*** COURTROOM - 1:05 PM ***

Alison is speaking with Greg, the final witness in the case.

Alison Ashley:

Do you love your family, Mr Matthews?

Greg Matthews:

Of course I do. I mean, I love Anne and I love the kids as well. It's a sort of package deal.

Alison Ashley:

How did you feel about the kids? Considering that you're not their father.

Greg Matthews:

Well, they drive me mad sometimes. But as a teacher I'm used to that. I guess they're not too bad.

Alison Ashley:

You get along well with them?

Greg Matthews:

Yeah, I'd say so.

Alison Ashley:

Do you prefer Ian or Polly?

Greg Matthews:

It's hard to say really. Ian's cuter and we get along better but Polly helps out around the house more. She's a bit more responsible but less fun.

Alison Ashley:

Do the kids like you?

Greg Matthews:

Well yeah. At least, I thought so. Ian was really chuffed when I started coaching his football team. But as for Polly� Well, I don't know. She and I have never really seen eye to eye. I'm the only father that Ian's ever known but Polly remembers her old Dad. She's never seen me as a father figure.

Alison Ashley:

So you think she dislikes you?

Greg Matthews:

I think she resents me for marrying her mother.

Alison Ashley:

Would you say that she hates you?

Greg Matthews:

I wouldn't have thought so, but perhaps.

Alison Ashley:

Enough to make things up? Simply to get you into trouble?

Greg Matthews:

As I said before, I wouldn't have thought so. I wouldn't have thought she'd have understood about Anne's affair. But maybe she does. Maybe she blames me for her father leaving.

Alison Ashley:

Do you believe in disciplining children, Mr Matthews?

Greg Matthews:

Well after many years working with children as a schoolteacher, I see it as a very necessary part of raising kids. If you don't lay down the law then they walk all over you. Particularly if you're not their natural parent.

Alison Ashley:

Have you ever been strict with Polly?

Greg considers his reply carefully.

Greg Matthews:

Well, she was older and a bit more rebellious so she didn't obey me as easily as Ian did. Ian is quite a good kid, really. But as for Polly� Well, I had to be firmer with her from time to time.

Alison Ashley:

Have you ever hit her?

Greg Matthews:

A few times, when she was younger. When she was really ratty with me.

Alison Ashley:

Have you ever hurt Polly badly?

Greg Matthews:

Of course not. I never hit her hard. Just enough to make her take notice. Like what you'd do with a pet dog if it kept making messes on the floor. You'd give it a little thump so it'd stop.

Alison Ashley:

So you have never deliberately hit her? Can you suggest an alternative explanation for the bruises and other injuries previously mentioned by Doctors Harding and Pierce?

Greg Matthews:

Not really. It must have been down to the kids at school. As I said, I know she gets picked on a lot.

Alison Ashley:

She is being bullied at school? How seriously?

Greg Matthews:

I'm not sure as to the extent. But she always used to whinge about this Jenny girl pushing her over or calling her a lesbian.

Alison Ashley:

Has she ever come home from school with injuries before?

Greg Matthews:

Sometimes. She plays hockey so I reckon it must have been down to that. It can be a pretty violent game and her hockey coach isn't exactly the gentlest person in the world.

Alison Ashley:

What do you say about the allegations being made against you?

Greg replies smoothly.

Greg Matthews:

It's all rubbish. I think it must be some sort of revenge that Polly's dreamed up to get back at me.

Alison Ashley:

Polly is lying about the abuse?

Greg Matthews:

Not her necessarily. But someone is.

Greg glances up at Viv in the public gallery.

Alison Ashley:

No further questions your Honour.

Alison sits down and Daniel rises to his feet.

Daniel Harker:

You say that you love your family, Mr Matthews?

Greg nods.

Greg Matthews:

Yes.

Daniel Harker:

So why do you beat up and rape your stepdaughter?

Greg Matthews:

I've never done either of those things.

Daniel Harker:

She says that you did. And I'm inclined to believe her.

Greg Matthews:

Then it's her word against mine.

Daniel Harker:

How do you explain the fact that she is pregnant, Mr Matthews?

Greg Matthews:

I can't explain it, can I? I don't follow her twenty-four hours a day. What she gets up to when she's out of the house is her business.

Daniel Harker:

She is an innocent, Mr Matthews. Or at least she was before you got your claws into her. We've already heard how your brother attempted to pervert the course of justice and bribe a witness to lie under oath.

Daniel takes a deep breath.

Daniel Harker:

So I'd ask you again. How do you explain the fact that she is pregnant?

Greg remains calm. He replies crisply.

Greg Matthews:

I don't know.

Daniel Harker:

Have you ever hit Polly, Mr Matthews? And please answer the question truthfully this time.

Greg Matthews:

Well, hasn't every parent?

Daniel Harker:

Did you ever use unnecessary force? Did you break Polly's arm just because she won't do what you wanted?

Greg Matthews:

I never broke her arm. That's a downright lie.

Daniel Harker:

Polly has testified to the effect that you did break her arm, Mr Matthews. And she has her brother backing her up. That's two against one, Mr Matthews. It's not looking good. Can you say anything in your defence?

Greg Matthews:

They're kids. They've been put up to it, you prat. It's not true.

Daniel Harker:

So why did you admit that you broke Polly's arm in the taped interview with WPC Martella?

Greg Matthews:

I� I didn't� It was an accident.

Greg begins to sweat profusely.

Daniel Harker:

An accident, Mr Matthews? How can you break someone's arm by accident? That's not quite true, is it?

Greg Matthews:

I� I never meant to break her arm.

Daniel Harker:

What did you mean to do then?

Greg Matthews:

I only meant to grab her arm and I� I only meant it as a warning. I didn't mean to do it.

Daniel Harker:

But accident or not, you did break her arm. How would you describe your sex life, Mr Matthews?

Greg is surprised by the unexpected question.

Greg Matthews:

How do you mean?

Daniel Harker:

Your sex life. Do you have sex often?

Greg Matthews:

Well, it depends. Is this relevant?

Daniel Harker:

Answer the question. Do you have sex often?

Greg is very hesitant to reply.

Greg Matthews:

I suppose so.

Daniel Harker:

And who do you have sex with?

Greg begins to stutter slightly.

Greg Matthews:

My� My wife.

Daniel Harker:

And what exactly do you do with her? Are you into kinky stuff, Mr Matthews?

Greg Matthews:

Don't be ridiculous.

Daniel Harker:

But you must miss the sex when she's away for long periods of time? Because of her job as a flight attendant?

Greg shrugs his shoulders.

Greg Matthews:

I suppose so.

Daniel Harker:

So what do you do to make up for it?

Greg Matthews:

How do you mean, make up for it?

Daniel Harker:

How do you satisfy your sexual needs when Anne is overseas?

Greg turns to face Alison pleadingly.

Greg Matthews:

I don't have to take this crap from some pillock in a wig.

Daniel Harker:

You seem to have a problem talking about sex, Mr Matthews. Why is that?

Greg Matthews:

Because my sex life is none of your goddamn business, that's why! It's a private thing.

Greg is starting to get angry.

Daniel Harker:

So your sex-life is private is it? You don't like people finding out about it?

Greg Matthews:

Well would you?

Daniel Harker:

I'm not a child rapist. Polly was raped and you are the only person with the means, motive and opportunity to rape her. In fact, you did it to her so often that you made her pregnant. We can do blood tests on the baby to help establish paternity. You even confessed to it on tape, for God's sake! You're not fooling anyone, Mr Matthews. You pathetic creature.

Greg explodes into a fit of rage.

Greg Matthews:

Well she deserved it, the snide cow!

Daniel Harker:

She deserved what, Mr Matthews?

Greg Matthews:

She never listened to me and she was always trying to turn Ian and Anne against me, the manipulative little bitch.

Daniel Harker:

So what did you do to her? To get her to listen?

Greg Matthews:

It depended on how I felt. But it sure brought her down to size. She never answers me back any more. I saw to that!

Daniel Harker:

What did you do to her? Come on, tell the court. What did you do to this innocent little girl to bring her down to size?

Greg Matthews:

It only started out with a few slaps at first but then she started getting cockier and cockier. She started disobeying me just for the heck of it. She was trying to take over and I wasn't having that. I figured that if she wanted to play house then I'd show her exactly what that meant.

Daniel Harker:

What do you mean? Did you have sex with her?

Greg Matthews:

Not at first, no. But she started to grow up and she changed. Anne was never around and Polly was so keen to play the woman of the house.

Daniel Harker:

So you raped her? Your own stepdaughter? You forced her to have sex with you?

The courtroom falls silent as Greg considers his answer. Suddenly, he raises his voice in anger.

Greg Matthews:

I did. And it worked. She learnt where she stood very quickly after that!

Daniel Harker:

What exactly did you make her do, Mr Matthews?

Greg Matthews:

It didn't start out as anything bad. It was nothing, just a bit of touching and rubbing. I mean, she never used to get hurt. But the older she got the more confident she became so I had to put her back in her box. And it worked. She got hurt and after that she would shut up.

Daniel Harker:

Did you enjoy it?

Greg Matthews:

It was on a plate, wasn't it? I wasn't about to turn it down. Pretty little young thing like that. She learnt really fast too.

Daniel turns away, an expression of disgust on his face.

Greg Matthews:

Oh, come on. Don't tell me you haven't had the same thoughts every now and then. All those little school girls trotting off to school. Don't tell me you haven't wanted to take one home with you and force her to do anything you wanted. Anything at all. You ought to try it sometime. They don't talk back like women do.

Daniel Harker:

Why did you do it, Mr Matthews? What can you possibly say to justify what you have done to this poor girl?

Greg shrugs.

Greg Matthews:

It's the same for all of us. We each take our turn. One day it'll be her dishing out the punishment, just like I was on the receiving end once! But now I'm in control. This time it's me in charge, not him.

Daniel looks pitifully down at the broken man.

Daniel Harker:

No further questions, your Honour.

*** ALISON ASHLEY'S HOUSE - 7:30 PM ***

Daniel and Alison are sitting on opposite sides of Alison's dining room table drinking cocktails. Soft, romantic music is playing in the background.

Daniel Harker:

Well it's all over bar the shouting.

Daniel thoughtfully sips on a Bourbon and Coke. Alison nods.

Alison Ashley:

Yes, it looks that way. You know, believe it or not, I was on your side back there. This afternoon in court.

Daniel snorts.

Daniel Harker:

You could have fooled me.

Alison Ashley:

What a typical man. I don't expect you to be grateful or anything. I could have objected to practically every sentence that came out of your mouth towards the end of your little performance this afternoon. But I didn't.

Daniel Harker:

Why not? I seem to remember you having a soft spot for our favourite rapist the last time we talked!

Alison Ashley:

I had to be professional about it, didn't I? We all have to take on cases that we don't like. I knew he was guilty from the start, I just didn't want him knowing that. Or you for that matter. I don't fancy the idea of an enraged Matthews appearing on my doorstep in twenty or so years time.

Daniel grunts in reply.

Daniel Harker:

That bastard deserves life.

Alison Ashley:

Yeah, he won't get it though. Ten years if you're lucky. Maybe less.

Daniel Harker:

Can't we have a word to the Judge? I mean, I know Judge Richards is usually a prize pillock when it comes to sentencing but he sometimes listens to counsel in private.

Alison Ashley:

Is it worth the risk? I mean, suppose he's not willing to play ball?

Daniel grunts again and takes another sip of his drink.

Daniel Harker:

Bloody Judges. I'd rather be a crim than a Judge! At least criminals can sleep at night.

Alison Ashley:

You're not kidding. Anyway, we're not the ones who should be complaining. We get paid either way.

Daniel Harker:

I guess. Another?

Alison Ashley:

Why not?

Daniel mixes Alison a Barcardi and Coke and passes it across to her.

Daniel Harker:

You do realise that you'll get drunk if you keep this up.

Alison Ashley:

You just might be right about that.

Alison giggles. She is very tipsy. Daniel smiles and downs the rest of his drink.

Daniel Harker:

Well, it looks like we agree on something then. At last.

Daniel takes Alison by the hand and leads her towards her bedroom. Alison continues to giggle. She is very drunk.

Alison Ashley:

Just remember I have to face you in court tomorrow. So be gentle.

Daniel Harker:

You'll be facing me tonight as well, my dear.

Daniel and Alison slip into bed together.

** DECEMBER 15TH **

*** CANLEY CROWN COURT - 10:30 AM ***

Daniel is standing with Viv, Anne, Ian and Polly outside the courtroom. The atmosphere is electric.

Daniel Harker:

The trial's almost finished, Ms Page. The closing speeches are over and all that's left to get through is the verdict. Then we can go home.

Anne Page:

Is that when the jury tells us what they have decided?

Daniel Harker:

Yes. It's the most important part of all. Juries are erratic so you can never be too sure how things will turn out.

Anne Page:

But, I mean� There's no chance he'll get off, is there?

Daniel Harker:

You can never be certain but I have a pretty good feeling about this case. Just trust me.

Anne nods. She is slightly reassured.

Anne Page:

How long are we talking about here? How many years will he get?

Daniel Harker:

Hopefully he'll get life, which means that he'll be locked away for at least fifteen years.

Anne Page:

And the worst case scenario is?

Daniel Harker:

Theoretically, he could be sent to a psychiatric institution for treatment.

Anne is shocked.

Anne Page:

You mean, he wouldn't go to jail at all?

Daniel Harker:

It's only a possibility, Ms Page. I assure you, it's very unlikely. Quick, it's time to go inside.

The small group files into the courtroom. Daniel and Alison take up their positions and await the arrival of the Judge.

Course Usher:

All rise.

Everyone in the courtroom stands up as the Judge walks in. Judge Richards nods to the Usher then sits down on his seat. Everyone else in the room does likewise.

Judge Richards:

Now that the court has been presented with the evidence and has heard all of the witnesses testifying in the case of the Crown against Matthews, I would like to hear the jury's decision. Have you reached a verdict on the charges of rape, assault and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor?

Sandra Conwell rises from her seat and addresses the court.

Sandra Conwell:

We have, your Honour.

Judge Richards:

And what have you decided?

Sandra Conwell:

We find the defendant Gregory Charles Matthews guilty all on counts.

Judge Richards:

Thank you Madame Foreman.

Excited muttering begins all over the courtroom. Judge Richards bangs his gavel as Sandra sits down again.

Judge Richards:

Do you have you anything to say for yourself before I sentence you, Mr Matthews?

Greg shakes his head slowly. He looks completely and utterly defeated.

Judge Richards:

Then I sentence you to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of fifteen years. Take the defendant down.

Viv grins at Polly. Polly grins back.

Polly Page:

We did it, Viv.

Greg struggles with the officers who are trying to escort him down from the dock.

Greg Matthews:

You little bitch! I'll get you for this! Just you wait! One day you're going to wish that you had kept your big mouth shut! You too Martella! I'll have the both of you!

Polly looks up, terrified by Greg's incoherent raving. Viv takes Polly's hand and speaks to her soothingly.

WPC Martella:

Don't listen to him, Polly. He'll be locked away now. He'll never touch you again.

Polly Page:

You sure?

WPC Martella:

Of course. I'll stake my life on it.

Polly snuggles into Viv's side and sticks her tongue out at Greg. Judge Richards looks on with amusement as Greg is dragged out of court.

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