australian television information archive

Improper Influences

It seems that fate is conspiring to keep Steve Hennessey out of jail—even though the evidence against him is overwhelming. As Steve and Darren Mack’s heroin-dealing trial enters its fourth week, a lengthy prison sentence looks likely, given their appalling past records, and Steve’s recent jail escape hasn’t exactly endeared him to the authorities.

However, unbeknownst to the main protagonists, Judge Grossman is diagnosed with a life threatening illness, though he is determined to see the case through to its end. Even so, it isn’t just him who is putting the trial at risk. Various members of the jury have been acting unprofessionally, taking sides on gut instinct and prejudice rather than the evidence—an attitude that the foreman is furious about.

Steve’s murderous brother Mal is still at large, and with Peter Faithful determined to nail Mal Hennessey for murder, the discovery of an ex-girlfriend of Mal’s in prison could be just the breakthrough he needs…