Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) visited his cousin Richie Parkinson (Nathan Sussex) in prison in the August 20 episode of Coronation Street. Richie is serving time for killing his wife Rachel.
Tim's world was turned upside down last week when he learned what Richie had done. The cousins had reconnected days earlier after years apart. Richie told Tim about an argument with Rachel and said he planned to stay with a friend in Liverpool. Tim urged him to go home and sort things out instead.
Tim later went to Richie's house after finding his wallet. When Richie answered the door, Tim was horrified to find his cousin covered in blood. Rachel had been killed.
Richie asks Tim to lie to police
As a result of Rachel's death and Richie's imprisonment, their daughter Lucy has moved in with Tim and Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor), who are also foster parents. Lucy is vulnerable and reacts with anger when anyone makes a false assumption about her dad.
In today's episode, Tim went to the prison to see Richie. As they discussed Lucy, it became clear Richie had something to ask. Both Richie and Lucy claim Richie killed Rachel in self-defence. Richie wanted Tim to tell police that Rachel was a violent woman.
Tim pointed out he never knew Rachel, so he would be lying if he did as Richie asked. Desperate and wound up, Richie lost his temper. Tim was taken aback by the outburst, but prison employee Ross Burfield (Ian Wilkes) stopped Richie.
Prison worker's comment raises doubts
Later, Ross approached Sally and Tim and revealed he has seen Richie lose his cool before. This could indicate that Richie is lying about who Rachel really was, and may have intentionally murdered her after all.
