The Bench

The Bench is an English-language legal drama series set in a Welsh magistrate's court, produced by BBC Wales, initially broadcast on BBC One Wales and later repeated across the BBC network in an afternoon slot. The series won three BAFTA Cymru awards in 2003, with Eiry Thomas winning Best Actress, Bill Broomfield winning Best Director of Photography - Drama and William Oswald winning Best Editor.

Drama

Seasons

1. Episode #1.1

Air Date: 2001-10-17

Leanne tries to make a new life for herself, but her previous boyfriend has other plans.

2. Episode #1.2

Air Date: 2001-10-24

Hungover Des expects his defense of a local pub owner to be an easy victory. But when he underestimates the skills of new prosecutor Cheryl Cates, his law experience is put to the test.

3. Episode #1.3

Air Date: 2001-10-31

A family is left devastated after the death of a daughter in a road accident.

4. Episode #1.4

Air Date: 2001-11-07

Farmer Parry is accused of neglecting his animals.

5. Episode #1.5

Air Date: 2001-11-14

Matrimonial issues are on the agenda - not just in court, but behind the scenes as well.

6. Episode #1.6

Air Date: 2001-11-21

Matrimonial issues are on the agenda - not just in court, but behind the scenes as well.

7. Episode #1.7

Air Date: 2001-11-28

Simon and Gareth give evidence against Natalie, but find they are under scrutiny instead.

8. Episode #1.8

Air Date: 2001-12-05

Two teenagers give Des a hard time when he tries to defend them.

9. Episode #1.9

Air Date: 2001-12-12

Des and Ranjit fall out when Leanne and Brink re-appear in court on charge of possession.

10. Episode #1.10

Air Date: 2001-12-19

Leanne's future is in the balance, forcing Des and Ranjit to examine their role in events.

1. Episode #2.1

Air Date: 2002-04-12

The first in a new series of this legal drama set in a magistrates' court. A mother and daughter are both on trial and must decide who takes the blame. Defence solicitor Des Davies can't resist being mean to a new rival.

2. Episode #2.2

Air Date: 2002-04-19

When two desperate parents fight to get their children out of the care of social services, the magistrates must make a tough and heartbreaking decision. Katharine faces a crisis in her personal life

3. Episode #2.3

Air Date: 2002-04-26

When a defendant arrives drunk and disorderly for his trial, proceedings dissolve into chaos. Meanwhile, a loyal grandmother tries every trick in the book to win her grandson bail.

4. Episode #2.4

Air Date: 2002-05-03

A married man's one night stand leads to bitterness and recrimination in and out of the courtroom. Prosecutor Cheryl Cates' stressful day brings her closer to one of her colleagues.

5. Episode #2.5

Air Date: 2002-05-10

Hugh faces a stark choice between his career and his personal loyalty to a defendant. Des has something to celebrate.

6. Episode #2.6

Air Date: 2002-05-17

A father faces every parent's nightmare when his teenage son appears in court. Des is on a high in his personal life, but could get out of this depth when he decides to take on a hardened criminal as a client.

7. Episode #2.7

Air Date: 2002-05-24

Ranjit realizes a client has become over-attached, and Des is compromised by his involvement with a criminal family. Work threatens to damage their personal lives.

8. Episode #2.8

Air Date: 2002-05-31

The magistrates' are eagerly anticipating the ballot to decide the chair of Penbridge Magistrates' court. The friendship of rival candidates Val and Peter faces its greatest test.

9. Episode #2.9

Air Date: 2002-06-07

The press descend on the court for the sentencing of a teacher who had a relationship with a pupil. Meanwhile Des and Cheryl reach crisis point.

10. Episode #2.10

Air Date: 2002-06-14

When his client frames an innocent man, Des is not only compromised, but in great danger.

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Rating

7.0/10

Release Date

2001-10-17

Episodes

20 (2 seasons)

Status

Returning Series

Cast