling that to his old neighbours.
Peter insists he's not the father.
It must be an immaculate conception then.
He said it was just a one night stand.
How do you explain that? I was with him for nearly three months.
But once he found out I was pregnant, it all changed.
He wanted me to get rid of it, but there was no way I could do that.
That's when he started spreading all the rumours that I'd been sleeping around.
I swear on my family's life, he's the only person I've ever been with.
I believe you.
Have your family been supportive? My mum's been brilliant, she said she'd help out with the baby so I can stay on at school.
Good for you.
Just because I'm going to be a single mum, it doesn't mean I can't make something of my life! As far as I'm concerned, you can lock him up and throw away the key.
Come in.
Everything all right? That reporter's been hanging around again.
Look, I need to know that you've been completely straight with me.
I'm the one who's out there vouching for you.
If you've got anything to hide, it's my credibility that's on the line.
She'll get bored.
Only wish I had your confidence.
She's spent the entire morning talking to your old neighbours.
She's running a story about some old woman whose life's been made a misery by fly-tipping Is that really the best she can do? Its doesn't look very good, if your old neighbours are portrayed to be living in abject misery while you're living the high life.
So that's what you call all this, eh? Look, I just think this one's really got it in for you.
So if you do have any skeletons lurking in the cupboard I suggest you bring them out, NOW.
Before she does it for you.
Maybe you're right.
Maybe.
Ask her to meet me in my old street, tomorrow morning.
Eight o'clock sharp.
And tell her to bring a photographer with her.
Photographer, why? If she wants a bloody exclusive, she can have one.
Sorry to interrupt, lads.
Any chance of a word? Saw Jessica this afternoon.
See, there's one thing I don't get.
What a nice girl like her would ever see in a lying little toerag like yourself.
She told me a very different version of events.
Being a real man isn't hanging about street corners with your friends, acting hard.
It's about taking responsibility for your actions.
You can go to the ends of the earth but THIS isn't going away.
It doesn't matter if you don't LOVE Jessica, that doesn't stop you from loving your baby, being a good dad.
See this is a chance to start again.
Go to college, get yourself a trade Be someone your child can look up to, be proud of.
You make the wrong choice now and you'll have the rest of your life to regret it.
Believe me.
Believe me! It's all right.
It's all right.
We're nearly there.
What's going on? I'm going.
Where? Anywhere.
I know how scared you must be about tomorrow, but doing a bunk will just make things a million times worse.
It's got nothing to do with that! I've lied to you.
About what? Jessica's baby.
It's mine.
I've just seen her.
She's in labour.
I'm sorry.
You just thought you were going to run away? Like father like son? Don't let me stop you! If you really think this is the right thing to do.
I'll even help you pack.
From the second you were born, I've struggled on my own.
I've even gone hungry so you could eat! And this is how you repay me? Turn into a carbon copy of him! All the trouble you've brought to this door.
I've never turned my back on you.
I could forgive you for almost anything, but not this So you go and have a nice life, and leave that poor girl to bring up your baby on her own! I just hope she does a better job than I did.
So go on! What you waiting for?! Get out! Go ask your dad if you can live with him, if he'll have you! You deserve each other! Pete? All right, Dad.
Grab a stool, lad.
What's in the bag? You selling knock-off? No.
What brings you here then? I just needed someone to talk to.
What about? There's this girl, she's pregnant.
Can't she get rid of it? It's too late for that.
You still with her? What are you worried about then?! It's still my kid.
Are you sure about that? You'd better get used to all the birds throwing themselves at you.
You get your good looks from me.
Just don't get yourself tied down.
Life's too short for all that.
Just fill your boots, lad! Like you did, you mean? Well, you've turned out all right, haven't you? You jammy little Stats! Aw, what?! Pete, hang on, Pete! Look, lad Any chance of lending us a tenner till tomorrow? So I was right, then? Adjourned until tomorrow.
I'm starting to think it'd be better off if I was sent down.
Careful what you wish for.
At least I'd have a roof over my head.
Me ma's kicked me out, me dad doesn't want to know.
But apart from that, things couldn't be better! Look, I was in your shoes once, you know.
I started with nothing - look at me now.
Do me a couple of favours and things could start looking up for you.
What kind of favours? Get your head down here tonight.
Come and find me first thing in the morning and smarten yourself up.
Mrs Roden.
You haven't changed a bit.
You do remember me, don't you? Paddy Coburn, I used to live across the street.
Please accept these with my heartfelt apologies.
I hear you've been having a spot of bother.
That's putting it mildly! Now how would you like to be faced? Well, do you think our crew has done a good job? I'm absolutely speechless.
That's a first for you.
Have you seen what this man's done? It's nothing short of a miracle.
I'm delighted you could make it.
I knew you'd be keen to witness community justice in action.
I couldn't be more proud than to come from this street.
Like Mrs Roden there, I remember how things used to be and I'm determined to restore that sense of pride to this community.
Right, I think we're ready for our close-ups.
You've done us proud, Paddy Coburn.
People do forgive and forget.
All that other business, it's in the past now.
Right, I think we've had enough excitement for one morning? Be careful there we are.
Thank you very much.
Is that the right time? Quarter past nine, yeah.
I think Peter's done a runner.
I've been calling him all morning but his phone's switched off.
Well, he'd better get a move on, I can't put him back any further.
This girl, the one who said she was having his baby, she went into labour last night.
He's admitted that it's his.
I lost my temper, I said things I shouldn't have.
And I haven't seen him since.
Well, if he's not here in five minutes, I'll have no option but to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Any sign? Right then, we'll have to issue the warrant.
What's he doing here? Look, I was going to tell you, I'm not coming in today.
You're bunking off? We're going to town.
He's buying me some new clothes for work.
Can't you see what he's doing?! He's giving me a chance, that's more than anyone else has ever done for me.
Is there anything you would like to add before I pass sentence? Yes, sir.
I know I've messed up and I'm not proud of myself.
But I had me reasons.
About six months ago I found out I'd made a girl pregnant.
I couldn't handle the thought of becoming a dad.
She went into labour last night, I could be a dad now, for all I know.
How does that make you feel? Ashamed.
I just want a chance to prove to her that I can change.
And how do you plan to do that? I'm not addicted to drugs, but I do need help.
Anything else? Yes, sir.
This morning, I went to the local college and picked up some information on the courses.
Doing what? Plumbing, sir.
Mm-hm.
What would you say to people in this court who may suspect all this is just a cynical ploy to avoid a heavier sentence? It isn't, I swear.
I never really known my own dad, he was never there for me.
I'd hate my kid to feel about me the way I feel about him.
I'm sorry to hear that.
But I'm also pleased for you.
Because I'm no longer speaking to you just as a lad, or a son.
I'm speaking to you as a father.
I phoned the hospital earlier.
Jessica gave birth to a healthy baby girl in the early hours of this morning.
Congratulations.
And congratulations to you.
I must say you're probably the most glamorous granny we've ever had in this court.
Drugs blight the lives of many people in this community and this court could not be more committed to punishing those who deal them in the most severe manner.
However, I have decided that a custodial sentence would be counter productive in this instance.
I therefore give you a 12 month supervision order and 300 hours community payback.
As part of this order, you will be obliged to attend a compulsory drugs rehabilitation course.
I also impose an exclusion order, preventing you from going near or associating with anyone from the Glenfield Estate.
If you find it so difficult to break away from these so-called friends of yours, this should solve the problem.
Don't ever let me see you here again.
All stand.
Hayley.
Yeah? I'm sorry.
I'm cursed with a sweet tooth and an addictive personality.
What are you like? With all due respect, Sir, what kind of message is that sending out? I would have thought a positive one.
To who? Drug dealers? That lad has never had a father figure in his life.
He was about to repeat the pattern.
If we're going to make an impact on this community, we have to break that cycle.
Because, believe me, it's the only way to make sure that the next generation aren't coming through these doors in 16 years time.
Very commendable.
I hope our friend at the press takes such a charitable view.
Stuff the press! Do you really think I give a monkey's about them? I know I've done the right thing and that's all that matters to me.
Fair enough.
I know we can't always see eye to eye, but at least I know you'll always be completely straight with me.
Joe.
I haven't been straight with you.
How could you? Jealous? He'll never change.
All this, buying you presents, paying you compliments.
Can't you see it's part of his plan? What are you on about? What plan?! He'll have you hooked on drugs and selling your body on street corners before you know it.
I don't have to listen to this.
Yes, you do, because I'm telling the truth.
And how would you know? Because he did it to my mum.
They don't come much worse than Jake Little.
There you go.
Thank you, Vicky.
There we go.
Cheers.
Come on then, you've kept me in suspense for long enough.
You want to know about the skeletons in my cupboard.
I understand your frustration today, but that lad, I had to give him another chance.
I couldn't just stand back and watch him make the same mistakes as me.
There was a girl, she got pregnant, I didn't do the decent thing.
I ran away to university, never looked back.
You've got a kid? A daughter.
She would have been 40 this year.
I tried to trace her a few years back but, too late.
She died.
I never even got to meet her.
Nobody's fault, except my own.
How did she die? Her mum died when she was a teenager, she got on to the drugs.
By all accounts, there was nothing she wouldn't do to feed her habit.
Years of abuse took their toll, as ever.
You do know this is all going to come out? Mmmm.
'You've done us proud, Paddy Coburn.
'People should forgive and forget 'all that other business' 'People should forgive and forget all that other business' Hello, Mrs Roden? It's Louise again from the Mercury.
Sorry to call so late.
That's great, thank you so much.
You take care now, bye, bye.
Gotcha.
I haven't been exactly straight with you.
I think it's time you paid your respects.
There's a fine line between community spirit and being a grass, you know.
You owe me now.
And I charge a daily interest rate.
But we'll get to that later.
Jake's right.
Just like your mother.
I want to speak to Louise Scanlon.
I haven't got an appointment.
Just tell her it's about Judge Coburn.
We have to up our game.
Get something on Jake Little.

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