WATER DRIPS
The victim is an 85-year-old male, a Mr Tomczyk.
He asked me for money.
When I opened wallet, he saw bank card.
And he took that as well? He asked me for PIN.
You're a very brave man.
He didn't leave after you gave him the PIN, did he?
I don't want to talk about it.
Tell them I want them all watching that cash machine,
and they don't leave until I say so.
HONK HONKS Too late, boss. We missed him.
What?! We must've missed him by seconds.
CRASH
We have to try something new. We have to.
We just need a bigger boat.
Ocean liner. Aircraft carrier.
I've never made a request to the Force Tasking Group
but I understand that many of you here are regular bidders
so we're here to listen and to learn.
I'd suggest having surveillance teams on stand-by
just outside the plot. Yeah, that's crucial.
You don't want word getting out there's surveillance
going on in Shirley.
If we shrink the plot,
the odds of him offending obviously shrink, too.
By how much?
Well, based on past offences,
they drop from one-in-three to one-in-six.
One-in-six.
You know what, they're still good odds. I'll take that.
Now, for the first time,
I really think we're in with a chance of a result,
of stopping this man for good.
CLOCK TICKS
PRINTER BEEPS
Ah, OK. I was very heartened by the support of the squad bosses.
Thanks, Richard. But I won't lie, we've unleashed a beast here.
We're going to the FTG with a begging bowl
of optimistic proportions. Optimistic?
As in, "Optimistic our boys'll beat Brazil."
That's not optimism, that's more like a wilful delusion.
Like when you sat the inspectors' exam, Nev.
What if they say no? Are we're screwed?
Basically. The Force Tasking Group is the only funding body
that can write the sort of cheque we're after. Yeah.
So we need to have answers to every question.
Every last penny and officer we're requesting
needs to be justified. We're not just selling the plan,
we're selling the execution of the plan. Fat chance.
Kenny, have you got something you'd like to add? No, Sir.
Private joke. Fair enough.
But I will say, though, if anyone isn't 100% behind this,
there's still the chance to win the keys to a Vauxhall Astra.
A nice silver one with stripes and lights on it. OK?
Now, I'm told that the presentation of a bid
is every bit as important as the contents,
so any PowerPoint demons, please make themselves known.
Wouldn't say I'm a demon, but I'm all right. He's brilliant.
He did the slideshow at my 50th. Wasn't that for your 60th?
OK. All proofed materials to Adam, please.
Boss, it's a bad one -
victim's been admitted to West Croydon
and Patricia's on her way. That's all I've got. Oh, God.
Nathan, can you start getting the presentation together?
Neville, you come with me.
We're on our way.
SIREN WAILS
I'm calling from the Metropolitan Police in London.
That's right, the UK. I'm trying to reach Diane Cole.
I'll hold, thank you.
Nancy Cole, she's a widow.
One daughter who lives in New Zealand,
I'm trying to track her down.
Has she been assaulted?
TBC - she's been dozing since I got here.
Consultant wants to see her before tests are carried out.
Right. Thank you.
Excuse me, hi. DS Neville Hylton, DCI Colin Sutton. She's in there.
Yeah, just a couple of questions. Yes, of course.
Nancy, my name's Colin Sutton.
How are you feeling?
You're in West Croydon Hospital and you're in very good hands.
What, love?
He interfered with me, you know.
I'm very sorry to hear that, Nancy, I truly am.
It took a lot of courage to tell me that.
I think you're very brave and we're gonna look after you
and help you in every way we can, all right?
Thank you.
Colin, it's her daughter.
She wants to speak to whoever's in charge.
What's her name? Diane. OK, thank you.
Hello, Diane, my name's Colin Sutton.
'Is it him? Did he come back?'
I'm sorry?
The Night Stalker.
He attacked a woman in Mum's street ten years ago.
Didn't you know that?
Er... no. I've just come straight to the hospital,
I'm still catching up on the details.
'Details?'
You don't know if it's him or not?
There's a strong possibility that it is, yes.
'Oh, God. She read about it in the local paper.
SECOND PHONE RINGS 'Every attack, every article.
'She always said she'd be next.
'This is exactly what she dreaded.' Hi, DCI Sutton's phone.
And I'm so far away.
I'm sorry.
'How is he still out there?'
I wish I could answer that, but I'm afraid I can't.
Was she erm... HER VOICE FALTERS
'Was she raped?' I don't know, Diane.
As soon as I have more information, I'll call you myself, I promise.
'Now, what about coming over to see your mum?'
I want to.
But erm... I'm a single mum,
'It's not easy.'
Well if we can help with the arrangements, just let us know.
Thank you. Have you got a pen? I'll give you our office number.
OK, thanks.
'It's 02079...' Sorry, hang on.
OK.
02079460739.
0739, OK.
Everything all right, Neville?
Not exactly. That was Inspector Adler,
one of the Staff Officers at the Yard. Uh-huh?
He says he's managed to squeeze your application
into the Force Tasking meeting today. Today?!
You've got the 12:00pm slot. That's in 90 minutes!
I said that. I said it's impossible.
I'm not ready. I'm nothing like ready.
I said all of that. I asked if you could come in next week.
He goes - get this - he goes,
"We're fully booked till the first week of November."
That's six weeks away! Then he says, "If it's not a priority for you,
"I could tell the DACs you're not bothered."
It's not about not being bothered,
we're in the middle of an investigation! Thank you.
To which he says, "We're all busy these days, nature of the beast."
So, it's now or November? Yeah.
We'd better get going then, hadn't we. I reckon.
What's another way of saying "forensically aware"?
Evidentially cognisant?
That's a bit of a mouthful.
Evidentially savvy?
Yeah. Yeah, that's good.
Good luck, boss. Thanks. Bye.
Hello, Alex. Morning, Sir. You all right?
Shit!
Neville!
Lend us your warrant card, I left mine on my desk.
What? Just give it to me. I look nothing like you!
You're too modest.
Couldn't you just explain to security?
I could, but I'd probably miss next week's meeting as well.
Chief Inspector Sutton? Yep.
Len Adler, I spoke to one of your colleagues. Oh, yeah.
Right, you'll be presenting to the DACs in five minutes.
But, rather embarrassingly, two council leaders
have lost their laptops in the last eight weeks.
Here we can see the spread of the problem,
with the main issues highlighted.
That's Sue Akers sitting at the table
and Lynne Owens on her right.
Oh, yeah, I know them both. You do?
Yeah, Lynne used to work with my wife at Surrey
and Sue was the Child Protection DI at Islington when I worked up there.
Can I have your presentation, please?
No, I need it.
Your memory stick, DVD or CD-ROM.
Yeah, I know what you're talking about, I haven't got one.
Thank you very much. We'll be in touch as soon as we can.
DCI Sutton, Operation Minstead!
Colin, how are you? I'm very well indeed, thanks, Ma'am.
And thanks for slotting me in. How's Louise?
She's very well indeed. Do give her my best. Yes, I will.
I'm the acting SIO on Operation Minstead,
an investigation targeting an unidentified offender
who has carried out multiple rapes, assaults and burglaries
on elderly victims in South East London
dating back to 1992.
CLEARS THROAT
I believe the offender is both sufficiently prolific
and provably active in the same area of Shirley
that we can catch him in the act.
Or that we have a very, very good chance.
But to exploit that chance, I need, for an open-ended period,
75 extra officers.
Which I know is a significant,
if not unprecedented number, with a huge cost implication.
However, with those officers, ideally backed up by Air Support
and with access to Central 3000, we can thread...
we can...
we can throw a net over these target streets,
a net without holes, more to the point.
My confidence in this plan is rooted in
our subject's extraordinary levels of offending.
To date, at least 30 rapes, attempted rapes and sexual assaults
and over 100 burglaries,
with a notable uptick in frequency in recent months.
So, to add a geographic component to those figures...
Er... look, Ma'am, the bottom line is this.
I've got an 80-year-old women waiting for an HIV test.
I've got a war hero who's too terrified
to tell the family liaison officer what this man did to him.
I've got an 81-year-old, half-blind lady clutching my arm,
saying, "He interfered with me."
This has got to stop,
and we have all got to take responsibility for stopping it
as soon as we can.
This plan... this plan is our best shot at doing that.
You're pushing on an open door, Colin.
Thank you.
RADIO: Stand by, stand by.
So, here we are.
Stupid question, where do all these hook up to?
Feeds of every description -
CCTV, hidden cameras, TFL footage, you name it.
Can I ask you a question? Sure.
Don't get me wrong, but how did you wangle this?
Normally terrorism and/or kidnapping is the price of entry.
I applied my teenage philosophy to asking girls out.
Which was?
That they can only say no.
Which they generally did.
Good for you.
Are you telling us not to get too comfortable?
Anything terror-related, you'll be out on your ear.
But you knew that already. Mm-hm.
It's a big train set. It's the biggest train set.
If we don't catch him now, we never will.
Drink there, love. Thanks, love.
Buyer's remorse? What?
You got what you wanted, now you're feeling the weight of it?
Something like that, yeah.
Oh, God, this looks like hard work.
I just want to get it right, what I say to them.
There's 75 bodies out there, night after night.
That's 75 coppers I'm taking off the street and out of circulation.
It's got to work, Louise, it's got to work.
And you think your pep talk will be a deciding factor?
I need them to start the way they mean to continue, yeah.
Fair enough. Most of the 75 are new to Minstead,
and they've got to grasp what we're dealing with,
who we're dealing with, and how savvy he is.
One slip up, one little chink of light through a curtain,
one scrap of paper dropped in the street... That's good.
What? What you just said, it's better than anything here.
Well, thanks a lot (!)
Go on, "One slip, one giveaway chink of light from a curtain..."
One carelessly discarded item... No, what you said before was better.
Oh. One scrap of paper dropped in the street
is all that it will take...
for this super-vigilant offender to abort his wicked mission
and slip back into the shadows.
You have to go out there absolutely convinced
that tonight is the night.
And you have to go out again and again, until it is our night.
Now, beware distraction.
One text message, one 30 second doze,
one glance at Tottenham's goal difference
and you could miss him.
OK, all the details, all the planning, who's going where,
the call-signs, the equipment, the vehicles,
I'm leaving to specialist DSes who do this every day.
They'll make a much better job of it than a pen-pushing SIO.
I will, of course, always be available
to sign off any overtime or expenses claims.
THEY CHUCKLE
17 years, that's how long this man has inflicted untold pain and fear
on the most vulnerable members of our community.
Not just ruining lives, but hastening their end.
He thinks he owns those streets,
like he owns the homes he breaks into.
Go out and show him you do.
We are all set to go live at nine.
Observation points'll be radioing in any minute.
What we've got here is all the available cameras
on the edge of your plot - TFL, Met, Local Authority.
DOG BARKS
Call it in.
'OP34 in position.'
Confirm the position.
Yeah, zooming in.
'OP32 in position.' 'OP44 in position.'
'OP27 in position.' 'OP29 in position.'
'OP7 in position.' In position, OP23.
OP16 in position.
Top-up, guv. Thanks, Nathan.
'OP2 in position.' 'OP28 in position.'
'OP21 in position.'
'OP8...' Yes, OP8 in position.
MAN: You still taking one sugar? WOMAN: You should know by now.
MAN CHUCKLES
'OP20 in position.' 'OP1 in position.'
That's all observation points checked in. Good luck, everyone.
DISTANT SIREN WAIL
DISTANT BARKING
HE YAWNS.
There's some coffee for you.
Thank you.
There's some fresh coffee, boss, if you fancy it.
Oh, yeah, I'll come and get it. Long night, no shame in it.
I'll let you know what's happening.
Sir. Good evening. Good evening.
Please, follow me.
Who's that in the battle rattle?
He's a Commander in Counter Terrorism.
Hope they're not chucking us out already.
We are being watched from the very top, though.
And there's absolutely no guarantee that this'll pan out.
Careful, boss, might be you winning keys to a panda car.
Wouldn't bloody mind, right now.
Thank you.
INAUDIBLE
I didn't really expect to catch him on the first night,
but erm... But it would've been nice?
Yeah. What's your plan today?
I'll get my head down for a couple of hours, then I'll go in.
And tonight? I'll go straight to the Control Room.
Two hours sleep?
Even Maggie Thatcher had three.
I'll catch up at the weekend.
OK.
Bye, love.
FAST TICKING
HE SIGHS
TICKING CONTINUES
SLOW TICK-TOCK
TAPS DRIPS
TICKING STOPS.
He was out last night. Three burglaries.
On our plot? Bloody close, boss.
Yeah, first two near Elmers End,
and then third one here, at the back of Bethlem Royal Hospital.
Burglaries, no contact with the victims?
How do we know it's Minstead?
Same tool-marks, panes removed, knick-knacks lined up outside.
This last one's so near the plot - I mean, it's 200 yards, tops.
It's like he knew. Don't give him credit. He's lucky.
Yeah, over and over again.
What are you thinking, boss?
I'm thinking it's a shame we didn't have the 150 bodies
we wanted, isn't it?
What are the timings? The first two, 2:40am and 2:50.
That's close together.
At the first location, he failed to gain entry.
What about the third? 3:30.
Right.
So, if he's at the second location for a minimum of ten minutes,
it's taken him half an hour to get down to there.
Well, he has to go through our plot. He's got to be in a car as well.
My money's on Morton Way, straight down.
We had a team on Morton Way, they only saw a handful of cars.
Right, Adam, Neville, get down to Morton Way,
see if you can find any CCTV.
That could get tongues wagging locally,
especially if a link's made to the robberies.
Yeah. That's a good point, Cathy. You need a cover story.
Say you're trying to ID a vehicle that outran a high-speed pursuit.
Sounds good. After a hit-and-run.
Then they won't ask why uniforms aren't dealing with it.
Sounds better.
Up on the right.
St Joseph's Primary.
Could be a shot of the road over the hedge.
Yeah, let's hope they don't switch 'em off at night.
We've had paedophiles try and photograph the kids before,
so I'll need the Head's blessing.
Hang on, do we look like paedophiles?
Don't answer that. This was the wee hours,
the kids were long gone. Rules are rules, I'm afraid.
Give us the head's number, we'll be sure to say how helpful you've been.
It's just the camera overlooking the street, you say? Mm-hm.
Midnight to 6:00am, please.
Mind me asking what this is about?
Hit and run. We lost a suspect after a high-speed chase.
And you think they came down Morton Way? That's right.
Funny, I live opposite and I didn't hear a thing.
And I'm a light sleeper.
We really need to see that footage, Mr Wilson.
3:05. That's exactly when we thought he'd take his journey, isn't it?
And that's the only vehicle to go down Morton Way
in our time frame.
That looks like a small people carrier to me.
Yeah, maybe a Zafira.
Oh, what's his name, Andy Wooller, the vehicles expert, he'll tell us.
Should be able to help with the numbers in circulation, too.
Shame we couldn't get a fucking reg.
And that's the only CCTV camera in the street?
Yeah, the school aside, Morton Way's all residential.
There's a couple of cameras, but they're all cheap systems
trained on front doors, nothing on the road.
Oh, come on, we likely know what car he drives - that's huge.
We're not chasing shadows any more.
She's stable, but she's not eating solids.
Still? Yeah. They're very worried about her weight and blood pressure.
I'm worried, too. Yeah. That loss of appetite...
is that due to shock, or is that a symptom of something else?
The former.
As you know, she tested negative for rape,
but digital penetration did occur. Far as I'm concerned, that IS rape.
You speak to the daughter again? This afternoon.
Any time you want me to relieve you there, boss... Oh, thanks, Patricia.
She wants to come over, but she's a single parent.
I think, logistically, it's tough. Maybe financially, too.
Auckland to London can't be cheap. Yeah.
I'd love to help her, but we wouldn't get the funds, would we?
No, we wouldn't, not these days.
Definitely a Zafira, not a doubt in my mind.
Looking at the Vauxhall paint chart, it's either silver or grey.
Unfortunately, they're two of the most popular colours.
But I'm confident, from the roofline and window shape,
it's a B-model Zafira.
That's got to narrow it down?
It gives us a circulation figure.
I wouldn't say "narrow". Go on? 48,000.
Whew. Nationwide?
Well, so we prioritise the ones registered in South London.
Nah, doesn't work like that. What d'you mean, Guv?
I mean there's no correlation
between registration and current address.
I've been here before.
What, Bellfield? Yeah.
But you got him.
Didn't get his poxy van, though, and the driver nearly killed us.
Isn't it possible that one bad experience
is blinding you to a good lead?
It's the lessons of history, Cathy.
I get that, I do, but we've got, what, 75 plus on surveillance?
Surely we can spare...
No, we can't spare anyone. Not one body.
Less bodies means we either shrink the plot or spread the teams.
Given that we missed him by 200 yards last night,
how does either of those sound like a good idea?
You heard the man. We can gather the Zafira number plates
as and when we see them locally, but that's it.
We're not compromising an op
we've worked so hard to stage and finance, all right?
Good. Thank you. Thanks, Andy. Thanks, everyone.
Thank you.
You OK? Yeah.
Can you update Simon for me?
Yeah, course, yeah.
You're a bit of a paradox, boss, aren't you? Eh?
A cautious man who puts all his eggs in one basket.
I thought you made the better case.
Soft touch. Maybe I'm demob happy.
Hm?
Yeah, I thought you'd forgotten. Oh, your SIO course.
Tomorrow. Two weeks?
For what it's worth, I did try and postpone it,
but the next one's not for months, there's no guarantee of a place...
Forget it. Forget it, Nathan, you've got to go. You've got to go.
Yeah. Good luck. I'll see you in two weeks. Thanks, boss.
I've got a Diane Cole on the phone.
She says you promised to give her an update.
Oh... Do you want me to handle this?
No. Can you put it through to Simon's meeting room?
And walk with me.
You know we're losing Nathan for a couple of weeks? Yeah, I know.
How d'you feel about filling in as my deputy?
It's an attractive package: loads more responsibility,
no increase in pay or rank,
just a requirement to survive on two hours' kip a night.
Thought you'd never ask. You're a good bloke, Nev.
Hello, Diane? It's Colin Sutton. I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
'No, it's OK. Have you seen Mum?'
Yes, I have. She's still very weak, but she seems more cheerful.
That's good. TIMER DINGS
Sorry, I'm just making my son a hot drink before bed.
'No problem.'
Have you ever been to New Zealand?
I'm afraid not, no.
I've seen Lord Of The Rings, if that counts.
It's not all as scenic as that, believe me.
So, erm... she's in better spirits?
Yes, much better, yeah.
She's still not eating,
which, after two weeks, is concerning.
Right. But she's on the drip, though?
'Yes, she is, and the doctors are doing everything they can,
'but they are worried about malnutrition.'
God. Do you know why she won't eat?
She says she's just got no appetite. It's the shock of it all.
'She's so quiet on the phone. So frail.
'It's not like Mum at all.'
I think you should get over here as soon as you can, Diane.
I know you said it's not that easy, from a childcare point of view...
'No, I-I hear you.
'I'll book a flight now.'
Great. I wish we could help you financially, I really do.
'That's OK. Don't worry.'
Coming so close is disappointing,
galling - there's no getting away from it.
At the same time,
it proves he's currently active and we are right where we should be.
I'm certain we'll get a second chance -
but only if we stay sharp and focused.
All right?
Neville's got your car keys, maps and briefing notes.
Good luck. Thank you very much.
ALL THANK HIM
INDISTINCT POLICE RADIOS
RADIO: '..in position.'
'32 in position.'
'29 in position.'
CLOCK TICKING
FLOORBOARD CREAKS
SOFT CLICK
FAINT CLATTERING
FAINT THUD
DIAL TONE
WOMAN: 'Operator. Which service do you require?'
HUSHED: Police! He's breaking in!
'I'm sorry, did you say police?'
Yes. He's in my house.
'What's your name and address, please?'
FAINT CLATTER Oh, he's in the kitchen...
'I can get someone to you right away.'
Oh, God, he's in the kitchen! 'Give me your name and address?'
Sheila Walsh. 126 Menton Road, Lambeth.
'Thank you, Sheila.
'I want you to keep talking to me, OK?' OK.
'Is there an intruder in your home, Sheila?'
Yes, he's downstairs!
'And do you think it's someone known to you?'
What? No.
CREAKING
He's in the dining room.
'How do you know he's in the dining room, Sheila?'
I never go in there.
The hinges squeak.
'Sheila? The police are on their way, OK?'
SHEILA WHIMPERS 'Stay with me, Sheila.
'I need you to tell me what's happening.'
I can't hear anyth...
SOFT FOOTSTEP
'Sheila?' He's coming upstairs...
'Can you lock the door, Sheila?'
FLOORBOARDS CREAKING
No. 'Is there somewhere you can hide, Sheila?'
A cupboard, or an en suite?
Sheila?
CLOCK TICKING
Sheila?
SHEILA GASPS
'Sheila, what's happening?'
The police are coming! The police are coming!
SHEILA CRYING MAN: Fucking bitch!
'Sheila? Sheila?'
MUFFLED, CRYING: The police are coming! Argh!
SIRENS ON
There he is!
Stop, stop, stop!
MP, MP from Lima Oscar Three One, active.
PC 1263 chasing suspect on foot.
PANTING
DOG BARKING
MAN GRUNTS
We're monitoring a CAD from LX,
a foot-chase following a break-in
at the home of an elderly woman in Lambeth.
That's got to be ten miles from the plot.
We're patching into the radio now.
POLICEMAN: 'East on Holden Avenue, east on Holden Avenue.'
East on Holden Avenue received.
Can you zoom in on the map? Yep. Zooming in.
HE GRUNTS
In rear alley off Holden Avenue. Heading north.
'Can't get a car in front of him. He's avoiding the roads.'
OK, looks like he's using the gardens and the back alleys.
DOG BARKS
PANTING
Gondor Road, Gondor Road. Heading west.
PANTING
North through Barstock Road estate.
North through Barstock Road estate, received.
'Heading out the estate into a park.'
Received.
'Creekside Retail Park.'
We think there's a TFL camera adjacent to the retail park.
Hooking up now.
BATON CLICKS
Looks like he's checking out the van.
Fuck!
Suspect lost.
'Creekside Retail Park.'
HE SIGHS
You know, he disappeared for a year after he featured on Crimewatch.
You don't know that's why he stopped.
It's a big coincidence, though, isn't it?
He'll go to ground now.
A near miss might have the opposite effect.
It might make him feel invincible.
Reckless.
Some offenders, maybe, but... HE YAWNS
..not him.
You need some sleep.
Mm.
I wonder if he sleeps.
What? Doesn't seem like he sleeps.
Course he sleeps.
The PC who chased him last night is 24.
He runs a marathon every year. I'm talking under four hours.
And it's not enough, not fast enough.
Who IS this bloke?
He's been active for nearly two decades,
so he's no spring chicken - 35, minimum -
but nothing slows him down, nothing breaks his stride.
He's driven by the weirdest psycho-sexual urges imaginable,
but he is in complete control the whole time, of-of himself,
of his crimes, of his victims...
He's just a man, Colin.
A sad, sorry, messed-up excuse for a man.
Yeah. Yeah, you're right.
I am.
And you need some sleep.
Hm?
Get some sleep.
And if you got to Lewisham at 12 instead of ten,
the world wouldn't come to an end. DOOR SHUTS
TICKING
Guv? Diane's plane was delayed leaving Auckland.
What time's she getting in? 10:30 tonight.
Oh, dear. I can be the welcome party?
Erm...
No, no, no, I-I wanna be there.
Thanks, Patricia. I'll come fetch you.
Ooh, please. Yeah.
MUFFLED VOICES
I'm serious. I'm starting to think he can't be nicked.
What? He's a fucking night duty burglar who got lucky!
17 years - that's not luck. Boss.
Morning, Guv. Morning.
Oh, Patricia was just after you.
Yeah, she got me. Thanks, Nev.
Ground crew are gonna get her through passport control.
Oh, good. PHONE RINGS
This is Patricia.
What time was this?
Well, do you have any more information?
OK. Thanks for letting me know.
What is it?
Patricia?
Oh, no...
An hour ago.
Less.
DISTANT TANNOY ANNOUNCEMENTS
If they let her have the phone in the hospital,
you can speak to her when you get home from school. OK?
Look, I've gotta go.
I love you. Bye.
Diane?
I'm Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton.
This is family liaison officer Detective Constable Patricia Henry.
Can we go straight to the hospital?
Er, yeah. Let's just step over here for a moment, shall we? Take a seat.
I'm afraid I've got some very bad news.
I'm afraid your mother died this evening.
I'm sorry.
SHE SOBS
I'm so very, very sorry.
This has taken everyone by surprise, Diane,
including the doctors.
You remember that she'd stopped eating?
The effects of that on her general health were profound.
Was... Was she in pain?
Did she say anything?
I only spoke to the hospital briefly,
but my understanding is she died peacefully in her sleep.
Are you any nearer to catching him?
I believe so, yeah. When you do...
he'll go down for murder, right?
Because he basically killed her that night.
Oh, it's complicated.
How is it complicated?
Legally speaking, er,
it'll come down to something called causation.
And what does that mean?
Well, let's not get into that. No, I-I want to go into it now!
Medically speaking, your mum died because of a lack of food.
"Malnutrition" is what it'll say on the death certificate.
Well, when she was attacked, she stopped eating.
There's your causation.
Diane... Are you telling me that she wouldn't still be alive
if he hadn't done what he did?
No. No, I'm not saying that.
I'm just saying be prepared for disappointment.
Because... in the eyes of the law,
that chain of events, um...
will struggle to meet the legal definition of murder.
Or even manslaughter.
Malnutrition? Oh, my God.
I'm so sorry.
Diane, when we catch this man -
and we WILL catch him -
that's the time to give him your focus and attention.
The trial, the verdict, the sentencing,
that's what they're for.
SHE SNIFFS
But in the meantime, you need to grieve for your mum.
And in order to do that properly, you need to shut him out.
Save all that anger for down the line.
Try to make today...
about you and your mum, and no-one else.
I know that's easier said than done.
No, you're right.
He doesn't... deserve...
SHE SOBS
No, he doesn't.
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