Eastenders Spoilers week beginning 19th January

EastEnders landlady Linda Carter will make a brave move later this month when she decides to report Dean Wicks to the police.

Linda (Kellie Bright) and Mick (Danny Dyer) are currently taking a break away from the Square following the dramatic events over Christmas, but upon returning, Linda decides that she can no longer keep silent over her rape ordeal.

After making the decision to report Dean for rape, Linda is determined that the family will spend the day together for Mick's birthday before going to the police.

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Mick and Linda arrive at the police station

Unfortunately, Nancy and Lee are not in the mood for celebrating as they grow increasingly frustrated at their parents' silence about what has been going on.

To make matters worse, Linda later experiences her biggest fear when Shirley tells her that she doesn't believe her accusations against Dean.

Determined to prove that she is telling the truth, Linda describes her ordeal to Shirley. Shirley leaves after listening, but viewers will be left to wonder whether she now believes Linda or Dean.

When Mick returns, Linda tells Mick she can't keep silent anymore and the couple head to the police station.

With Mick by her side, a nervous Linda report Dean's crime to the police. When the time comes for Linda to make her video statement alone, she finds the strength to go ahead as Mick promises to wait for her.

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Linda prepares to give her statement.

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Mick supports Linda.

EastEnders airs these scenes on Monday, January 19 at 8pm and Tuesday, January 20 at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Linda needs to tell her kids too

I hope Shirley starts to believe and help Linda

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Monday

EastEnders' 5,000th episode

It's Mick's birthday, so Linda is keen for a normal day with her family before she finally reports Dean to the police. Unfortunately, the mood within the Carter clan is sour as Nancy and Lee storm out in protest when their parents continue to keep quiet over what has been going on. While Mick is out trying to find them, Shirley arrives at The Vic to drop off a birthday gift for him and she makes it clear that she doesn't believe Linda's accusations against Dean.

Determined to prove that she is telling the truth, Linda describes her ordeal. Shirley leaves, but who does she believe - Linda or Dean?

Later, Mick returns to the pub and Linda decides that she can't stay silent for any longer, so they both head to the police station…
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Mick supports Linda
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Mick supports Linda

Meanwhile, Charlie and Sharon are worried about Phil's predicament and they desperately try to find a way to get him out of trouble. After meeting up with Ritchie, Sharon warns Phil that they can't tell the truth for the sake of the baby, as they don't want him to grow up without a father.

Elsewhere, Stacey is hungover and agrees to go for a run with Shabnam. When the two friends bump into Kush, Shabnam pretends to be out of breath and unprepared for the upcoming marathon.
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EastEnders: 5000: 2015-01-19 Next
Sharon visits Phil


Tuesday

Linda remains determined to go ahead with reporting Dean for rape. When she is asked to make a video statement alone, Linda feels strong enough to go ahead and Mick promises to wait for her.

At the same time, Linda's words are playing on Shirley's mind and she asks Dean to tell her exactly what happened that night. Although Dean is angry that Shirley seems to be questioning his story, he later tells her his own version of events. Will Shirley believe Dean?

Later, Linda is relieved when she finally finishes her statement, but she knows that the next challenge still lies ahead as it's now time to tell Lee and Nancy the truth.
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EastEnders: 5001: 2015-01-20 Next
Linda tells Mick she gave her statement


Thursday

Although Linda and Mick are now ready to tell Lee and Nancy the truth, they are stopped in their tracks when they return home. The rest of the family are waiting upstairs with a goodbye lunch for Sylvie before she moves into the care home.

The meal doesn't go well as Aunt Babe and Stan can't resist bickering, while Nancy is still stressed over the other recent events. When Nancy finally snaps and once again demands to know the truth, Linda decides that it's time to be honest with her and Lee. How will Nancy and Lee react to the truth?
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Linda tells her children the truth.
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Linda tells her children the truth

Meanwhile, Stan apologises to Cora for his actions at the dance but her response gives him an idea. Stan reminisces with Sylvie about the past and suggests that they should visit Bournemouth, where they spent their honeymoon. Shirley is also keen to see Sylvie before she moves into the care home and she makes two attempts to visit The Vic with Dean. The second time results in Lee attacking Dean and as Mick tries to break up the fight, Babe notices that Stan and Sylvie are sneaking off into their car. Babe tries to stop them, but Stan collapses…

Elsewhere, Sharon tells Billy that they'll need to sell Phil's car to raise some money. Later, Sharon is stunned when she sees that the name of The Arches has been changed to Branning's Autos with Max standing in the doorway! After Ben reveals what's been going on, Sharon visits Max and tries to sympathise with him. Will Sharon's efforts pay off?


Thursday (2)

Dean and Mick both help Stan into The Vic following his shock collapse. Afterwards, Mick warns Dean to leave the pub but is livid when his brother warns that he'll be back. Nancy then follows Dean and warns him to stay away.

Soon afterwards, Stan speaks to Shirley alone and urges her to fix everything. Fearing that the whole family is falling apart, Shirley decides to tell Mick exactly why she pretended to be his sister. However, as more dark secrets are revealed, it seems that the Carters will be torn even further apart.

Meanwhile, Stan drops a bombshell on Mick and Tina.

New EastEnders pictures show the emotional moment that Linda Carter tells her children the truth about her rape ordeal.

Tuesday night's episode saw Linda (Kellie Bright) bravely make a police statement against Dean, but another big challenge still lies ahead as she knows that it's time to be honest with the entire family.

After Linda explains her ordeal, both Lee and Nancy react very differently and Lee quickly loses his temper.

Mick has to intervene by calming Lee down before things go too far, but can the Carter family stay strong and stick together?
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Linda breaks down in front of Nancy
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Linda breaks down in front of Nancy
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Nancy is shocked
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Nancy is shocked
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Lee is angered over his mum's ordeal
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Lee is angered over his mum's ordeal
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Mick has to calm Lee down
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Mick has to calm Lee down
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Mick comforts Lee
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Mick comforts Lee

EastEnders airs these scenes on Thursday (January 22) at 7.30pm on BBC One.

yay nancy and lee know finally

Was I the only one who wondered what a rose-tinted world Linda lives in? "Maybe they will pick up Dean"??? No physical evidence of the crime, his word against hers, acknowledgement that he made advances and she said NOTHING to anyone, even when they kissed and her daughter saw her? The defending lawyer would make mincemeat of her on the stand. When you accuse someone of rape - you are a witness and that offers little protection.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chartreuse

Was I the only one who wondered what a rose-tinted world Linda lives in? "Maybe they will pick up Dean"??? No physical evidence of the crime, his word against hers, acknowledgement that he made advances and she said NOTHING to anyone, even when they kissed and her daughter saw her? The defending lawyer would make mincemeat of her on the stand. When you accuse someone of rape - you are a witness and that offers little protection.

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Yeah but atleast the police will attempt to help Linda get justice. I hope now the police are involved, Shirley will come to her senses.

I am very annoyed at the fact Mick and Linda are just fine with Dean sticking around. He is not allowed in the pub but living on the same street and seeing him everyday is a bit far-fetched. I guess they think he will be in jail soon but in the mean time how can they even attempt to move on.

.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chartreuse

Was I the only one who wondered what a rose-tinted world Linda lives in? "Maybe they will pick up Dean"??? No physical evidence of the crime, his word against hers, acknowledgement that he made advances and she said NOTHING to anyone, even when they kissed and her daughter saw her? The defending lawyer would make mincemeat of her on the stand. When you accuse someone of rape - you are a witness and that offers little protection.

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It's certainly naive of Linda (and Mick) but I find it quite touching that she believes justice will be served.

Something similar happened to someone close to me a year or so ago and we knew that with his word against hers there'd be no justice, even though she reported it immediately. The police were sympathetic and tried their very best but the CPS wouldn't prosecute for lack of evidence. As I said in another thread about Linda, at least the fact that my relative reported the rape meant that the scumbag was interrogated by the police, which I hope will give him pause before doing it again.

At least this story's serving to highlight that most rapists are not prosecuted and that lots of victims are called liars, despite the statistics being that a miniscule number of rape reports are malicious.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

It's certainly naive of Linda (and Mick) but I find it quite touching that she believes justice will be served.

Something similar happened to someone close to me a year or so ago and we knew that with his word against hers there'd be no justice, even though she reported it immediately. The police were sympathetic and tried their very best but the CPS wouldn't prosecute for lack of evidence. As I said in another thread about Linda, at least the fact that my relative reported the rape meant that the scumbag was interrogated by the police, which I hope will give him pause before doing it again.

At least this story's serving to highlight that most rapists are not prosecuted and that lots of victims are called liars, despite the statistics being that a miniscule number of rape reports are malicious.

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Very valid point about the CPS and unwillingness
to prosecute. It must really be terrible for
women who have been brave enough to report
a rape to have the matter swept under the carpet.

There should be a further independent check system
before the matter is closed without action or an
appeal system.
Although we are talking about rape here- the
unwillingness of CPS to prosecute also affects
other serious crimes as well.

Regarding Dean - we have been promised justice-
but not of the legal kind. Mick has given him a
beating . But surely must be more to come
before justice is served. Cant think what tho.

a

Quote:

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Originally Posted by maidmarian

Regarding Dean - we have been promised justice-
but not of the legal kind. Mick has given him a
beating . But surely must be more to come
before justice is served. Cant think what tho.

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Maybe Shirley will come to realise he's lying and will disown him for ever? He loves her and needs her so that'd be extremely painful for him. I think he also needs to admit the rape and be truly remorseful for us to feel any kind of justice has been served.

I'd still much prefer to see him go to prison though.

I think Dean will go on the run, he would be afraid of prison, he seemed scared of it last time around

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chartreuse

Was I the only one who wondered what a rose-tinted world Linda lives in? "Maybe they will pick up Dean"??? No physical evidence of the crime, his word against hers, acknowledgement that he made advances and she said NOTHING to anyone, even when they kissed and her daughter saw her? The defending lawyer would make mincemeat of her on the stand. When you accuse someone of rape - you are a witness and that offers little protection.

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That is a bit of a counsel of despair and very depressing. What you're saying is that there is no point in reporting rape and just let the rapist get away with it.
I think Linda is quite right to report it. It has nothing to do with rose tinted spectacles. She's doing it because it's the right thing to do. Otherwise what hope is there for women who are raped?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by parkerman

That is a bit of a counsel of despair and very depressing. What you're saying is that there is no point in reporting rape and just let the rapist get away with it.
I think Linda is quite right to report it. It has nothing to do with rose tinted spectacles. She's doing it because it's the right thing to do. Otherwise what hope is there for women who are raped?

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I agree that Linda was right to report it but I understand what Chartreuse is getting at. Linda seems to be expecting that Dean will go to prison but the statistics are it's not likely to happen without any evidence - even when reported straight away. Depressing indeed, but realistic. :(

Also if it went to court she'd likely be painted as a slut who was panting for it, who then cried rape because she was afraid of losing Mick. It's an extremely unpleasant and distressing reality for many, many abused women (and some men). :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

Also if it went to court she'd likely be painted as a slut who was panting for it...

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Further to my last post I'd just like to point out that I'd never normally use the misogynistic term "slut" to describe any woman's sexual behaviour as I strongly believe women have as much right to a liberated sex life without society's disapproval as men do. I used the term deliberately to describe how some rape victims are made to feel in the witness box.

I did not say not to report it just the idea that he was going to be picked up - she has only taken the first step of a long journey. My post was not advice - everyone must make up their own minds. I, like Dazzle, know that proving the case is very, very hard. Look how they have progressed - accepting the video testimony instead of having to repeat the whole experience on the stand!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chartreuse

Look how they have progressed - accepting the video testimony instead of having to repeat the whole experience on the stand!

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I'd forgotten about that! Does that happen in every case nowadays? If so it's a vast improvement. I remember only a few years ago watching the news and feeling horrified about what was happening to rape victims in the witness box (even children). I have to hang my head in shame and admit that I don't watch the news religiously nowadays because I find it so depressing. :(

I was also surprised about the video testimony - and hope that it is true. Rape is such a different kettle of fish to any other type of crime. People mistake it for a sex crime when it is a crime of power. When Fran Drescher (best known for her series "The Nanny") was on Howard Stern a caller rang up to tell her that in his opinion the man who raped her loved her more than her husband because he had to have her. How she was able to stay calm and say "you are mistaken" or words to that effect I do not know. She and her husband were tied up - she was raped at gunpoint while they made her husband watch. Truly something you would never wish on your worst enemy!
Then the fact that in the eyes of the law you are not there in role of victim but witness! What a travesty! Then there are the "he said, she said" stories - she was encouraging me, when she said no it was just a to and fro game. Hopefully you do not take vitamin C or the bruises caused may not come up in time to be considered due to the rape. Regretably there are women who cry "rape" when things go wrong. I was sharing a room in my mother´s friends groom - she had a one night stand with a married man (yes in the same room - only a chest of drawers separating our beds!!) He felt guilty and told his wife what he had done so she tried to get me to say it was rape! What she did not know was that I had woken up thinking the radio was still on and raised my head only to see them in the bed - and that she was under no pressure! You can imagine my mother´s friend´s face the next morning when his wife rang and he appeared from our room! These type of women make rape cases even harder.
I was not saying that you should not report rape - simply and only commenting that Linda does not understand if she thinks they will arrest Dean.

I was also surprised about the video testimony - and hope that it is true. Rape is such a different kettle of fish to any other type of crime. People mistake it for a sex crime when it is a crime of power. When Fran Drescher (best known for her series "The Nanny") was on Howard Stern a caller rang up to tell her that in his opinion the man who raped her loved her more than her husband because he had to have her. How she was able to stay calm and say "you are mistaken" or words to that effect I do not know. She and her husband were tied up - she was raped at gunpoint while they made her husband watch. Truly something you would never wish on your worst enemy!
Then the fact that in the eyes of the law you are not there in role of victim but witness! What a travesty! Then there are the "he said, she said" stories - she was encouraging me, when she said no it was just a to and fro game. Hopefully you do not take vitamin C or the bruises caused may not come up in time to be considered due to the rape. Regretably there are women who cry "rape" when things go wrong. I was sharing a room in my mother´s friends groom - she had a one night stand with a married man (yes in the same room - only a chest of drawers separating our beds!!) He felt guilty and told his wife what he had done so she tried to get me to say it was rape! What she did not know was that I had woken up thinking the radio was still on and raised my head only to see them in the bed - and that she was under no pressure! You can imagine my mother´s friend´s face the next morning when his wife rang and he appeared from our room! These type of women make rape cases even harder.
I was not saying that you should not report rape - simply and only commenting that Linda does not understand if she thinks they will arrest Dean.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chartreuse

I was also surprised about the video testimony - and hope that it is true.

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I just had a look to see if video evidence is used routinely in rape trials but couldn't find any information. It may be used more for vulnerable victims including children. I think the victims in the recent grooming ring trials gave their evidence via video.

It'd be nice if it were routinely used because I think more victims would be likely to come forward if it were.

As for malicious rape reports, of course they happen but the Crown Prosecution Service published a survey in March 2013 confirming that false rape reports are 'very rare' and suggesting they could make up less than 1% of all reports.

"Furthermore, the report shows that a significant number of these cases involved young, often vulnerable people. About half of the cases involved people aged 21 years old and under, and some involved people with mental health difficulties. In some cases, the person alleged to have made the false report had undoubtedly been the victim of some kind of offence, even if not the one which he or she had reported."