It was Lewis Barton's birthday in Emmerdale, and his father Kev Townsend was determined to make it perfect. He spent hours creating a cake decorated to look like Lewis's favourite jumper, even asking Claudette Anderson for white plates to contrast with the colourful icing. Lewis was genuinely moved by the gesture and loved a birthday card that said 'son' on the front.
Trouble arrives
Kev's old mate Steve, with whom he used to commit robberies, showed up keen to do the same in the village. Kev refused, saying he was a changed man. But Steve grabbed a crowbar and left the Anderson house; Kev followed and got into the car with him.
Vinny Dingle witnessed this and, unable to hear their conversation, assumed they were off to commit crime. He told Ross Barton, and soon Lewis discovered something was being hidden.
Confrontation and accident
When Kev returned to Dale View, he faced angry faces. Despite protesting his innocence, no one believed him. Ross encouraged him to leave, but a devastated Kev tried to provoke a fight. Amid the scuffle, Kev fell and accidentally smacked Lewis in the face. He begged forgiveness, but the damage was done, leaving his relationship with his son in jeopardy.
