Gary Windass (Mikey North) faces a bleak future in Coronation Street as his hearing date approaches, with his family relationships crumbling and hope fading. Next week, Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) awaits her verdict in court for the murder of Theo Silverton, while Gary also learns he has been given a date for his own hearing.
Gary’s troubles stem from the night Sarah struck the fatal blow that knocked Theo from the rooftops onto the Cobbles. In a panic, she called Gary, who disposed of the murder weapon and kept her secret. When the truth emerged, Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) was devastated, having suspected Gary of cheating when he was actually helping his ex get away with murder.
Family fall-out
Gary’s actions have jeopardised his future with Maria and his sons, Jake (Bobby Bradshaw) and Liam (Charlie Wrenshall). When Gary reveals the date of his hearing, Jake and Liam are devastated at the possibility of their dad going to prison. Jake soon starts acting out, and Gary receives a call from the school informing him that his son has been suspended for fighting.
Back at the flat, Jake confronts Gary, accusing him of risking his freedom for Sarah while showing little care for him, Liam, or Maria. Angry and hurt, Jake packs his rucksack and leaves to stay with his mum Izzy (Cherylee Houston). The situation becomes even more heartbreaking when Izzy calls at Victoria Court to collect the rest of Jake’s belongings, as his son has made it clear he does not want to come home.
Trial blow
Seeing Gary at his lowest, Maria promises that Sarah will not let him down, that he will not be sent to prison, and that Jake will return soon. Gary clings to that hope, but it dies on the day of the trial when he learns from Sarah’s barrister that Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) will not be attending. Kit, Sarah’s ex and a key witness, is absent, leaving Gary to face a grilling from the prosecution in court.
