Latest news with #Milligan'sLaw


Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The Trial ending explained as Teah's unsettling crime unveiled
The Trial ending explained as Teah's unsettling crime unveiled Channel 5's The Trial was a one-off legal drama, which saw a new law come into force after a number of high-profile attacks on schools by students, and the ending saw a dramatic twist Dione and David Sinclair in The Trial Channel 5's latest offering, 'The Trial', captivated audiences with its intense narrative that unfolded over a single hour-long episode. The drama centred around Dione and David Sinclair, portrayed by Claire Skinner and Ben Miles respectively, who find themselves under intense scrutiny when their daughter Teah (played by India Fowler) is implicated in a grave offence. Saoirse-Monica Jackson delivers a formidable performance as the tenacious Sarah Willis, who unearths troubling secrets from the Sinclairs' history. Under the stringent Milligan's Law, parents are at risk of being prosecuted as accomplices if they fail to demonstrate that they have provided a stable upbringing for their child. Set against the backdrop of October 2035, the show presents Teah, an "Earth Warrior" in her mother's words, instructing Sarah to inform her anxious parents: "This is on me". While Dione suspects her daughter's impressionability, David appears to harbour knowledge that Dione might be oblivious to. The Trial saw Teah admit to a serious crime David's reluctance to share certain information, coupled with his insistence on Teah's positive attributes as a "caring, confident and loving person", adds to the intrigue. As Sarah delves deeper into the couple's tumultuous history, it comes to light that David, a self-proclaimed "proud socialist", has a record of being arrested thrice for trespassing. The dynamic between the parents also hints at underlying discord, particularly regarding their political beliefs. Moreover, a poignant moment arises when discussing their initial encounter; Dione hesitates to describe it as love at first sight, revealing potential fractures in their relationship. Article continues below It was revealed that Dione had decided to end their relationship after six months of dating, having previously terminated two pregnancies. The third pregnancy, which resulted in Teah, was unplanned and Dione had contemplated another termination. However, David was keen on becoming a father. Dione had confided in Teah about her initial regret over the pregnancy, expressing she had reservations about bringing a child into the world. With Dione returning to work just a week after giving birth, David assumed the role of Teah's primary caregiver. Little did they realise then, that their actions would eventually lead Teah to take extreme steps. The Trial stars Claire Skinner and Ben Miles What did Teah do in The Trial? In The Trial, Teah's actions were central to the plot. Her parents had sought the help of a child psychologist, recognising that Teah was different from other children. From a young age, she would have dreams about the apocalypse and developed an obsession with global warming when she was just five years old. By the time she was nine, Teah identified as an antinatalist and became a member of the Earth Warriors, with her father accompanying her to some of their demonstrations and protests. The story took a dark turn when it was revealed that Teah had tried to kill the unborn baby of a woman her father was having an affair with, although she did not succeed. The woman, who was a mixed martial arts expert and seven months pregnant due to the affair, managed to escape. During a courtroom confrontation with her parents, Teah argued that she hadn't attempted murder but was trying to "liberate the parasite inside her womb". "There is a difference," she stated. "One is murder, mine; it was an act of mercy." She believed that "to bring another child into this broken world, it's beyond wrong". Teah admitted to attempted child destruction, a crime that carries a life sentence. Her parents were devastated when Teah expressed her desire to serve her sentence in a punitive coma, choosing to be put into a permanent sleep state. She saw it as a blessing to avoid witnessing the world's demise. In her holding cell, Teah had written 'So long and thanks for all the fish' - a quote from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Sarah explained: "It's the dolphin's final message to humanity when they realised the Earth was doomed to destruction." Sarah Willis is played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson What happened to Teah's parents in The Trial? During a search of their home, Sarah discovered a highly specialised mobile device. It was then revealed that David had been operating as a police informant. David claimed that if he hadn't provided certain information, Teah would have been arrested. However, David had been under suspicion from the Earth Warriors for over a month. They had asked Teah to keep tabs on her father, and it was Teah's fingerprints found on the device. Teah tracked her father's movements, leading her to an address in Clapton where it was unveiled that David was having an affair. Both parents were subsequently charged with severe psychological, emotional, and empathetic neglect of a minor and were held in custody awaiting trial. Article continues below The Trial can be streamed on My5.


Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The Trial cast as Channel 5's new one-off drama features Derry Girls and Outnumbered stars
The Trial cast as Channel 5's new one-off drama features Derry Girls and Outnumbered stars The Trial is a one-off legal drama set in the near future and stars the likes of Derry Girls' Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Outnumbered's Claire Skinner Teah Sinclair is played by India Fowler The Trial is a unique legal drama set in the not-too-distant future, following the introduction of a groundbreaking new law. The Trial will be broadcast on Channel 5 on May 8, and this hour-long special poses disturbing questions about justice and probes the boundaries of state control. The plot revolves around a mother and father being held responsible for their daughter's actions. They find themselves in court, potentially facing imprisonment for emotional and physical neglect. Set in the UK in 2035, The Trial tells the story of Dione and David Sinclair, a couple thrown into a terrifying legal fight when their teenage daughter, Teah, commits a grave crime. Under an innovative new law known as Milligan's Law, parents are directly accountable for their children's misdemeanours. The parents now face relentless examination and if convicted, they could end up spending life in prison. Channel 5 stated: "This thought-provoking special explores a chillingly plausible near-future in which parents are held legally responsible for the crimes of their children, raising unsettling questions about justice, culpability, and the limits of state control." Here is everything you need to know about the cast for the one-hour special. Article continues below Claire Skinner and Ben Miles join the cast Dione Sinclair - Claire Skinner Claire Skinner, an English actress known for her role as Sue Brockman in Outnumbered, plays Dione. As Teah's mother, she finds herself under scrutiny and the strain quickly reveals cracks in her marriage. Skinner has also worked with director Mike Leigh on two of his films - Life is Sweet and Naked. She was previously married to director Charles Palmer, with whom she has two sons, but their marriage ended in 2016. In 2022, she tied the knot with her Outnumbered co-star Hugh Dennis. David Sinclair - Ben Miles Ben Miles, a 58 year old English actor best known for playing Patrick Maitland in Coupling, portrays David. He shares a close bond with his daughter and is grappling with recent events. Miles also starred as Montague Dartie in The Forsyte Saga and Peter Townsend in the Netflix drama The Crown. He is married to actress Emily Raymond and they have three children. Sarah Willis is played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson Sarah Willis - Saoirse-Monica Jackson Saoirse-Monica Jackson, a 31 year old Northern Irish actress known for playing Erin Quinn in Derry Girls, takes on the role of Sarah Willis. A no-nonsense interrogator, Sarah makes it clear from the start that she is not there to make friends with Dione and David. Jackson most recently played Cheryl Crawford in the BBC gangster series This City Is Ours. She is engaged to Scottish DJ Hector Barbour, known professionally as Denis Sulta. Lieutenant Simons - Jaz Hutchins Lieutenant Simons, a character who works closely with Sarah at the court, is portrayed by Jaz Hutchins. Hutchins has previously showcased his acting skills in The Return, Canary Black and Black Ops. The Trial airs on Channel 5 Teah Sinclair - India Fowler Teah Sinclair, a character who commits a serious crime, putting her parents at risk of imprisonment, is played by British actress India Fowler. Fowler is recognised for her roles as Poppy in Showtime's thriller The Agency and Young Zoe Walker in Netflix's White Lines. Article continues below Audiences may also remember her from her TV debut in Safe, where she played Ellen Mason, or as Chloe Averill in Insomnia. The Trial will be broadcast on Channel 5 on May 8.


Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Inside The Trial star Ben Miles' life from famous wife to other huge roles
Inside The Trial star Ben Miles' life from famous wife to other huge roles Ben Miles stars in The Trial, a one-off legal drama on Channel 5, which is set in the UK in 2035, when a new law has been introduced that means parents can face prosecution Ben Miles is an English actor The Trial, a unique legal drama set in the UK of 2035, is scheduled to air on Channel 5 at 9pm on May 8. The plot revolves around Milligan's Law, a new legislation enacted in response to a series of crimes committed by students. Under this law, parents can be prosecuted as accessories to their child's crime if they are deemed to have failed in providing a stable upbringing. The story follows David (portrayed by Ben Miles) and his wife Dione (Claire Skinner), who find themselves under scrutiny after their daughter Teah (India Fowler) is arrested for a grave offence. Ben Miles, a 58 year old English actor, is renowned for his roles as Patrick Maitland in the comedy Coupling and Montague Dartie in The Forsyte Saga. His other notable performances include Roger Dascombe in V for Vendetta and Peter Townsend in Netflix's The Crown. The Trial stars Ben Miles and Claire Skinner Born and raised in Wimbledon, London, Miles' acting journey began with school productions, which he confessed were mainly an excuse to skip classes. He continues to be recognised for his theatre work, having collaborated with Hilary Mantel on the adaptation of her novel, The Mirror & the Light. Miles starred in the stage production at the Gielgud Theatre in London's West End. The pair teamed up again for a picture book based on Mantel's trilogy, with Miles being her chosen voice for the audiobook versions. Article continues below Is Ben Miles married? Ben Miles is indeed married; his wife is the actress Emily Raymond, originally from Los Angeles. Emily's mother established the London Shakespeare Company, and she comes from a family of actors, being the daughter of Gary Raymond and Delena Kidd. The 58 year old American actress has made her mark with performances in productions such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, Love Lies Bleeding, and Victoria & Albert. In 1999, Ben and Emily shared the screen in an episode of Peak Practice. Ben Miles has three children Does Ben Miles have children? Ben and Emily are parents to three children and reside together in their family home in northwest London. In a 2012 interview with the Daily Record, Ben opened up about fatherhood, expressing his gratitude for having healthy and happy children. This conversation followed his portrayal of Rob in After Thomas, a character based on James Gardner who is a father to two autistic children. He reflected: "I'm a father, I've got two boys and a girl. One of the things that hit home to me after filming the show was how lucky I was to have three relatively normal children - if there is such a thing. "But to have healthy children who I can communicate with in a regular way, well, it drove that home. "I met James and his family briefly, and I had such admiration for any family which deals with something like autism." I wouldn't want to be in their shoes, and I thank God I'm not. But I admire their extreme stamina and will to persevere." Article continues below The Trial is set to broadcast on Channel 5 on May 8 at 9pm.


Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The Trial release date and cast unveiled as chilling Channel 5 drama hailed 'chillingly plausible'
The Trial release date and cast unveiled as chilling Channel 5 drama hailed 'chillingly plausible' Channel 5 will air a one-off drama which it describes as a "chillingly plausible" legal thriller, The Trial, which is set in the near future and stars Claire Skinner The Trial will air on Channel 5 Channel 5 is gearing up to premiere The Trial, an upcoming hour-long drama billed as a "thought-provoking" and "chillingly plausible" special. Set in a not-too-distant future, the show introduces "Milligan's Law", where parents are held legally responsible for their offspring's crimes. The unsettling narrative probes deep into themes of justice and parental responsibility while questioning the extent of governmental oversight. Viewers will witness the tense legal dilemma of Dione and David Sinclair, whose world turns upside down when their daughter Teah commits a serious crime. The show's premise sets the scene in the UK's conceivable future, stating: "Set in the United Kingdom in the not too near future, The Trial follows Dione and David Sinclair, a couple thrust into a nightmarish legal battle when their teenage daughter, Teah, commits a serious crime. Under a radical new law, parents are no longer just bystanders in their children's actions they are directly accountable." Claire Skinner and Ben Miles lead as Dione and David Sinclair (Image: (Image: CHANNEL 5) ) As the Sinclairs stand trial, they face piercing examination, with their parenting style, life choices, and previous actions under the spotlight. A guilty verdict could lead to life imprisonment. Paul Testar, Channel 5's commissioning editor for drama, has expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "This marks an exciting new direction in our drama slate, embracing one-off, high-impact storytelling that sparks conversation. We're excited to work with Adorable Media who have put together an exceptional team to tell this fascinating story." Article continues below When does The Trial start? The Trial is set to air on Thursday, May 8 at 9pm on Channel 5 and will also be available for streaming on My5. This drama is a one-off special with only one hour-long episode. Set in Britain in 2035, the story revolves around teenager Teah who commits a serious crime, putting her parents Dione and David Sinclair in the middle of a distressing legal battle. They find themselves in the grip of the Office of Judicial Inquisition, a potent new division of the Ministry of Justice, where they are prosecuted as accomplices to juvenile crimes. Under the scrutiny of Judicial Inquisitor Sarah Willis, a relentless law enforcer, every aspect of their past is under examination. Without any legal representation, Dione and David are left to fend for themselves. Sarah Willis is played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Image: (Image: CHANNEL 5) ) Who stars in The Trial? Claire Skinner and Ben Miles take the lead roles as Dione and David Sinclair. Claire is recognised for her role as Sue Brockman in Outnumbered. Ben has previously appeared in Coupling as Patrick Maitland, and he portrayed Montague Dartie in The Forsyte Saga. Saoirse-Monica Jackson, known for her role as Erin Quinn in Derry Girls, plays the relentless and unyielding Sarah Willis. Jaz Hutchins (Canary Black, The Return) takes on the role of Lieutenant Simons, while India Fowler (The Agency, Insomnia) portrays the troubled teenage daughter Teah Sinclair. India Fowler plays troubled teenage daughter Teah (Image: (Image: CHANNEL 5) ) Article continues below The Trial airs on Channel 5 on May 8