Sitting in a courtroom, Justin waits to hear his fate.
There’s no getting away from what he did, and now he faces going to prison.
Could this be goodbye?
It’s a tense wait to see how the court will rule.
(IMAGE: Seven)In a tense week of Home and Away, Justin (James Stewart) awaits his fate after being arrested and charged for brutally attacking a stranger on the street.
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He believed his daughter Ava (Annabel Wolfe) had been abused by the man after she jumped into his van later sent a text message asking for help.
When he found her on a mattress in the back of a Kombi, Justin saw red – not knowing it was all a stunt by Ava to get Theo’s (Matt Evans) attention.
Theo and his aunt Leah are there for Justin’s trial.
(IMAGE: Seven)Justin, who was arrested at the scene, could lose his freedom as well as his relationship with Leah (Ada Nicodemou), who can’t believe the events that have unfolded in their lives.
”It impacts the entire family greatly,” James, 47, tells TV Week.
”Ava has never seen her father lose control like that. He’s scared her – and he’s startled Leah and Theo as well. Rightly so – that’s not the Justin that Leah fell in love with.”
On the day of his hearing, a downcast Justin has resigned himself to his fate. He feels he should be punished and seems reluctant to fight the charges.
”He doesn’t want to go to jail, but is prepare to,” James explains.
Theo is having a hard time with things…
(IMAGE: Seven)His only hope is Theo, who will corroborate his story.
But under questioning on the witness stand, Theo crumbles.
Justin then suggests he go on the stand, but it’s a gamble: one sign of anger and his defence will fall apart.
While his lawyer feels it won’t help their chances, Justin can see no other option – no one else saw the incident or can testify as to who he really is.
Alf offers to be a character witness, but will it help?
(IMAGE: Seven)But, just when all looks lost, Alf (Ray Meagher) walks in and offers to be a character witness.
Justin is grateful, but Alf’s reception is frosty – he’s shocked by the violent event.
”Alf comes to court and provides a heartfelt testimony,” James says.
”He’s not happy about it [the assault], though, and believes Justin should go to jail. But he’s there as a fate at this serious moment in Justin and Leah’s life.”
”Will Alf’s words make any difference?
