2. Hounded

Sixteen-year-old virgin Ashanti Walker is found murdered in her bed following sex, the MO matches a series of cases committed by serial rapist Paul Darnell. Conveniently, Darnell had been released from prison just three months earlier – and suspicion soon falls upon his part in the crime. However, with no signs of forced entry at her flat, Brooks & Devlin struggle to make the claim stick. Darnell's loyal girlfriend claims his innocence – and says that he is a reformed character. However, with no formal alibi, and CCTV footage of Darnell in the area at the time, Brooks & Devlin are convinced he is the murderer.

They soon discover that Darnell would not have needed to force his way into her flat, as living in a similar building when he was younger, knew that downstairs, a tunnel linking two neighbouring properties would allow him entry without detection. And the fact that the lock on the neighbouring property's door was broken seems to suggest that the door was Darnell's point of entry. He is formally arrested, however, his barrister, Cassie Shaw ( Neve McIntosh ), attempts to get him off the charge by claiming persecution in interview. With little physical evidence and only psychiatric reports to rely on, Steel must convince the jury of Darnell's involvement.