The jury have reached their verdict in Megan Walsh’s (Beth Nixon) Coronation Street trial.
The abuser is up in court, accused of grooming and sexually abusing her student Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale). The storyline kicked off in November, though pre-dated the Driscolls’ arrival in Weatherfield and therefore the charges relate to the full period.
After months of concealing their affair, Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan) exposed the truth. Will only decided to come clean when neighbour Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) made a breakthrough by telling him of his own childhood abuse.
The teen was on track to deliver an expert testimony, though crumbled in the courtroom when considering something that Megan’s mum Janine (Melissa Jacques) had told him just hours before. She’d said that Megan truly loved him, and by proceeding with his ‘accusations’, he’d be ruining her life.
Will told the court that there had been no sexual relationship, though immediately regretted his actions.
Fortunately, the teen was allowed to return and tell the truth. He detailed everything that had happened over the last 18 months, saying that Megan had abused her duty of care over him. In retaliation, she cornered him at the precinct and warned that when she walked free, she’d make his life a living hell.
In today’s episode, the Driscoll clan nervously awaited the verdict.
On the first charge, which was inciting a child into engaging in sexual activity, Megan was found guilty. On the second charge, which was for while being in a position trust, she was also found guilty.
The family rejoiced with the news, and for the first time in a long time, Will had a smile on his face.
Megan, however, broke down in tears and said that she intended to appeal the decision. She branded Will a liar, and branded the last week’s proceedings as a “kangaroo court”. Janine placed her head in her hands in complete despair.
Outside, news reached Will that Megan had been sent down for five years. Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) commented that she’d likely only serve half of the sentence, though Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) reminded her that, due to a change in the law, she’d be behind bars for at least 2/3 of that time.
There’s a long road ahead, but will this verdict now allow Will to rebuild his life?
Read more:
- 8 Coronation Street spoilers next week: Evil Megan Walsh’s trial verdict arrives and Abi Webster’s mould nightmare
- Coronation Street exit confirmed for fan-favourite Nina Lucas as actress Mollie Gallagher departs after over 6 years
Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 or can be streamed from 7am on ITVX.
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Authors
Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at Radio Times, covering all of the hot gossip and spoilers from Weatherfield to Walford, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks and everywhere in-between. He joined the team from Metro, where he spent two years as a Soaps Reporter and previously worked on the sets of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
