Emmerdale’s Tom King (James Chase) is on borrowed time at long last after the police uncovered the smoking gun needed to prove his guilt, with the missing tablet having been found.
The electronic device, as viewers know, was destroyed by Tom a number of weeks ago after cousin Carl Holliday (Charlie Joyce) borrowed it to play games.
With the police intent on seizing all his devices, the abuser terrorised Carl into handing it over and later destroyed it in the garden, hoping to get rid of any evidence that would prove he did abuse wife Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).
Little did Tom know, however, that Carl had witnessed him doing so. The little boy was terrified of the former vet and thus told Nicola (Nicola Wheeler), who came to realise that Tom wasn’t as innocent as he was claiming to be.
Despite Jimmy (Jimmy King) fervently supporting his nephew, Nicola decided that the police needed to know what Carl saw and thus she took him to the station, where they reported the tablet incident to DS Foy.
Tom was subsequently taken to the station for more questioning, where he was held over night. He painted himself once again as a nice, understanding guy, but the mask slipped somewhat when DS Foy revealed that he’d uncovered some pretty damning evidence.
Despite previously claiming to have only installed one camera in his and Belle’s home at Dale Head, Tom’s bank statements revealed that there was actually multiple devices bought, which goes hand-in-hand with the numerous drill holes in the wall at the property.
Speechless, evil Tom was forced to concoct a last-minute cover story to explain away the purchases, revealing that he was left on edge following his mugging last year, which is what prompted his desire to arm the property with a series of cameras.
DS Foy remained sceptical of such an explanation and thus brought up the second burglary – which, as viewers know, was a work of fiction – revealing that records show the incident was never reported to the police. DSFoy wanted to know why that was – and why he told Belle at the time that he did inform the authorities.
Tom lied through his teeth once more, claiming that he simply did such a thing to reassure Belle, who was left frightened by the whole thing.
During the back and forth, DS Foy noted Tom’s lack of interest in Belle’s mental health, revealing he paid her a visit and spoke to her mental health worker Rachel, who is of the opinion that Belle was of sound mind when Tom alleged otherwise.
Tom realised very quickly that his lies were doing him no favours and matters were complicated further when a search of Victoria Cottage uncovered his broken tablet.
DS Foy encouraged Tom to tell him what they’d find on the broken device when the tech guys do a detailed analysis of the content stored on it but Tom’s lawyerintervened, telling his client that this is likely a ‘fishing expedition’ and not to say anything as there is possibility that nothing can be recovered from the device.
Tom followed his brief’s advice, keeping shtum, much to the frustration of the detective, who was forced to let him go.
But while Tom might have momentarily secured his freedom, it seems inevitable that the police will be able to retrieve some material from the tablet. If this proves to be the case, how will Tom talk his way out of it then?
Back at Victoria Cottage, Nicola and Jimmy remained at odds over Tom – that is, until they received an update about Angelica (Rebecca Bakes), who is coming home tomorrow.
The couple put their differences aside, delighted at the prospect of being reunited with their daughter. Jimmy begged Nicola to let the situation with Tom lie if he’s released without charge, and ultimately she agreed.
But when Tom returned to Victoria Cottage, Nicola struggled to play nice, making it quite clear that she sees him for who he truly is.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX.
