Yasmeen’s trial gets under way – and her fight for freedom begins!
SHE TAKES THE STAND AS THE TRIAL BEGINS…
Yasmeen’s trial gets under way this week, and she finally gets the chance to tell the whole world the truth about her abusive husband Geoff. But will the jury believe her? It’s a terrifying – as well as empowering – moment for Yasmeen, as she comes face to face with her manipulative partner following months in prison. However, as she takes the stand to tell her version of events, Yasmeen finally finds the strength to reveal what really happened on the night that she lashed out at Geoff…
“Yasmeen is aware that this is her truth, and nobody else can say what went on in that room,” explains Shelley King, who plays the accused. “She’s also aware
“Yasmeen is buoyed by wanting to protect others”
from her conversations with Alya that Geoff is capable of doing harm to her granddaughter – so Yasmeen is buoyed by wanting to protect other people. She is determined to stop Geoff from destroying more lives.”
GEOFF IN CONTROL
As the week kicks off, Yasmeen is terrified about what lies in store, knowing she could face years in prison if she’s found guilty of attacking Geoff. By comparison, her husband is pretty confident that he has the upper hand…
But just to be on the safe side, Geoff makes sure he strikes another vital witness off the testimony list!
“Geoff goads Tim into whacking him in front of a policeman!” reveals Ian Bartholomew, who plays Geoff. “So that takes Tim out of the equation. At this point, Geoff thinks he has it all sorted, and he’s in control. He wants to have his day in court, and let everyone know that it was all Yasmeen’s fault, and that he is the real victim.”
Geoff’s confidence is clear to see, as he takes the stand and paints a picture of his wife as a violent alcoholic. It’s a convincing performance, leaving Yasmeen and her supporters very worried.
“Geoff goes in thinking he’s onto a winner,” says Ian. “He’s spent months telling people that Yas is an alcoholic, she’s going slightly dotty. He feels in a very secure position – it’s his word against hers.”
MOMENT OF TRUTH
Meanwhile, Yasmeen is terrified as she watches the man who made her life a misery spinning his lies to the court…
“It’s hugely confrontational for Yas” admits Shelley. “And we mustn’t forget that the last time she was due to go to trial, she had a heart attack! So she’s scared, and she’s longing for the safety of being in prison.
“But she makes a pact with Imran that she will tell the truth, and do everything she can to help him,” she adds. “It’s a great comfort to have Imran by her side.”
Yet as Geoff’s lawyer takes aim at Yasmeen, might she crack under the pressure? As the week comes to an end, the jury will retire to consider its verdict…