DC Alec Hardy has caught the killer of Danny Latimer, but why is he still in Broadchurch? It's time for the trial, but after pleading not guilty, the murderer has found another lawyer to fight his case, a lawyer so strong, that the Latimers may not win.

The trial is developing and more information is coming to light. Claire is still hiding from Lee but DI Alec Hardy needs more information from his last case, Sandbrook. He convinces Claire and Lee to meet but was that wasn't the wisest move.

Hardy is doubly annoyed when Claire appears to be happy to go on seeing Ashworth and Ashworth himself declares his intention to stay in Broadchurch, seeking Hardy's help to try and clear his name. Rejected by Beth Ellie has a night out with Claire and learns the truth about the night the two girls were killed. Next day the trial continues with both barristers having family secrets not known to the public. Ellie takes the stand and has a hard time as Sharon Bishop tries to discredit her. Written by don @ minifie-1

Hardy is annoyed when reporter Olly questions him about Ashworth's return to Broadchurch whilst Ashworth himself confronts Ellie with accusations regarding Claire and Hardy and the prosecution closes its case with Jocelyn revealing to Beth why she was happy to act. Meanwhile Claire disobeys Hardy's instructions not to see Ashworth as Hardy and Ellie travel to Sandbrook to warn Cate Gillespie, mother of one of the victims, that Ashworth is back in the area. Cate is separated from her husband Ricky and tells Hardy something that could throw doubt on a certain party's guilt. As Sharon Bishop begins her defence a former Broadchurch resident returns to give evidence which stuns everybody. Written by don @ minifie-1

The surprise defence witness proves to be a liability and vicar Paul, whilst encouraging Beth to address a group of bereaved parents, refuses to testify on Joe's behalf. His son Tom is happy to do so but before he can take the stand a bitter argument breaks out between the two barristers, reopening old wounds and making winning the case personal. Ellie determines to solve the Sandbrook case, establishing that Claire may have lied to protect Ashworth and that Ricky Gillespie, father of one of the victims, may not be as innocent as first thought. Her sleuthing leads her and Hardy to a sinister location. Written by don @ minifie-1

Tom takes the stand, initially putting Mark in a bad light until Jocelyn questions him but when Mark gives his evidence it almost derails the trial and his marriage, though it reconciles Ellie with Beth and Tom. Meanwhile Jocelyn receives double bad news. Hardy and Ellie find evidence to connect Pippa to Ashworth and Claire, the latter now proving to be very unreliable. Whilst one of Sharon's team dishes the dirt on a local resident Hardy is released from hospital after having a pace-maker fitted and is reacquainted with former colleague and ex-wife Tess Henchard. Written by don @ minifie-1

Hardy is jubilant when the Sandbrook case is officially reopened and, although Claire is evasive when Ellie puts her findings to her, he elicits a confession from her which derails her relationship with Lee Ashworth. Hardy and Ellie also track down Gary Thorp, obsessive boyfriend of one of the victims who now comes into the frame along with the Gillespies. Sharon recalls Ellie to the stand and again tries desperately to discredit her but Jocelyn counters by questioning why Joe was not chosen to give evidence. The jury retires to reach a verdict but just as they return Claire arrives at the court with something for Hardy. Written by don @ minifie-1

The jury delivers its verdict on Joe Miller, leading to a bitter exchange between the winning and losing barristers. Meanwhile Hardy arrests Claire on the strength of the evidence she has brought him and interviews her, finding she has links to more than one of the suspects in the Sandbrook case, the next step being to charge Lee Ashworth. Assisted by a still emotional Ellie and now driven to the point of obsession he questions Ashworth and finally solves who killed the two young girls in Sandbrook, putting an end to two years of torment. Broadchurch itself now reverberates to the end of the murder trial and its result, as the residents attempt to move on with their lives. Written by don @ minifie-1