S19 · E25

Under The Thumb

PC Des Taviner is given his own set of wheels - a bicycle - and hits the road in a new capacity as ward officer on the Coal Lane Estate. Sgt. Sheelagh Murphy is not so pleased when Taviner eagerly assists an attractive resident. An abandoned lorry leads Sun Hill officers to the discovery of a Chinese ""snakehead"" gang smuggling illegal immigrants into the country. The shooting and ritual disfigurement of one of the owners of the lorry company sees Sgt. Matt Boyden staring down the barrel of a gun when he attends the scene. Furious after Boyden's indiscretions with her daughter, Acting DI Nixon is reluctantly paired with the sergeant to find the gunman. DS Debbie McAllister's patience is wearing thin, as rape case witness Beth starts acting up and demanding perks for her testimony. PC Kerry Young manages to settle her down, but Young's actions could severely jeopardise Louanna's case. PC Jim Carver flounders in a state of romantic confusion as he tries to avoid Marie Graham. DC Danny Gla