Ellis defends young mother Debbie Pope against a serious drug charge. He suspects that her father, an elder in the community, is exercising undue influence over her.

Ellis gets a visit from his wife. Court liaison officer Sam Wallan intervenes on behalf of his wayward son. Debbie Pope’s daughter Gina appears in court for stealing.

Wallan, Ellis, and clerk of courts Bella Noble try to keep Gina Pope safe from a predator. Wallan discovers Ellis’s secret. Magistrate Peter Lockhart has a bad week.

Ellis’s wife gives him an ultimatum, and he makes a revelation to her in return. Two of his friends end up where they shouldn’t be - one in hospital, the other in jail.

Archie McMahon and Clarry Long appear in court, as does Wallan’s son, who is in a worse state than his father had realized. Ellis gets involved in both cases.

Ellis’s replacement arrives, Harry Pope returns, and matters between Wallan and his son come to a head. Ellis finds a reason to stay on in town.