'Mr Fontayne, could you talk us through the past couple of years from your perspective please.' Karls solicitor scanned the courtroom locking his gaze on the Colliers who were sat together in the public gallery holding hands. He had spent the last week going over events with Karl while he recovered in hopsital and now it was time to put the plan into action. Turning back to Karl, he added 'Start from your first encounter with Mr and Mrs Collier, take your time.' He moved to lean against the desk relishing the dramatic pauses and awkward silences before Karl spoke out.

'I met them at about Christmas time 2010, they came out to the estate to treat some drunk kid who came off his bike. Me and my mates were keepimg him company until they arrived, you know, being friendly. I was sat on his bike when he threatened me, told me to get off the bike otherwise I would be on a stretcher.' Karl glanced up to the Colliers enjoying the look of shock and bewilderment coming from their faces. Karl took a deep breath before he carried on.

'I didnt see them again until later at the hospital, me and my mates saw him sat in the ambulance so thought we would go over to see how the kid was doing. He wasnt very friendly then either. He got up in my face, he was pretty scary.'

'Go on Mr Fontayne.'

'I befriended one of their mates, Polly, she was a technician, very kind and caring. She helped me you know. After he tried to set light to me, she made me feel good about myself...'

'Mr Fontayne, can you elaborate on the incident where Mr Collier threatened you. Tell us how you were made to feel?'

'Objection, this has nothing to do with the current charges brought against Mr Fontayne by Mr and , how is this line of questioning relevant?' Miss Armstrong asked.

'It is relevant to understand the emotional torment that my client has been suffering.' Karls solicitor returned. The judge nodded allowing for the questioning to continue.

'He came into a flat where I was, threw petrol over me and threatened to set me on fire. He made me so scared that I lost control of myself. He took a photo and showed it to my mates. He took everything from me that day, my mates, my self respect and my family. Polly helped me, got me into college, found me somewhere to stay. She helped me, made me realise I wasnt worthless that I could be somebody, but then she died.'

Karl stopped looking down at the floor for added dramatic effect. He knew exactly what he was doing, he could sense Jeffs anger and Dixies hurt from where he was sat, it made him glad they were suffering even now. He was determined not to make the charges stick and this was his chance to do just that.

'Next time I met them it wasnt so bad. We were all grieving for Polly, she was hurting and he was ignoring her. It was clear that she needed a hug just as much as I did, thats when it all started.'

Dixie's jaw dropped at what she was hearing and held onto Jeffs hand even tighter. She had already gone through enough this week since Karls accusation, she had already felt like she had to convince Jeff that he was lying although he would continue to hold her, kiss her, make love to her telling her he believed her and that Karl was just playing a sick joke. She was given a list of dates and times that Karl claimed they had met, she had to prove her whereabouts to discredit him. She was hoping she had done enough.

'Go on'

'I gave her what she needed him to give her, I gave her love. We met in secret several times over the year, each time we were intimate with each other.'

'I cannot listen to this anymore Dix, he is sick.' Jeff whispered in her ear.

'I know, I didnt do any of those things Jeff, I didnt.'

'I know babe, I know.' Jeff moved Dixie into his arms as Karl looked up at .

( It was bad enough that we had to sit and listen to his lies, in a way he was right. Dixie was hurting after Polly died, she did need my touch but I was so wrapped up in blaming myself that I ignored her. I would like to think that I have made up for it now. When we heard about Karls accusation Dixie felt the need to tell me it wasnt true. She thought I wouldnt believe her, I did. Our bond is unbreakable, he wasnt going to break it. I just held her close and hoped our solicitor would come through for us.)

'It makes me sad that what we had meant nothing to her and that she is accusing me of rape just so she doesnt need to face the consequences of her infidelity.' Karl replied mock crying for added effect which didnt go unnoticed from Jeff.

'Jesus Christ, waterworks. How low will this creep go.' Jeff muttered as he continued to hold Dixie close to him.

'Thank you Mr Fontayne, I appreciate how hard this has been for you. I have one last thing to ask you, why did you decide to take your own life?' His solicitor asked, he was obviously going for the full effect.

Karl sniffed and wiped his eyes before locking them onto Dixie. 'She is lying. I couldnt listen to her lies anymore. If she had just been honest and told him the truth none of this would be happening. It is her that should be on trial not me. We had something special, it meant everything to me.'

Dixie shuddered into Jeff who held her tightly glaring at Karl with his nostrils flaring. He really had to try to contain himself, he didnt want another fine heading his way.

( I wanted to deck him one there and then but I had to remain strong. He was going to get his come uppance soon enough. He was staring at us so I decided to give him something to stare at, I kissed my wife and settled back down to watch him crumble).

'Thank you Mr Fontayne.' Karls solicitor turned, 'Miss Armstrong, if you have any questions?'

She nodded getting up to walk into the centre of the courtroom. Jeff and Dixie held onto each other both putting their faith and future firmly in her hands. She had the control now, every second, every word, every question counted.

'Mr Fontayne, how are you feeling?'

'A little shaken but I am ok.'

'If I were you I would be shaking. It must have been a tough call to have made, trying to take your own life. You must be really suffering.'

'I am, I couldnt take it anymore.'

'Yeah. Lying does have that effect on people.'

'I am not the one lying, she is.' Karl spat back pointing up to Dixie.

'You keep on saying that. Let us take some time to reflect shall we Mr Fontayne? You see that couple up there? The ones that are holding each other tightly, they are victims of your lying arent they? Mrs Collier did nothing to deserve her gang rape instigated by you, she did nothing to suffer the loss of her twin sons at your hands. She also did not have any sexual relationship with you did she?'

'Yes she did. We were having sex, she wanted it just as much as I did.' Karl spat back getting slightly irrate with her.

'You see that is where I have my problem. Up until last March, Mrs Collier was a lesbian who fell in love with her husband and enjoys a healthy relationship with him. Your story doesnt add up does it?'

'What are you getting at?'

'This.' Miss Armstrong replied moving around the courtroom sending a clear message that she was in control something that both Karl and his solicitor did not like.

'You attacked a resident on the estate, one who Mr Collier was trying to help. I am not denying that the death of Miss Emmerson hit you hard but that wasnt Mrs Colliers fault. You gave us ten dates and times over a period of seven months of when you and Mrs Collier allegedly met up, five of those times she was working as supported by Ambulance Dispatch, three were hospital appointments as confirmed by Holby NHS and the other two, well she was on holiday with her husband in a different country.'

Miss Armstrong turned to face Karl who had screwed his face up in utter rage at what he was hearing. 'Oh, and I also think I need to add that we have three men in custody who admitted to raping Mrs Collier under your instruction. We also have neighbours of the Colliers who have seen you spying on their home and fleeing the day Mrs Collier was attacked. I think you are lying. You have invented the whole affair to get you off the hook for charges of rape, assault, bodily harm and murder. Anything you want to say now Mr Fontayne?'

The whole court fell silent, every set of eyes were on Karl waiting for his reply.